UPM Changshu mill PM 2 achieves two decades of consistent performance with Valmet Press Roll Cover GG

In 2003, UPM Changshu mill installed Valmet Press Roll Cover GG for their PM 2’s first dryer group fabric guide roll. The operating environment was extremely demanding: temperatures consistently exceeded 80°C, and together with pressure and friction, caused traditional materials to quickly age and deteriorate. To secure stable paper transfer and reliable dryer performance, the roll cover had to meet stringent requirements – it needed to preserve structural integrity, resist contamination, and maintain dimensional stability, ensuring continuous and efficient production for the mill. 

Outstanding condition after twenty years of operation 

Over two decades later, in March 2025, the Valmet Press Roll Cover GG underwent a comprehensive inspection and evaluation. The results confirmed performance well above industry benchmarks and beyond expectations. The cover showed no delamination or cracking, the bond between cover and roll had remained strong, and both the roll shape and surface roughness continued to meet all process requirements – eliminating the need for premature replacement. Following full inspection and dynamic balancing at Valmet’s Wuxi Service Center and on-site grinding by the customer, the roll was ready for reinstallation and continued use. 

Usually, adhesive buildup and corrosion on the roll surface cause felt contamination and wear,  leading to roll replacement – a complex task especially when talking about fabric guide rolls. Thanks to the reliability of Valmet Press Roll Cover GG, we’ve significantly reduced downtime and ensured smooth execution of our maintenance plans, says Shi Yanfei, Equipment Manager, UPM Changshu

Equipment Manager Shi Yanfei from UPM Changshu mill is very satisfied with Valmet Press Roll Cover GG for its reliability and durability. 

Technical advantages: heat resistance, anti-stickiness, and corrosion resistance

Valmet Press Roll Cover GG is engineered with a unique combination of high-quality materials and a specialized manufacturing process that effectively overcomes the common challenges of contamination buildup and roll corrosion. Its heat-resistant composition ensures stable performance in temperatures up to 110°C. The surface layer provides unique hardness and wear resistance while minimizing impurity build-up, and the advanced interface treatment secures a strong bond between cover and roll, safeguarding against delamination and corrosion even under the most demanding operating conditions. 

“We are proud of the performance of Valmet Press Roll Cover GG at UPM’s Changshu mill. Feeling very encouraged, we’ll continue to invest in research and development to deliver more high-performing, high-return solutions to our customers,” says Ulla Kanerva, Global Technology Manager, Roll Covers and Maintenance, at Valmet. 

Ulla Kanerva, Global Technology Manager, Roll Covers and Maintenance, at Valmet says Valmet Press Roll Cover GG is a stable-performing and durable solution for challenging conditions. 

For more information, please contact:

Xuehui Niu – Product Manager, Valmet Packaging and Paper Services 
📧 xuehui.niu@valmet.com