How Volunteer Expertise Is Shaping Standards and TIPs

As part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve TAPPI Standards and Technical Information Papers (TIPs), volunteers gathered during the Standards & TIPs Hack-A-Thon at TAPPICon 2026 to review technical resources, evaluate industry needs, and advance work across several key subject areas.

Representing more than 20 organizations, participants reviewed 18 Standards and TIPs spanning stock preparation, paper and board manufacturing, tissue testing, drying systems, and process operations.

Several working groups focused on strengthening existing technical resources. Historical evaporation data from two aging TIPs will be preserved through integration into current guidance. Within the Papermaking Technology Operations Committee (PTOC), helped revive two previously withdrawn TIPs on covered roll maintenance and roll crown specifications (TIP 0420-02 and TIP 0420-06), attracting more than 15 industry volunteers and returning both documents to active development. “We are custodians for TIPs in the Paper and Board Division,” Hajakian said, emphasizing the committee’s role in preserving practical industry knowledge for future professionals.

One notable outcome involved the development of a new TIP on the fabrication and inspection of steel dryer cans. As mills increasingly evaluate steel alternatives due to the declining availability of cast iron foundries, volunteers discussed technical considerations, shared operational experience, and refined the direction of the document.

“The Hack-A-Thon was a rare opportunity to meet face-to-face and bring existing working and new group members together,” said Margaret Gorog of Houghton Cascade Holdings LLC.

“New considerations were brought to the table, and others were fine-tuned. With the follow-up information provided by attendees, we now have enough information to start writing the TIP.”

Additional groups reviewed paper machine ventilation systems, drying operations, press section resources, stock preparation guidance, and tissue-related methods. Participants identified improvements to existing resources, discussed future review needs, and established next steps for continued work.

Through the expertise and collaboration of volunteers from across the industry, TAPPI Standards and TIPs continue to evolve to meet changing technologies, operational challenges, and industry needs.

 

Learn more about TAPPI Standards, Technical Information Papers (TIPs), and volunteer opportunities contact the Standards department at standards@tappi.org.