Looking for the right Press Felt Manufacturer to boost paper-machine performance and cut running costs? This concise guide helps mill engineers, procurement managers, and technical buyers compare seven trusted suppliers of Press Felt and machine clothing. Read on for clear company snapshots, practical product highlights, and fast decision cues—so you can match machine requirements to felt performance, reduce downtime, and make smarter purchases.
Keylife Inc. (also shown as KL Fabric) is a China-based paper machine clothing supplier focused on high-quality Press Felt and polyester filter belts for the pulp & paper and industrial filtration sectors. The company positions itself as a reliable OEM partner, offering ISO-certified production, fast sampling and customization. Keylife emphasizes technical textiles, practical installation support, and ongoing service — making them a practical option for mills looking for cost-effective press felts, quick lead times, and localized engineering support.
Advantages
Customizable press felt solutions to fit different paper grades.
ISO-certified production and quality control.
Strong local manufacturing presence in China and responsive customer support.
Cangzhou Kaibang is a focused Press Felt Manufacturer and technical textile maker founded in 2012 that serves the paper-making and filtration markets. The company specializes in forming fabrics, dryer fabrics, and filter press belts, with a practical product range aimed at small-to-medium mills and industrial filtration customers. Kaibang highlights flexible production, competitive pricing, and export experience, making them a sensible choice when searching for affordable press felts and polyester mesh belts for board, tissue, and paper grades.
Advantages
Ten+ years’ experience in paper machine clothing and filtration belts.
Wide product mix for forming, drying and filtration sections.
Export capability and flexible MOQ for trial orders.
Valmet is a global technology and services provider for the pulp, paper and energy industries and a recognized Press Felt Manufacturer (through its fabrics and machine clothing offerings inherited from Tamfelt and Metso fabrics). Valmet combines deep engineering expertise, global after-sales service, and advanced machine clothing (forming fabrics, press felts, dryer fabrics) to help mills improve runnability, dryness and product quality. For buyers seeking high-performance press felts paired with process optimization, Valmet offers integrated supply and engineering audits.
Advantages
Global R&D and field service network for uptime and optimization.
High-performance press felts engineered for energy savings and product quality.
Integrated solutions (fabrics + installation + process know-how).
Products
Press felts and press section solutions
Forming fabrics and dryer fabrics
Machine clothing life-cycle services and retrofitting support.
ANDRITZ is a long-established global technology group with roots from 1852. In pulp & paper, ANDRITZ supplies complete lines, key components and press section technologies, often partnering with fabric and felt specialists to deliver optimized press performance. Although best known for large equipment and complete paper machines, ANDRITZ’s global engineering and supply chain make them an important partner when specifying Press Felt solutions within new machines or modernization projects. Their scale supports complex retrofits and performance guarantees.
Advantages
True global engineering capacity and turnkey supply experience.
Strong integration between machine equipment and clothing selection.
Proven track record on large projects and modernizations.
Products
Paper machines & press sections (complete equipment)
Process automation & press roll equipment
Coordinated supply of felts and consumables through partners for optimized performance.
Aotian Machinery (founded 1985) is a China-based manufacturer of paper-making machinery and components rather than a classic standalone Press Felt Manufacturer. The company’s strengths lie in paper pulpers, headboxes, pulp pumps, pressure screens, and associated machinery and spare parts. For mills sourcing both equipment and compatible press-section consumables, working with Aotian can simplify procurement; however, for specialized press felts it’s common to pair Aotian machinery purchases with dedicated felt suppliers.
Advantages
Decades of machinery experience and competitive pricing.
Local manufacturing with spare parts and retrofit capability.
Good for equipment + consumable coordination in regional markets.
Nippon Felt is a century-old Press Felt Manufacturer founded in 1917, renowned in Japan and abroad for high-quality press felts, shoe-press belts, and technical textile solutions for papermaking. With deep historical experience, multiple mills and overseas production bases (including Taiwan), Nippon Felt focuses on precision manufacturing, durable felts, and continuous product development to meet demanding paper grades and high-speed machines. Their long pedigree makes them a trusted partner for mills requiring premium press felt solutions and technical collaboration.
Advantages
Over 100 years of felts manufacturing experience.
High reliability and premium quality for demanding paper grades.
Global footprint with overseas production and technical alignment.
Ichikawa Co., Ltd. (established 1949) specializes in papermaking press felts and press-section solutions, positioning itself as a technical Press Felt Manufacturer focused on improving press section efficiency and paper quality. Ichikawa provides felts and belts designed to optimize dewatering, reduce energy use and increase runnability in the press section. Their product range and engineering services are intended to be a comprehensive solution for papermaking press sections worldwide.
Advantages
Specialized press-section expertise and felt engineering.
Comprehensive product-service offering aimed at energy savings and runnability.
