In a paper mill, the paper leaves the fourdrinier machine and proceeds to wind over several steam-heated rollers to dry it before it is rolled up. If the drying is not complete, there will be streaks of water on the paper.

Continuous process laminating and embossing machines typically heat and cure a number of substrates together before embossing a textured finish to one or both sides. Depending on the finish desired, calendar rolls may also be used for to modify smoothness, surface luster and thickness uniformity. Heat energy is added to the process by use of heated rollers and electric or gas infrared panel heaters.

Single layer linerboard or cardboard, consisting of outer plies and corrugated core, is glued together in a machine called a corrugator. The glue is cured as the board passes over a steam heated roll. The temperature is controlled by how much the board is wrapped around the roll and the tension on the board.

To produce paper, the pulp wood is placed in a digester to dissolve the cellulose and produce wood fibers. The by-product of this process, black liquor, is sprayed into a recovery boiler and burned, producing green liquor in a bed combustion unit, where the temperature has to be maintained at approximately 1037°C (1900°F) to keep it burning. If the liquor is too wet, it will cause a “black-out” condition. If there is a lack of combustible material, then a starving condition occurs.