The effect of stock refining, forming, and press loading on the proper
ties of fine paper was investigated using a pilot paper machine. It wa
s found that changes in pulp refining and press hip loads have only a
small effect on the sheet bulk. Sheet bulk was increased more by unloa
ding the first press than by unloading the fourth press. Higher press
nip loads increased the internal bond strength but had only a small ef
fect on tensile, burst, and tear strength. The print quality was enhan
ced more by increasing the load of the first press than that of the la
st press. The paper side exposed to the press felt in the last-press n
ip tended to be rougher, and the roughness increased with nip load. Pr
int quality was improved on the paper side that contacted the felt in
the first-press nip. No significant movement of filler in the sheet th
ickness was observed, even under extreme pressing conditions.