Web guides & tension controllers

Editor: Laura McCluskey -- Converting Magazine, 8/1/2001

System controls web guide

FMS USA, Inc., 847/392-7872, fax: 847/392-7873, www.fms-technology.com

The KMGZ600 series electronic web guide and tension measurement/controller is a closed loop tension control, measurement and web guide control all-in-one system. It's capable of controlling multiple combinations or web guides and load cells in different locations. A single display provides both web position information and tension values. Interfaces for this system include Profibus®, DeviceNet™ and CANopen BUS systems or RS232.

Enter 405 or Inquire Online

System with combination of dancer/decurler

Machine Works, Inc., 608/216-0090, fax: 608/216-0091, www.machineworks.net

This web processing unit (WPU) is for use on sheeters or other web fed processes where accurate tension control and flat webs are required. Paper, paperboard, foil, plastic, and other materials from 0.003 to 0.045 in. thick and up to 110 in. wide can be processed through the WPU. This machine is capable of creating web tensions from 20 to 500 lbs. The range of tension is defined at the time of order. The machine is configurable for either floor or bridge mounting. The WPU gives the ability to have a closed-loop tension-control system, which allows you to process out-of-round rolls at maximum process speeds and is able to remove curl or set from the roll.

Enter 406 or Inquire Online

System provides non-contact control

The Montalvo Corp., 800/226-8710, fax: 800/644-5097, www.montalvo.com

The all-new U3500ce Ultrasonic Tension Controller provides solutions for non-contact, open-loop tension control applications. The MUS-1ce sensor, together with the compact U-3500ce control panel, provides a wide range of control configurations-from simple unwind or rewind applications through more complex multiple-unwind systems. Based on proven ultrasonic technology and the latest in embedded microcontroller technology, the U3500ce system can bring advanced closed-loop system features including softstart, anticoat, inertia compensation and taper, to the open-loop market.

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System with precise tension control

Nexen Group, Inc., 800/843-7445, www.nexengroup.com

The BTB-12 tension-control brakes are ideal for corrugating, labeling, and printing. Designed for mounting on shaftless unwind stands and other shaft-end applications, the BTB-12 includes a built-in fan for optimal heat dissipation. The brake comes assembled and is mounted using a Taper-Lock® bushing and torque pin. It is also said to offer quick-change facings for simplicity of maintenance.

Enter 407 or Inquire Online

Tension controller with flexibility

Dover Flexo Electronics, Inc., 603/332-6150, fax: 603/332-3758, www.dfe.com

The TensionManager™ is a family of specialized controller device modules that were designed to optimize existing space, and integrate neatly into machine controls on OEM web machines and presses. The base unit is a compact, single-board control module. The TensionManager is positioned as an alternative to the full-featured, integrated tension controllers that come in a single enclosure with a built-in operator interface. It can be set up and operated through a variety of available user interfaces.

Enter 412 or Inquire Online

Improved web-guiding system

Converter Accessory Corp., 800/433-2413, fax: 800/709-1007, www.converteraccessory.com

This co. provides a new and improved web-guiding system with an operator interface featuring tactile, membrane switches and a new planetary gear head incorporated into the actuator. This all-electric design does not require air or hydraulics. It's designed for minimal power consumption. The system allows field setting of the optimum pivot point for each application and is able to guide all types of materials. It is now said to reduce material waste and equipment downtime.

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Transmitters measure transducer or roll

Thermo BLH, 781/821-2000, fax: 781/828-1451, www.webtension.com

DXp-40 web tension transmitters measure each system transducer or roll independently, which allows one unit to monitor multiple tension zones. A patented technology synchronizes independent A/D converters so multiple transducers or rolls can be evaluated simultaneously. Integrated data collected from each transducer or roll drives four high-resolution analog signal outputs. A digital calibration eliminates time consuming dead weight loading and machine "strapping."

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Systems provide lateral web accuracy

WTI Inc., 877/498-4462, fax: 815/633-8788, www.4wtiinc.com

The Model EGS-2 precision electronic web guide is an all-electronic system that can be provided with infrared edge sensing or line guiding sensing that can accommodate both opaque and transparent material. These complete systems can be configured with an intermediate guide (PDG), steer roller guide (SRG) or shifting stand depending on your requirements. These systems are provided with optional automatic sensor setup, centerline resolving or installation in explosion proof environments.

Enter 409 or Inquire Online

Guiding system for dusty environments

Coast Controls, Inc., 941/355-7555, fax: 941/359-2321, www.coastcontrols.com

The All-Air automatic web guiding system is easy to install and easy to understand, says co. It operates entirely on plant air and can operate in dusty or dirty environments as well as clean. Low-pressure air from the servo controller is continually expelled from an opposing nozzle and signal orifice in the air-flow sensor. Because it is automatic, electrical interference, low voltage and combustible solvents will not be a problem. The system requires a sensor to monitor the lateral position of the moving web and an actuator attached to a guide to shift the web back on course when misaligned.

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Controller with easy setup

Cleveland Motion Controls, 216/524-8800, fax: 216/642-5155, www.cmccontrols.com

The WebPro advanced digital web-tension controller offers numerical values and graphical displays of the tension set point, actual tension, total tension, roll diameter and taper tension. Other features include multiple languages, description of machine setup parameters, one controller configurable for multiple applications with either brakes, industrial or servo drives. Auto-zeroing calibrations and preset PI selections are features as well.

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Bar designed with web guiding system

BST Pro Mark, 630/833-9900, fax: 630/833-9909, www.bstpromark.com

The shifting turn bar is designed to incorporate electronic web guiding systems and a mechanical turning mechanism, custom sized for each application. It automatically turns and positions the web. Ideal for all substrate materials.

Enter 416 or Inquire Online

Edge detector with web-width monitoring

AccuWeb, Inc., 608/223-0625, fax: 608/223-0074, www.accuweb.com

This co. offers an ultrasonic array edge detector with a new web-width monitoring device. This new feature provides monitoring and web width measurement by utilizing the patented compensated ultrasonic array edge detector product line. Web width variations can reach up to 36 in. and can be accommodated without moving the edge detector. The monitor has a variety of output options with the unique optional capability to communicate with PLC's directly on the fieldbus. Fieldbus options include DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profibus, Modbus and Canbus.

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Guiding systems with easy installation

Fife Corp., 800/639-3433, fax: 405/755-8425, www.fife.com

The Symat 25 system is a plug-and-play type guiding system. This system provides a processor, infrared sensor and mounting brackets. An offset pivot guide with 6.3 or 9.84-in. 'L' dimension is offered. Aluminum rollers come in either 2 in. x 6.3 in. roll face or 2 in. x 9.84 in. roll face. Also offered by this co. is the Symat 50 system. With the same processor and infrared sensor sizes, the difference is shown in the mounting brackets offered at M-27 rather than M-17. The Symat 50 has an offset pivot guide with 13 in. 'L' dimension. The system offers aluminum rollers as well, with 2.25 in. x 16.5 in. roll face.

Enter 417 or Inquire Online

Guiding for medium- to wide-web processes