Independent high resolution CD and MD diagnostics for paper and board producers. We identify the root causes behind profile variations and instability and deliver clear, actionable results within 48 hours of receiving your samples. Less downtime. Fewer complaints. Faster decisions.
Tapio Analysis is trusted by all major paper and board makers worldwide.
Less downtime. Fewer complaints. Faster decisions.
We are an independent service, we are not tied to any machine suppliers or other vendors.
You will receive an expert report and online review with Tapio’s team of specialists.
Fill our contact form to request Tapio Analysis. We typically respond within one day.
Tapio Analysis is a measurement and analysis service for customer-provided MD rolls or sets of CD strips. Suitable for all paper, board and nonwoven grades. We will conduct the measurements with the Tapio Analyzer within two working days of receiving the samples.
Tapio Analysis combines high-resolution laboratory measurements with spectral and correlation analysis to connect quality variations directly to machine elements, actuators or process conditions.
Tapio Analysis connects measured variations directly to machine elements by:
Measure and quantify how paper or board quality properties changed following a process modification or machine rebuild.
Obtain a high-resolution and full-width CD profile. Connect cross-directional profile variations to actuator spacings in the production line, including investigation of the very ends of the profile.
Locate the specific machine components causing measurable profile variations in your production. Unresolved profile variations lead to customer complaints and wasted production.
Determine whether winder vibrations align with periodic variations in the MD, which can be shown to originate from specific rolls, using spectral analysis against known roll diameters and rotating speeds.
Compare Tapio lab measurements against your online QCS data to verify scanner accuracy using easy built-in comparison tools.
Identify faulty calender rolls and determine whether roll barring originates from the wet end or coating stations.
We measure the provided samples with a Tapio Analyzer to produce a high-resolution dataset. We can measure with all available Tapio sensors. The standard high-resolution dataset includes:
Every Tapio Analysis project includes:
The Tapio Analysis software used for data processing is open-source and available free of charge to all customers, enabling you to explore the data independently alongside our report.
You can estimate your project cost using our price calculator. The calculator provides an instant estimate based on standard project parameters. Final pricing may vary depending on the exact project scope and shipping requirements. For larger projects or special requirements, please contact us for a tailored quote. You can reach us at info@tapiotechnologies.com, we will respond within one business day. No commitment required.
Traditional lab measurements typically provide single-point or averaged values, often from separate samples or locations.
Tapio Analysis measures continuous profiles at high resolution and multiple properties from the same physical point on the paper, non-destructively. This includes basis weight, caliper, gloss, ash, and transmission, along with calculated properties such as density and relative ash.
This enables direct correlation between properties and the use of spectral analysis to identify repeating patterns. Instead of isolated measurements, you get a connected view that makes it possible to identify the underlying source of variation.
Online QCS scanners are limited by the operating conditions and high production speeds, requiring larger aperture sizes, reduced sampling rates and heavy averaging. Tapio Analysis is done at slow speed in controlled laboratory conditions, enabling accurate and stable measurements with all sensors with millimeter sampling intervals. Each sensor measures the same physical point in paper using millimeter-level apertures and minimal filtering. Small-scale profile details that are not visible in online data can be clearly seen in Tapio Analysis.
The Tapio sensors are based on the same paper quality standards, but they measure paper and board profiles non-destructively with a small 1 mm sampling step and small measurement spots, allowing high-resolution studies of the profiles, including the spectral analysis and correlations between different quality parameters.
Standard Tapio measurements include basis weight, caliper, transmission, dual-sided gloss, ash variations, density and bulk. We have a porosity sensor available for suitable grades. Further physical paper properties can also be measured as profiles at our partners by cutting the samples for destructive measurement after Tapio measurements.
The sample spacing is 1 mm in a standard CD measurement and 10 mm in a standard MD measurement.
Yes, when the customer provides the production line speed, roll diameters, rotating speeds or CD actuator spacings from the production line, the Tapio Analysis software can automatically connect periodic variations to these known spacings.
Tapio Analysis combines high-resolution measurements with spectral and time-domain analysis. By analysing repeating patterns, frequencies, and wavelengths in the data, it connects observed variations to specific machine elements such as rolls, actuators, or vibration sources.
A key advantage is that multiple properties are measured non-destructively from the same physical point on the paper, using a small measurement spot. Typical measurements include basis weight, caliper, gloss (top and bottom), ash, and transmission. From these, properties such as density (bulk) and relative ash are calculated.
Because all these signals come from the same location, they can be directly correlated with each other and with machine-related patterns. This makes it possible to move from “we see variation” to “this is the component causing it”.
No. It is not necessary to use the Tapio Analysis software. The Tapio team can handle the full measurement and analysis process and deliver a complete report with conclusions. The Tapio Analysis software is open-source and available free of charge to all customers. Measurement data files from service projects can be provided upon request, allowing additional internal studies if needed.
Tapio Analysis loaders can be extended to take in any QCS or other high-resolution profile data to enable analysis from external data sources using the Tapio Analysis software.
Tapio Analysis helps identify the root causes of quality and process-related problems across the sheet. These include CD and MD profile variations, barring, vibration-related defects, streaks, and periodic patterns.
It is also used for printability and surface quality issues such as print mottle, gloss variation, and formation problems, as well as drying-related effects like shrinkage or instability.
Because of its high resolution (millimeter-level sampling step), Tapio Analysis can reveal variations that are not visible in online measurements or standard lab tests.
In addition to the measurement data, basic information about the production line is needed for root cause analysis. This typically includes grade, machine speed, roll diameters, rotating components, and CD actuator spacings.
With this information, the measured variations can be directly linked to specific machine elements or process conditions, making the results actionable.
CD and MD variations are measured with millimeter-level sampling steps from real paper samples.
CD analysis shows how properties such as basis weight, caliper, gloss, and ash vary across the sheet width. This makes it possible to link variations to actuator spacing, cross-direction control, or process non-uniformities.
MD analysis focuses on variation in the machine direction. Using spectral and time-domain analysis, repeating patterns can be identified and linked to rotating components, vibration sources, or drying-related effects.
Because all properties are measured from the same physical points, different signals can be directly compared. For example, variation in basis weight, caliper, and ash can be analysed together to understand whether the root cause is related to forming, pressing, or coating.
Together with production line data, this provides a consistent and detailed picture of how and where variation is generated.
Online systems are essential for control, but they are not designed for detailed root cause analysis.
Offline analysis allows measurements at much higher resolution and under stable conditions. It also enables multiple properties to be measured from the same physical location on the paper, which is critical for reliable correlation.
By combining this with spectral and time-domain analysis, even small variations can be detected and linked directly to machine components or process conditions.
For the laboratory analysis, either a set of CD strips or an MD roll is needed for measurement. After measurement, the customer is provided with a detailed report on the findings, including profiles, statistics, spectra etc. as well as an online meeting with Tapio experts to discuss the findings.
For CD analysis, send us 20 CD strips cut from your parent reel.
For MD analysis, send us a small MD sample roll (70 cm diameter, 20 cm width on a standard 3″ core). If you cannot cut it to that size, we can handle the cutting from any sized rolls.