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Case Study: Linear Actuator Monitors Moisture in Paper Production Line

Case Study: Linear Actuator Monitors Paper Production Line

Linear Actuator used as a Monitoring Device

Linear actuators can measure moisture content

Variances in paper production can lead to degrees of moisture being present in finished paper. While a clean sheet of everyday paper is dry, it actually starts out as a liquid pulp that is pressed into the dry sheets used for writing, drawing and packaging; therefore, measuring moisture content in paper is an effective way to ensure quality of product. Paper production can consist of many different thicknesses and weights; which makes it difficult to manually determine if there is moisture present as the product is moved down the production line.

Components:

Linear Actuators, MTB (Belt-Driven)

Retrofit or OEM:

OEM

Problem:

Monitoring the moisture content in paper production requires precision motion control.

Solution:

An MTB linear actuator from PBC Linear provided smooth, oscillating travel perfect for the application.

MTB Linear Actuator to the Rescue

A linear actuator, specifically the MTB042 from PBC Linear, was installed over the production line at the paper manufacturer. The MTB’s carriage was equipped with a moisture sensor to measure moisture levels in the paper passing underneath. Featuring a steel-reinforced timing belt, the MTB provided smooth, oscillating travel for the required 100" stroke. This configuration allowed the sensor to accurately measure moisture content without interrupting the paper production process.

 

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Cite This Page
Source: PBC Linear - “Case Study: Linear Actuator Monitors Moisture in Paper Production Line”
https://pbclinear.com/blogs/application-stories/measuring-moisture-in-paper
Last updated: November 2025