According to the company this past week, a new operator interface for Valmet (Finland) successful paper testing system Paper Lab opens new opportunities for users by making automated paper testing more accessible, faster and even easier to use with minimum training. Paper Lab is suitable for testing all grades of paper and board with a wide selection of industry standard paper quality tests.

The new interface makes entering sample data quick and easy with an integrated barcode reader with graphic and dynamic display pages guiding the user through every step of the testing process. Commissioning is simplified with faster customized configuration and very little training is required to take advantage of Paper Lab's comprehensive testing capabilities. The new interface is also available as an upgrade for current Paper Lab users. Those supplied prior to 2009 require the newer measurement frame but retain the ability to utilize most of their existing test modules.

"Valmet Paper Lab is under continuous development but will always combine the latest technology and be compatible with most measurement modules. New users as well as those upgrading older systems will benefit from the widest selection of testing modules, as well as faster and easier testing in addition to better connectivity to LIMS, DCS, QCS, and information/enterprise wide systems," said Tuomo Kälkäjä, business manager, Paper Testing.

Based on the Valmet Analyzer Client, the new Paper Lab operator interface is Linux based, offering lower lifetime costs, improved security and open source freedom from 3rd party licensing. Better diagnostics and a live view of testing operations improve the user experience and builds operator confidence whether used in laboratory or on the machine floor.

Valmet Paper Lab is a modular and scalable automated paper testing system for grades of paper and board. With the widest selection of industry standard tests on the market, reporting can detail over 400 properties. The testing system is based on more than 30 years of automated paper testing experience with almost 300 units delivered to paper and board mills around the world. The new Paper Lab provides an easy to learn and intuitive tool for paper property testing which together with Valmet Industrial Internet remote support is designed to take automated laboratory to a new level of performance..