By Joe Kotwis, P.Eng., co-founder, Webineering, LLC The job of a web-handling machine is relatively straightforward: Deliver the web from Point A to Point B at the specified quality, width and speed. Persistent web-equipment difficulties frequently center around issues with Rollers, Alignment and Tension (RAT). At this firm, we spend a lot of time preventing RAT infestations … [Read more...] about Alignment for process owners: Part 3: How is alignment done?
Web Handling
Researchers study quality assurance through thin-film-based measurement of web-tension distribution
For the production and processing of flexible plastic and fiber-based webs, a homogeneous web-tension distribution is crucial for quality. However, new low-complexity, natural fiber-based or recycled materials in particular exhibit more fluctuating properties and narrower process windows than established materials. Flatness deviations, wrinkles, inclusions or processing-induced … [Read more...] about Researchers study quality assurance through thin-film-based measurement of web-tension distribution
A basic guide to web guiding
By David R. Roisum, Ph.D., principal, Finishing Technologies, Inc. Introduction Your web’s path may not be where you want it. One remedy is to find and correct the original source of the path upset. This might be as simple as moving the unwinding roll over sideways a bit. More often, it is not quite that easy. Another remedy is to change the path of the web using an … [Read more...] about A basic guide to web guiding
Benefits and challenges of designing and using accumulators in various web-handling operations
By Neal Michal, principal, Converting Expert LLC Accumulators benefit many web processes. Zero-speed splicers offer a 99.99% success rate. Accumulators smooth out processes that are required to index. They provide time for a winder operator to start a new roll. Benefits come with challenges. If the accumulator is poorly designed, maintained or controlled, various … [Read more...] about Benefits and challenges of designing and using accumulators in various web-handling operations
The role of new system-level simulation in solving difficult web-handling design problems
By Orang Vahid, Ph.D., dir.-Application Engineering, Maplesoft; and Steve Lange, managing member, ProcessDev LLC Due to increased demand for consistent quality and faster turnaround times when ordering new web-handling systems, machine designers are turning to simulation to stay ahead of the competition. Simulation models that include dynamical aspects have the advantage … [Read more...] about The role of new system-level simulation in solving difficult web-handling design problems