Strong production and testing capabilities for consistent quality.
Products
Press felts and press-section belts
Industrial felts and specialty felts for unique applications
Technical audits, felt selection, and installation support.
Selecting the correct Press Felt directly impacts production efficiency and product quality. Follow these core steps to make an informed choice:
Match the Felt to Your Paper Type
Heavy packaging paper: Opt for thick, abrasion-resistant felt (e.g., ANDRITZ’s heavy-duty press felt) to handle high pressure.
Tissue or lightweight paper: Choose lightweight, breathable felt (like Aotian’s tissue-specific press felt) to avoid damaging delicate fibers.
High-end printing paper: Prioritize precision-engineered felt (such as NIPPON FELT’s high-precision variants) for consistent smoothness.
Align with Your Machine Speed
Low-speed machines (under 500 m/min): Cost-effective options like Cangzhou Kaibang’s standard press felt work well.
High-speed machines (over 1,000 m/min): Invest in high-tension, durable felt from manufacturers like Valmet (e.g., Valmet OptiFelt™) to prevent stretching or tearing.
Choose the Right Material
Polyester blends: Ideal for general use—affordable, durable, and compatible with most paper types (Keylife offers a range of polyester blend felt).
Nylon: Best for high-temperature environments (e.g., pulp processing) due to its heat resistance.
Recycled materials: For eco-focused operations, select felt from manufacturers like Valmet that use recycled content.
Partner with a Knowledgeable Press Felt Manufacturer
Look for manufacturers that offer on-site assessments (Keylife and Aotian provide this service) to test felt compatibility with your line.
Prioritize brands with responsive technical support—this ensures quick troubleshooting if issues arise post-purchase.
A well-maintained Press Felt can reduce replacement costs by 25–30%. Incorporate these daily, weekly, and long-term habits:
Daily Maintenance Tasks
Clean Felt Regularly: Use low-pressure water jets (30–50 PSI) to remove paper fibers and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals—they break down felt fibers over time.
Check for Immediate Damage: Inspect for small tears, holes, or fiber buildup at the end of each shift. Small issues can be repaired with felt patches (available from most manufacturers) to prevent larger failures.
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Adjust Tension: Loose felt causes uneven pressing; over-tightening leads to premature wear. Use your machine’s tension gauge to keep levels within the Press Felt Manufacturer’s recommended range (check their product manual for specifics).
Lubricate Related Parts: Apply manufacturer-approved lubricant to press rollers and tension adjusters—this reduces friction that can damage felt edges.
Long-Term Maintenance Habits
Schedule Manufacturer Checks: Work with your Press Felt Manufacturer (e.g., Keylife or NIPPON FELT) to conduct quarterly technical inspections. They can identify hidden issues like uneven wear that you might miss.
Store Spare Felt Properly: Keep extra felt in a dry, cool area (50–70°F, 30–50% humidity) to prevent mold growth or material degradation. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of folded felt.
Train Staff on Best Practices: Ensure operators know how to handle felt (e.g., avoid dragging it across rough surfaces) and report issues promptly. Many manufacturers (like Valmet) offer free training resources for this.
If you’re evaluating Press Felt Manufacturer options, prioritize product performance, technical support, and life-cycle cost. If you’re ready to upgrade your Press Felt or need help choosing the right product, contact Keylife today. Visit our website https://www.klfabric.com/ to request a free sample, get a customized quote, or speak with our technical team. We’ll work with you to optimize your production line and reduce costs—no obligation required!
Key factors include material (polyester vs. nylon), weaving density, finishing processes, and quality control during production. Reputable Press Felt Manufacturers (like Keylife or NIPPON FELT) use 10+ inspection steps to ensure consistency.
2. Can Press Felt be customized for my unique production needs?
Yes! Most top manufacturers (Keylife, ICHIKAWA, ANDRITZ) offer customization for size, thickness, material, and even surface patterns. Just share your machine specs and production goals, and they’ll design a tailored solution.
3. How long does a typical Press Felt last?
Lifespan varies by use: standard felt for medium-speed lines lasts 3–6 months, while high-quality felt for low-speed specialty lines can last 8–12 months. Proper maintenance (as outlined in our guide) extends this further.
4. Does Keylife offer after-sales support for Press Felt products?
Absolutely! Keylife provides 24/7 technical support, on-site maintenance guidance, and replacement parts for all our Press Felt products. We also offer a 1-year warranty for manufacturing defects.
5. Are there eco-friendly Press Felt options available?
Yes—manufacturers like Valmet and ANDRITZ produce Press Felt using recycled materials, and Keylife offers biodegradable felt for customers focused on sustainability. Ask your manufacturer about their environmental certifications (e.g., ISO 14001) for eco-friendly choices.
