When setting up a tissue paper manufacturing line, choosing the right converting equipment is only half of the equation. The raw materials you select—especially the jumbo rolls—play a decisive role in determining production stability, product quality, and machine efficiency. From roll width to fiber type, each factor can either support smooth high-speed converting or cause issues such as paper breaks, uneven folding, or inaccurate cutting.
Today we will tell you the most important raw material factors that every tissue paper manufacturer must understand to ensure a converting line runs reliably and produces high-quality tissues.
What are the most critical specifications for jumbo roll width?
The width of your jumbo roll must match the working width of your tissue folding machine. This is the first specification to confirm when purchasing raw materials, because the machine cannot operate correctly if the roll width is incompatible.
Why roll width matters
- A roll too wide cannot be mounted onto the unwind stand and will produce incorrect sheet sizes or misalignment.
- A roll too narrow causes lower output and increased edge waste.
- Common working widths for tissue folders include 1000mm, 1200, 1500 mm, 1800 mm, 2000 mm, and 2200 mm.
Using the wrong width leads to:
- Folding deviations
- Knife misalignment on the log saw
- Tension problems
- Reduced speed and higher downtime
Before purchasing materials, manufacturers must clearly identify the machine’s maximum and minimum working width.
How does the grammage (GSM) of the raw materials affect the quality of the paper towels?
Grammage, or GSM, determines the thickness, softness, and strength of each sheet. It also heavily impacts how the tissue behaves during converting.
How GSM affects machine performance:
| GSM Range | Material Characteristics | Impact on Converting Machine | Potential Production Issues |
| 12–14 gsm (Low GSM) | Very thin, very soft; lightweight tissue | Requires precise and stable tension control; more sensitive during folding and cutting | Web breaks, wrinkling, higher dust generation, difficulty maintaining high speed |
| 14–16 gsm (Medium GSM) | Standard facial tissue thickness; balanced softness and strength | Ideal for high-speed production; runs smoothly on most folding and cutting machines | Minimal issues—this is the most stable range for converting |
| 16–18 gsm (High GSM) | Stronger, bulkier, slightly stiffer; suitable for paper hand towels. | Higher resistance on folding plates and knives; requires adjusted pressure and speed | Increased blade wear, occasional folding deformation, reduced softness |
Manufacturers should choose GSM based on product positioning and ensure equipment settings match the material.
How does the number of plies affect tissue paper?
Standard tissues typically come in 1-ply, 2-ply, or 3-ply configurations. More plies create a thicker and softer feel but require more precise equipment control.
Impact on converting equipment
- Higher ply counts need greater tension balance to prevent layer separation.
- Low-gsm 2-ply or 3-ply tissues require accurate lamination or embossing to bond layers smoothly.
If the plies are not properly bonded or aligned, the final product may have:
- Curling
- Wrinkles
- Inconsistent folding
- Poor pull-out performance
The converting machine and raw material must match the intended ply structure.
Fiber Type & Pulp Quality
The fiber source used to produce the jumbo roll dramatically affects both machine behavior and final product quality.
Virgin pulp
- Softer, stronger, and more consistent
- Produces low dust → protects folding knives and log saw blades
- Ideal for premium facial tissue products
Bamboo pulp
- Eco-friendly and stronger
- Slightly stiffer, requiring adjustments to folding pressure
Recycled pulp
- Produces higher dust
- More unstable strength
- Requires stronger vacuum and dust removal
- Log saw blades need more frequent sharpening
The manufacturers should pay attention to that poor fiber quality results in more downtime and maintenance.
Roll Tightness and Winding Quality: Crucial for Stable High-Speed Production
Even when GSM and width are correct, a poorly wound jumbo roll can disrupt the entire converting process.
Problems caused by bad winding
- Uneven tension
- Web breaks at high speed
- Misaligned folding
- Blade resistance and cutting deviations
- Difficulty maintaining stable production speed
Benefits of high-quality winding
- Smooth unwinding
- Consistent tension across the web
- Accurate folding and cutting
- Less machine wear
Manufacturers should always inspect roll winding quality before bulk purchasing.
Core Size and Outer Diameter: Must Fit the Equipment
Most tissue folding machines use a 3-inch core, but some models can support other sizes.
Incorrect core size results in:
- Inability to load the roll
- Paper drifting or running off-center
- Increased breaks
Outer diameter also matters. If the roll is too large:
- It may not fit into the unwind stand
- It may exceed forklift handling capacity
- It increases safety risk
Matching core size and OD with machine specifications is essential for efficient converting.
Conclusion
Producing high-quality tissues paper requires more than advanced converting equipment—the raw materials must be carefully selected and fully compatible with the production line. When manufacturers understand how each raw material specification interacts with converting machinery, they can maintain stable high-speed production, reduce waste, protect their equipment, and con
