Hands On Paper Making Course

This introductory class features morning classroom sessions followed by afternoon sessions of guided, hands-on exercises operating the UW-Stevens Point Fourdrinier pilot paper machine. You will work on a team for the exercises with supervision by UWSP staff.

This course is designed for anyone who needs the basics, has transferred from another industry, is new to operations, does maintenance, or supervises employees. Topics covered in this course include pulp and papermaking operations, with emphasis on papermaking processes and equipment.

Learning outcomes for this course include:

• Safely participate in the operation of a pilot-scale paper machine
• Perform basic tests to monitor paper machine performance
• Expand your knowledge of paper machine operations
• Use what you learn to resolve upsets on the paper machine
• Broaden your awareness of how one part of the process impacts other operations
• Build your knowledge of paper industry vocabulary

There is more to come:

2025 Course Schedule will Include these Courses as well:

Advanced Paper Making: Additives
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
April 10 -11, 2025

Advanced Paper Making: Formation
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
April 24-25, 2025

Coating & Laminating in Packaging Applications
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
June 5 - 6, 2025

Hands On Paper Making Course
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
August 21-22, 2025

About The Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department at UWSP

The Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point is committed to providing high quality outreach education opportunities for professionals in the pulp, paper, and allied industries. These manufacturing industries are experiencing a dramatic shift in their workforce. The industries require highly capable employees to work with sophisticated, computer-controlled processes. The demographics of most companies in the manufacturing sector indicate that more than 50% of these important employees are over the age of 45. As this large group nears retirement, the need for onboarding young talent is critical. We can help with the technical education of these employees with our Hands-on Paper Making courses or by developing a custom course just for your employees.

We also provide laboratory services include paper testing, paper grade development, pulping and bleaching studies, repulpability and recyclability studies, coating and lamination piloting and related services that support the paper and packaging industries.

Contact us if you would like further information on any of our courses or laboratory services.

TAPPI is excited to be working in partnership with the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering (PS&ChE) Department at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP) to help promote a series of laboratory-focused short courses throughout the year.

The PS&ChE Department is part of the College of Natural Resources at UWSP. The Paper Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering programs are both accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org

Dr. Gerry Ring is professor emeritus of paper science and engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In 1980, Ring began his professional career as a Research Scientist for Kimberly-Clark Corporation after obtaining his Ph.D. at the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton Wisconsin. In 1986, Ring joined the faculty of UW-Stevens Point and chaired its paper science (now paper science and engineering) program from 2003 until 2013. 

Dr. Ring has written 15 publications, including editing the Colloid Chemistry of Papermaking Materials textbook. He holds four patents and was recognized in the 1994, 2000 and 2004 editions of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. He is also listed in the Marquis Who’s Who in America.  Ring received an Award for Excellence from the Wisconsin University Continuing Education Association, Region IV in 1999. Ring is a TAPPI Fellow, and a recipient of TAPPI Journal’s Best Research Paper for 2011. Ring’s research is in the area of paper physics emphasizing hydrogen bonding and sheet formation.

Classroom Topics

• History of paper making
• Wood fiber and other structures
• Chemical composition of wood
• Tree anatomy: hardwoods and softwoods
• Wood harvesting and handling operations
• Pulping: mechanical, chemical and hybrid
• Bleaching
• Stock preparation
• Papermaking equipment
• Properties of paper: physical, strength and optical
• Additives and coatings
• Forming fabrics
• Calenders, reels and winders
• Recycling and de-inking
• Corrugating equipment

Hands-On Sessions

Participants operate the University's Fourdrinier pilot paper machine, guided by Paper Science and Chemical Engineering faculty and staff.

Participants in this course have consistently given it high ratings overall and overwhelmingly said they would recommend this course to others.

What Previous Attendees Said

"The class gives you a great introduction to papermaking for those new to the industry or those who have been in the industry for years." - B. Pierce, Voith Paper

"Very intuitive course where you learn the science behind paper making as well as demonstrating what you have learned.  All while getting to share this experience with other people throughout the industry." - R. Molle, Ahlstrom-Munksjö

"Helpful course for someone with no/little papermaking experience both in the classroom portion and the hands-on experience seeing in real-time the impacts of adjustments." - K. Peterson, Domtar

Course Registration 

Registration Cancellation Policy

If you have to cancel your training course registration, you must notify TAPPI in writing via email memberconnection@tappi.org prior to the class start date. Refunds will be provided according to the following scale:

• 100% refund if notice is received by Thursday, February 20, 2025.
• 50% refund if notice is received between Friday, February 21st and Sunday, March 9th. 
• No refund will be issued for notice received on Monday, March 10th, 2025 or after. 

There is no refund of fees due to failure to attend without notice.

Substitutions will be accepted at any time without penalty.

Course Cancellation Policy
It is UWSP’s intent to avoid cancelling or rescheduling any training course. However, we reserve the right to cancel or change a training course at any time, for reasons including, but not limited to, insufficient registration, instructor emergencies, or other issues beyond our control.

If UWSP cancels a training course, registered students will be notified no less than 10 business days before the scheduled start day of the course. In the case of a cancellation by UWSP, 100 percent of registration fees will be refunded to students, or the students may elect to substitute the fees for another UWSP training course. 

General Disclaimer
UWSP shall not be liable for damages of any kind resulting from errors or omissions in the training materials, nor shall UWSP be liable for any damages resulting from the use of the training materials or other information conveyed at a UWSP training course.

Dietary Restrictions
As you are registering, please notify the Department Administrative Specialist, Angie Hauer [angie.hauer@uwsp.edu] if you have any dietary restrictions that should be considered for foods or refreshments offered during the training sessions at UWSP.

Travel Information for PS&ChE Courses

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is conveniently located a 25-minute drive from the Central Wisconsin Airport. 

The Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website has lodging information and other area information. 

If you're traveling from a distance or internationally and are interested in extending your stay for tourism, visit the Travel Wisconsin website for ideas and detailed information.

Choices near the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are:

Baymont Inn & Suites
(715) 341-8888
247 Division Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
www.wyndhamhotels.com/baymont

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
(715) 343-0522
1117 Centerpoint Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481
https://www.staycobblestone.com/wi/stevens-point/

Country Inn & Suites
(715) 345-7000
301 Division St N, Stevens Point, WI 54481
https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-stevens-point-wi

Days Inn & Suites
(715) 254-8685
159 N Division Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/stevens-point-wisconsin/days-inn-stevens-point/overview