End of project: Evaluation of the formability of paper

As part of the “UniVorsUm” (opens in new tab) project, a method for evaluating the formability of different papers has been developed in recent years. In cooperation with the Papiertechnische Stiftung and Steinbeis University, many new insights into a wide range of papers were gained by the end of the project in July 2023. The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) through the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) as part of the programme to promote joint industrial research (IGF).

Within the scope of the project, a method was developed to evaluate the formability of various papers. For this purpose, various characterisation tests were carried out for a wide range of materials and numerous material parameters were recorded. At the same time, the papers were formed in the two considered forming processes, deep drawing with rigid tools and deep drawing based on active media, and significant quality parameters were determined. The recorded material characteristics were correlated with the quality parameters in order to determine a generally applicable method for predicting formability. With the help of machine learning methods, it was possible to reduce the number of tests required for the prediction, which ensures a simplified implementation and application of the method.

Resulting from the research the paper packaging industry can use the test methodology to determine which material properties a paper should have for their forming process and selected accordingly. At the same time, material manufacturers receive target values for the development of papers with particularly good forming properties.

In addition to the funders, we would like to thank all the industrial partners who supported the “UniVorsUm” research project in the project advisory committee.