The new Ultrashaft XPRO 10 lightweight carbon-fiber shaft is said to eliminate safety risks commonly associated with sleeved or unsleeved shaft models. It represents a significant improvement in how carbon-fiber technology is applied to converting applications, says co. Unlike rigid sleeves that can crack under high-load cycles, this proprietary coating flexes with the shaft, while protecting the carbon-fiber tube from core wear, cutting tools, and wear from normal shaft and roll handling.

TIDLAND CORP., 800/426-1000, fax: 360/834-5865, www.tidland.com

Co.'s self-centering pneumatic air-chuck adapters help converters fit core shafts to match different-sized roll cores. Air valves can be changed without disturbing other chuck components, and the chucks can be pneumatically linked using an optional interconnecting air system. This allows for single-point inflation of multiple chucks in a single-shaft setup. The chuck adapters are available with or without core-stop flanges to fit cores from 3 to 6 in. in diameter.

NIMCOR, INC., 888/464-6267, fax: 603/883-6980, www.nimcor.com

The QuickGrip torque-activated mechanical core chucks for shaftless unwinding and rewinding use quick-change adapter collars for larger-core sizes. This system lets users change core sizes without tools. The adapters, with a 3-in. base chuck, cover a complete range of core sizes from 4 to 12 in., and they expand automatically when the web is tensioned or as the roll rotates, and handle rolls weighing up to 8,800 lbs.

SCHLUMPF, INC., 877/460-4535, fax: 207/893-1905, www.schlumpf-inc.com

With an innovative design upgrade, co.'s Air Roll Lock Differential shaft features fewer moving parts and the ability to handle a wider variety of core types (including plastic) and range of tensions. These shafts are said to grip the core tightly on loading, ensuring that every roller engages the core. The newest design of GlideLock® clutched rollers feature CoreLock® pads which grip the core on loading. The addition of the CoreLock pads is what reduces the number of moving parts, says co., and the rollers eliminate dust, wobble and slip, ensuring concentric rolls.

CONVERTECH, INC., 973/328-1850, fax: 973/328-7256, www.convertech.com