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April 19, 2005
Better winding with nip and gap rollers.
I often advocate the benefits of controlling entry to a winding roll with a nip or gap roller. Both options will reduce wrinkles and improve the entering web's alignment. Nipping rollers provide three benefits beyond gap rollers. Winding nips will squeegee air entrained by moving web and roll. Winding nips will press down on large diameter lanes and let air in small diameter lanes, promoting a more cylindrical roll (if the winding nip is held parallel to the roll's axis of rotation). Winding nips will increase the tension of the winding roll's outer wrap above the upstream handling tension, increasing roll tightness. Definitions: Gap roller, gap winding - In center winding, a roller is held in close proximity, but not touching the winding roll. Winding nip roller, nipped winding - In center, surface, or combination winding, a roller is pressed with against the winding roll to squeegee entrained air, promote cylindricity, and increase roll tightness through nip-induced-tensioning. -tjw
Posted by Tim Walker at April 19, 2005 07:36 AM
