Design of blank humidity control system in paper cup manufacturing
Ullah, Hammad (2026)
Diplomityö
2026
School of Energy Systems, Konetekniikka
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20260625102790
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20260625102790
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines moisture control of paper cup blanks in paper cup manufacturing. The work focuses on a process problem in which the blanks are exposed to hot air and heated machine surfaces during the converting process, which may dry the material before the most demanding forming stages. Since the mechanical behaviour of paperboard depends on its moisture content, this drying may affect forming quality, sealing and defect formation.
The aim of the thesis was to develop a design for a moisture-control system that could balance the drying effect inside the cup machine and support more stable blank behaviour during processing. The study was carried out as a design-oriented thesis. The work was based on earlier research on paperboard moisture behaviour, storage and conditioning methods, and the main stages of paper cup manufacturing. Different solution ideas were reviewed and compared by considering process needs, practical limitations and suitability for machine integration.
The study showed that moisture control in paper cup production cannot be treated only as a storage issue, because the blank condition may change again during machine processing. Earlier studies also showed that moisture may improve formability, but poorly directed moisture may create problems in friction and machine runnability. Based on these findings, the thesis produced a concept for a moisture-control system and defined the main requirements for its further development and later testing.
The aim of the thesis was to develop a design for a moisture-control system that could balance the drying effect inside the cup machine and support more stable blank behaviour during processing. The study was carried out as a design-oriented thesis. The work was based on earlier research on paperboard moisture behaviour, storage and conditioning methods, and the main stages of paper cup manufacturing. Different solution ideas were reviewed and compared by considering process needs, practical limitations and suitability for machine integration.
The study showed that moisture control in paper cup production cannot be treated only as a storage issue, because the blank condition may change again during machine processing. Earlier studies also showed that moisture may improve formability, but poorly directed moisture may create problems in friction and machine runnability. Based on these findings, the thesis produced a concept for a moisture-control system and defined the main requirements for its further development and later testing.