Inside SMH’s 140,000㎡ Manufacturing Base: How High-Precision Paper Sheeters Are Built

Modern Manufacturing Behind Precision Paper Converting Equipment

As the global paper converting industry continues moving toward automation and intelligent manufacturing, equipment precision and production stability have become key factors for paper mills and packaging factories. Behind every stable paper sheeter and slitting machine is a complete manufacturing system designed for accuracy, efficiency, and long-term operation.

SMH operates a 140,000-square-meter manufacturing base dedicated to the production of paper sheeters, slitting machines, copy paper production lines, and automatic packaging systems. The facility integrates machining, welding, assembly, electrical integration, and machine testing into one complete manufacturing workflow.

smh manufacture base

From Raw Materials to Complete Machine Assembly

Inside the SMH factory, large CNC machining centers process key machine components with strict dimensional control. Machine frames, rollers, knife holders, and transmission systems are manufactured according to high-precision standards to ensure stable operation during high-speed production.

After machining, components enter the assembly workshop where engineers install PLC control systems, servo motors, automatic tension control systems, and synchronization modules. Every machine is assembled according to standardized production procedures to maintain consistent quality.

Strict Testing Before Delivery

Before shipment, each SMH machine undergoes complete testing under simulated production conditions. Engineers test cutting accuracy, tension stability, running speed, and automatic control performance.

Machines are adjusted according to different paper grades including copy paper, kraft paper, coated paper, cardboard, and thin paper materials. This helps customers reduce installation time and improve production efficiency after delivery.

Supporting Global Paper Manufacturers

Today, SMH equipment has been exported to more than 80 countries and regions. From Asia to Europe and South America, SMH production lines continue supporting paper mills, printing factories, and packaging companies with reliable automation solutions.

As global demand for efficient paper converting equipment grows, SMH continues investing in manufacturing technology, engineering development, and intelligent automation systems to provide stable and efficient solutions for customers worldwide.

Why Thick Paper Produces Burrs During Slitting

Burr Problems Usually Start When Material Changes

Edge of the paper
Edge of the paper

A production line may run perfectly with thin paper. Then one day the factory switches to heavier board. Suddenly the edge quality changes.

Paper dust increases. Small burrs appear. Sometimes the cut edge even feels rough by hand.

Many operators first suspect the knife. But in real production, the knife is often only part of the reason.

The bigger issue is that thick paper behaves completely differently during cutting.

Thick Paper Needs Different Cutting Force

thin paper
thin paper

Thin paper is flexible. It separates more easily during slitting.

Heavy board is different. The material is stiffer. The cutting resistance is much higher.

If the machine still uses impact-style cutting, the pressure concentrates on one side of the sheet. That creates stress around the cutting point.

At lower speed, the issue may not look serious. At higher speed, burrs become much more obvious.

This is why some factories notice edge problems only after increasing production speed.

Machine Structure Directly Affects Edge Quality

In single knife systems, the upper knife rotates while the lower knife stays fixed. The cutting process depends heavily on pressure and impact force.

For thin paper, this is usually acceptable. For thick board, the cutting process becomes less stable.

Double knife systems reduce this problem because both knife rollers rotate together. The material is cut from both sides simultaneously.

Double helical cross-cutting knife set
Double helical cross-cutting knife set

The cutting force stays more balanced. The paper deforms less. The edge quality becomes cleaner.

That is one reason why high-end packaging factories prefer double knife slitting machines for thick material production.

Burrs Are Not Caused by One Factor Alone

In actual factory production, burrs usually come from multiple small problems together.

Common causes include:

  • incorrect knife gap
  • worn knife edges
  • unstable tension
  • vibration at high speed
  • poor knife alignment
  • unsuitable machine structure

Operators sometimes keep adjusting knife pressure to solve the issue. But too much pressure can create more friction and shorten knife life.

The better solution is finding the real source of instability first.

Stable Production Depends on System Matching

SMH-SGT1400double rotary sheeter
SMH-SGT1400double rotary sheeter

Factories with stable thick paper production usually control several things carefully:

  • proper knife structure
  • stable web tension
  • synchronized feeding speed
  • correct knife clearance
  • rigid machine frame

When these conditions stay stable, burr problems reduce significantly.

The goal is not simply increasing pressure. The goal is maintaining stable cutting conditions throughout the entire run.

SMH A4 Copy Paper Production Line Successfully Installed at Asian Customer Factory

Recently, another SMH-A4-2 Copy Paper Production Line was successfully installed and put into operation at a customer factory in Asia. The project included machine installation, on-site commissioning, operator training, and production testing, helping the customer quickly achieve stable A4 copy paper production.

During the installation process, the SMH engineering team stayed at the customer’s factory to ensure the entire production line operated smoothly and efficiently. From machine positioning and electrical connection to system debugging and speed adjustment, every stage was completed according to the customer’s production requirements.

