Koehler Paper SE has commissioned a new, state-of-the-art Paper Campus for paper testing at its Oberkirch site. During a visit on site, we were able to see for ourselves: the laboratory is comprehensively equipped with testing instruments from FRANK-PTI Precision Testing Instruments and provides ideal conditions for hands-on training in paper and board testing.
With this investment, Koehler Paper – despite a challenging market environment – clearly reaffirms its commitment to Germany as an industrial location, to the promotion of young talent, and to the highest quality standards in paper manufacturing.
Fully Equipped Wet Laboratory with FRANK-PTI Testing Technology
A central component of the training laboratory is the wet lab, which is fully equipped with FRANK-PTI instruments for stock preparation and sheet formation. The equipment includes:
- Three Rapid-Köthen sheet formers for the standard-compliant production of laboratory test sheets
- Pneumatic Schopper-Riegler freeness tester for measuring drainage behavior
- Several Equilizers for reproducible stock concentration during sheet formation
- Pulp disintegrators for defined fiber disintegration
- A laboratory valley beater for hands-on stock preparation
This equipment enables trainees to learn all essential steps of paper manufacturing under laboratory conditions and to directly evaluate the effects of raw materials and process parameters.
Testing Instruments for Dry Testing of Paper and Board
In the main laboratory, the focus is on the mechanical testing of paper and board. Here as well, Koehler Paper SE consistently relies on proven FRANK-PTI testing instruments, including:
- Universal tensile tester (vertical universal testing machine) for dry and wet tensile tests as well as many other applications
- Elmendorf tear tester for measuring tear resistance
- Bending stiffness tester for evaluating the stiffness of paper and board
- Burst tester for determining burst strength on paper or board
With this combination, the training laboratory covers all relevant testing methods required for sound quality control and product development in the paper industry.
Hands-On Training for Paper Technologists
In the new training laboratory, prospective paper technologists at Koehler Paper SE receive practical, hands-on instruction in addition to their theoretical and practical education at the Paper Technology School in Gernsbach. The trainees work with the same testing instruments used in industrial quality control laboratories – a decisive advantage for their future careers.
At the Oberkirch site, Koehler Paper SE employs around 900 people and trains about 16 apprentices annually (43 in total currently) in paper technology.
Specialty Papers and Innovative Packaging Solutions
The main products manufactured at the Oberkirch site include specialty papers like playing card board, as well as carbonless papers and lightweight papers. In Kehl an increasing range of innovative paper-based solutions for food packaging is produced. In this segments in particular, precise and reproducible laboratory paper testing is becoming increasingly important.
Partnership Between Koehler Paper SE and FRANK-PTI
In addition to the broad product portfolio of testing instruments for paper, board, and corrugated board, a key reason for choosing FRANK-PTI as a partner was the very positive collaboration in the past. In particular, the following aspects were highlighted:
- High satisfaction with FRANK-PTI’s customer service
- Open and honest communication
- Fast response times and reliable support
This successful partnership is set to be further intensified in the future – with the shared goal of sustainably advancing training, quality assurance, and innovation in the paper industry.
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