Skip to content
glossary/deckle

Deckle

Also: deckle, deckle edge, machine deckle

The total producible width of a paper machine. Also a term for the uneven edge on handmade or mould-made paper.

The machine deckle is the maximum useful width of paper the machine can produce, defined by the width of the forming wire. Modern containerboard machines have deckles of 8 to 11 metres. Smaller specialty machines run 2 to 4 metres.

In fine art and stationery contexts, a deckle edge is the uneven, untrimmed edge of a handmade or mould-made sheet. It signals authenticity and is valued in premium stationery.

Related
  • Reel (paper reel). A large cylinder of paper wound onto a core at the end of the paper machine. The base unit of production and bulk shipment for most grades.