Stable and Efficient A4 Copy Paper Production

The SMH-A4-2 production line is designed for automatic A4 copy paper converting and packaging. The system integrates paper sheeting, counting, ream packaging, and output collection into one continuous production process, helping paper manufacturers improve production efficiency while reducing labor costs.

During commissioning, the machine demonstrated stable running performance, accurate sheet cutting, and reliable packaging quality. After professional training provided by SMH engineers, local operators were able to independently manage machine operation and routine maintenance.

To support long-term production stability, the SMH team also provided maintenance guidance based on the local factory environment and operating conditions.

Complete Service Support for Global Customers

For paper converting factories, reliable equipment and professional technical support are both essential. SMH continues to provide complete service support from machine installation to production startup.

With more than 21 years of experience in the paper converting industry, SMH has focused on the development of A4 copy paper production equipment and automatic packaging solutions. Today, SMH provides complete solutions including A4 copy paper sheeting machines, ream wrapping machines, carton packing systems, and automatic paper converting lines.

Exported to More Than 80 Countries

SMH paper converting machines have been exported to more than 80 countries and regions, serving customers across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. From new paper mills to large-scale copy paper manufacturers, SMH production lines continue to provide stable operation and reliable production performance worldwide.

As global demand for automatic copy paper production equipment continues to grow, SMH remains committed to delivering efficient machinery, stable production solutions, and professional after-sales service for customers around the world.

The Complete Guide to Paper: From Raw Materials to Applications

Have you ever wondered how the paper you use every day is made? What’s the difference between various types of paper? This article will take you through the ins and outs of paper.

1. What Paper Is Made Of: Fibers and Additives Working Together

Main raw materials (plant fibers):

  • Wood, reeds, bamboo
  • Sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, wheat straw
  • Tree bark, cotton, hemp, etc.

Additives:

  • Fillers (e.g., clay, talc): fill gaps between fibers
  • Sizing agents: improve strength and smoothness
  • Dyes: for tinting or coloring – even white paper needs treatment

2. Specialty Papers: Types and Structure of Gold/Silver Cardboard

Gold/Silver Cardboard

TypeComposition
Aluminum foil basedAluminum + backing paper + varnish + print
PET basedFilm + backing paper + varnish + print
HolographicFilm + aluminum + embossing + backing paper + varnish + print

Note: Gold card is made by dyeing silver card (coated with red or yellow pigment), so its adhesion is generally weaker than that of silver card.

3. Paper Quality Evaluation Criteria

Visual quality

  • Uniformity: even distribution of fibers and thickness
  • Cleanliness: surface free from dirt and spots
  • Flatness: smooth and even

Physical properties

  • Squareness, caliper, density
  • Opacity, dirt count
  • Tensile strength, folding endurance, tear resistance

4. Paper Sizes Explained

Packaging formats

  • Sheet-fed: pre-cut by the mill, good flatness
  • Roll: wound on a core
Roll/Sheet-fed

Common sizes

TypeDimensions (mm)Inches
Large format889 × 119435″ × 47″
Standard format787 × 109231″ × 43″
Special formatAny size other than abovee.g., 25″ × 38″

5. Thickness vs. Grammage Reference Tables

Note: 1 “si” (Chinese unit) = 0.01 mm. Values vary by manufacturer and process; for reference only.

Coated paper (art paper)

GrammageThickness (si)
80 gsm5–6
105 gsm7–8
128 gsm10–11
157 gsm12–13
200 gsm16–17
230 gsm19
250 gsm22

Coated board

GrammageThickness (si)
230 gsm22–26
250 gsm26–27
300 gsm30–31
350 gsm35–37

Matte coated paper is about 2 si thicker than gloss coated paper of the same weight.

White card (solid bleached board)

GrammageThickness (si)
230 gsm29–30
250 gsm35
300 gsm40
350 gsm47–48
400 gsm52

White-backed white board / gray board

GrammageThickness (si)
250 gsm white back28
450 gsm white back57
250 gsm gray back28
300 gsm gray back36
350 gsm gray back42
400 gsm gray back49
450 gsm gray back57

Woodfree offset paper

GrammageThickness (si)
70 gsm8
80 gsm9
100 gsm11
120 gsm13
140 gsm16

Kraft paper

GrammageThickness (si)Notes
80 gsm11
120 gsm14
150 gsm16–1818 typical, 16 special
200 gsm22
300 gsm44

6. Practical Conversions and Selection Tips

How to choose:

  1. Brochures: 157–250 gsm coated paper
  2. Business cards: 300–350 gsm coated board or white card – specialty paper for a premium feel
  3. Book interiors: 70–120 gsm woodfree offset paper
  4. Packaging boxes: 250–400 gsm gray board or white card
  5. Envelopes/file folders: 80–150 gsm kraft paper

Thickness reference (everyday items):

  • Standard A4 printer paper: about 8–9 si
  • Typical business card: 30–35 si
  • Hardcover book cover: 40–50 si
  • High-end gift box: over 50 si

With this guide, you now have a solid understanding of paper raw materials, types, specifications, and quality standards. Whether for daily use or professional selection, this knowledge will help you make better decisions.