SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR REDUCING THE CALIPER OF PAPER WEBS

摘要

A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely affecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of placing a base web in between a first moving conveyor (60) and a second moving conveyor (62). The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear inducing roll (64) which creates shear forces that ac t upon the base web. The shear inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear inducing roll may be incorporated into the system. In other applications, the shear inducing roll can also be a nip roll for decreasing the caliper of the base web. The shear inducing roll may be stationary, as in the form of a stationary shoe with a convex edge, or may rotate. In one embodiment, the shear inducing roll can rotate on an air bearing.