Process and apparatus for making papermaking belt

A process for making a papermaking belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined thereto, the process comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a reinforcing structure having a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a thickness formed therebetween;
• (b) providing a flowable resinous material;
• (c) providing a molding member comprising an endless molding band having a molding surface comprising a pre-selected pattern of molding pockets structured and configured to carry the flowable resinous material therein;
• (d) continuously moving the molding surface at a transport velocity;
• (e) depositing the flowable resinous material into the molding pockets of the molding surface;
• (f) continuously transporting the reinforcing structure at the transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with at least a portion of the molding surface;
• (g) pressing the reinforcing structure and the molding member relative to each other for a predetermined period of time and transferring the flowable resinous material from the molding pockets of the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure;
• (h) causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together;
• (i) controlling a thickness of the resinous material;
• and
• (j) solidifying the resinous to form the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure, whereby the papermaking belt is formed.

A process for making a papermaking belt, the process comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a reinforcing structure;
• (b) providing a flowable resinous material;
• (c) providing a molding member comprising a molding band having a pre-selected pattern of molding pockets structured and configured to carry the flowable resinous material therein;
• (d) depositing the flowable resinous material into the molding pockets of the molding member;
• (e) bringing together the reinforcing structure and the molding member such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with at least a portion of the molding member having the molding pockets therein;
• (f) transferring the flowable resinous material from the molding pockets of the molding member onto the reinforcing structure;
• (g) causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together;
• and
• (h) solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.