Tracking Wrinkles: Part II

Published: June 01, 2004

The easiest way to explain roller diameter variation tracking is to walk you through the chain of events. Diameter variations create web strain variations.

When Rollers Fight, Webs Lose

Published: April 01, 2004

A tram is a coal bin with wheels. If you want your coal bin to stay on its tracks, you must keep the two axles parallel. If they are not parallel, the

High & Low

Published: March 31, 2004

Winpak Technologies is a global packaging group that manufactures and distributes high quality machines and packaging materials for the food, beverage,

Fun with Force Gauges

Published: February 29, 2004

In today's world of high-tech electronic gadgets, a force gauge may seem unglamorous, but I hope to convince you a force gauge is something you should have and use.

Reduce Web Nip Problems

Published: February 01, 2004

Web handling is about transport and delivery, getting from point A to point B, without damaging the product. It is relatively easy to move a web across a free span or over an unnipped roller, but getting into and through a nip can be a show stopper for many processes or products. As a web handler, you should consider nips your tough customers.

Friction Circles on a Winter's Day

Published: January 01, 2004

Doing doughnuts — this was the term my high school friends called the art of driving around in snow-covered parking lots, spinning your back tires during a hard turn to get your car to fishtail in a circle.

Get More with Less

Published: January 01, 2004

Brakes and clutches are yet more converting-process components affected by this “less is more” philosophy.

Don't Ignore the Importance of Your Trim Removal System

Published: December 01, 2003

To some, it may be presumptuous to regard trim removal systems as critical, but industry experts agree these systems are the unsung heroes of any converting operation.

Linebackers, Leashes, & Superman: A Look at Stress

Published: November 30, 2003

Do you work well under pressure? How you react is dependent on the level of pressure or stress exerted on you. How your product reacts to pressures or stresses also will depend on the stress level it feels.

Small Flexing, Big Benefits

Published: October 31, 2003

All spiral rollers, whether rigid or flexible, are con artists. Their turning roller's barber pole optical illusion tricks your eye. The rotating spirals, starting at the roller center, create a sense of outward motion.

Where Does a Spreader Spread?

Published: October 01, 2003

Spreader rollers are important tools for web handlers with two main applications. First, they can spread a web after slitting, creating a gap between

Pay Attention to Tension

Published: September 01, 2003

Our web handling expert reveals the subtle secrets of the slitting/rewinding process.

The Long & the Short of Web Bending

Published: September 01, 2003

Last month I reviewed the parallel entry principle (PEP), how a web wants to “go with the flow” of a roller's surface.

Going with the Parallel Flow

Published: August 01, 2003

Parallel flow usually is a good thing. In driving your car down the road, if you and the other drivers agree to keep parallel to the lines in the road,

A Slippery Answer to Web Scratching

Published: July 01, 2003

What percent slippage in idler roller speed relative to web speed is required to create scratches? Answer #1: Zero percent slip. Scratches are a form