A discussion covers the web test facility at the Technical University of Dresden and an example of its use, namely that of a high performance ultrasound module to smooth paper and paperboard surfaces. Topics include introduction; description of the test facility; the ultrasound smoothing module; integration of the ultrasound smoothing model into the web test stand; smoothing magazine paper; summary and outlook. The web test facility can run from 0.1 to 120 m/min, can have a web width up to 500 mm and can handle roll diameters up to 650 mm at an automatically controlled web tension from 5 to 1,000 N. The ultrasound roller is pneumatically pressed on the counter or impression roller so that in operation configuration without ultrasound control it is similar to a hard nip calender. A generator of up to 4 kw at 20 kHz frequency stimulates vibration at up to an effective work-piece width of 350 mm. In operation the following signals can be registered and evaluated, namely, stress between ultrasound and backing roller, web speed at the nip, input and output moisture of the web (microwave sensor), web pull, and electrical output of the generator.