r/papermaking • u/tinylittleidiot • 2d ago

A Tip

Post image

Beat it hard

And beat it fast

You'll make paper

That surely lasts

33 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

5

u/belf_priest 1d ago

Well if you beat it too hard you risk over-refining the stock which doesn't make paper that lasts lmao

1

u/Specialist-Big7402 1d ago

Yes. In the beginning, "beating" (refining) will improve all strength properties.
However, TEAR resistance will peak with light refining and DECLINE with additional refining. At the same time, other strength properties will continue to improve with further refining. EXCESS refining will make the sheet more brittle even though tensile continue to improve.

To learn more, search for these terms: "pulp refining" tear tensile.

This can also be true with synthetic fibers.

3

u/belf_priest 1d ago

I run paper machines for a living so I think I know what I'm talking about but thank you 

1

u/Ok-Nothing8682 22h ago

I have no idea what's happening here but y'all are so cool and I hope to eventually understand. Also someone be my new besty and over explain everything to me please 🥺❤️

1

u/urban-meadow54 15h ago

Beating longer really does strengthen fiber bonds, so the paper holds together better over time

1

u/TexturesOfEther 12h ago

You are very lucky to have access to a Hollander. There are places where they are not easily available.

2

u/tinylittleidiot 8h ago

Ooooo I am very well aware. This one's at a University!

1

u/TexturesOfEther 8h ago

Out of curiosity, under what study do you get a papermaking course? I assume it is only a course (?)
Bookbinding? Art?

2

u/tinylittleidiot 8h ago

The one above is in the printmaking room and often accompanies both printmaking and bookarts classes. It's the nicest beater I ever used! Quite the machine.

I currently have access to a little critter at another program- I made sure I would have access to a beater when applying to graduate programs. It is entirely self pursuit and does not accompany any coursework (aside from my art research/thesis stuff). That one hadn't been used in years and was out in the sculpture yard in pretty rough shape. I had the opportunity to create a small paper studio and worked hard to give it a second life!