Voith has developed MegaDrive, a rubber wire drive roll cover designed to improve traction, reduce wear and minimise maintenance in paper and board machine forming sections. The solution aims to support stable machine runnability under varying operating conditions and extended runtimes.
Jul 18, 2026
Wire drive rolls transfer drive power to the forming fabric at the wet end of paper machines, operating at high and variable speeds under wet and abrasive conditions. Consistent contact between the roll cover and forming fabric is essential to prevent slippage, maintain sheet formation and ensure machine runability.
Watch: Top Paper Companies 2023
According to Voith, conventional wire drive roll covers can lose their performance over time due to hardening, surface cracking and continuous exposure to high mechanical loads. MegaDrive has therefore been developed using a hardwearing yet flexible rubber compound, with the surface profile customisable according to individual operating conditions.
MegaDrive uses a hardwearing yet flexible rubber compound, with a customisable surface profile to suit individual operating conditions. It is designed to maintain reliable grip under varying speeds, temperatures, moisture levels and mechanical loads.
Also Read: Urvashi Pulp and Paper Mills Achieves Successful Machine Restart with CN Automation
The solution also addresses process variability in the forming section, where changing operating conditions can affect traction and machine stability. By maintaining consistent grip under these conditions, MegaDrive can help reduce one potential source of operational variation and support more stable runnability.
MegaDrive combines reliable traction, high wear resistance and extended operating performance. The company can also integrate the cover with a suitable Voith forming fabric based on machine configuration, operating speed, furnish properties and production requirements.
