The XP Great Expansion shaft allows operators to adjust its core diameter while it remains on the machine, eliminating the need to stock multiple shafts and drastically reducing setup time. The Series 750 XP design provides a 1-in. expansion range which aids in loading out-of-round cores on unwind rolls and accommodates 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-in. cores. The XP CP design accommodates 6.0-, 6.25-, 6.50- and 6.75-in. cores all with one shaft.

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

Co.'s safety chucks slide open with a patented push-button mechanism. They open only in the upright position, and the sliding action reduces finger-jamming accidents. Chucks can be flange- or foot-mounted, fixed or with sidelay adjustment. They feature fixed drive shafts and swivel bases to correct baggy web edges.

DOUBLE E CO., 508/588-8099, fax: 580-2915, www.doubleeint.com

Co.'s safety chucks have a replaceable journal seat/wheel assembly to support a variety of shaft journal configurations without modification. Tightly held journal seat-insert tolerances provide superior roll winding/unwinding concentricity, co. says. These chucks are available individually or as part of a complete web-control system.

THE MONTALVO CORP., 800/226-8710, fax: 800/644-5097, www.montalvo.com

Co.'s roll-lock style differential air shafts provide extremely sensitive tension control for light gauge and extensible films. The spacer-less setup reduces the requirement to handle tooling or position core stops. Cores can be slid across the shaft. They have interchangeable tooling for 3- and 6-in. cores, and their frictionless design provides dust-free operation.

DEACRO INDUSTRIES LTD., 905/564-6566, fax: 905/564-6533, www.deacro.com

Co. offers a wide range of chucks that can accommodate core IDs from 1 to 16 in. The teeth automatically engage to the core by the relative motion of the roll to the shaft or the shaft to the roll. Tooth lock-up is instant, and no tools are needed, says co.

TILT LOCK, 800/999-8458, fax: 763/497-7046, www.tiltlock.com

Recent advances to its air-roll-lock differential shaft simplify the converting process, co. says. Using an internal clutching mechanism to control tension, it eliminates operator error and can improve roll quality. Co. also adds its Glidelock™ rollers to its shafts to ease unloading processes. The Glidelock auto-locks to equalize tension on multiple-width cores. The newest design of these rollers features CoreLock™ pads, which create individual friction zones to grip each core when multiple width cores are loaded onto the shaft. When the rollers engage, the pads ensure that each roller grips the cores firmly, providing the correct tension for each material.

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

Co. maintains a large inventory of safety chucks to provide speedy deliveries. The extensive inventory of popular models includes the economical closing tilt ring design and the rugged sliding closing ring design. Co.'s replaceable square “V” and square/round “VO” sockets designs are standard for all sliding closing ring models. Closing tilt ring models include the standard square “U” and “V” socket design. All chuck models include keyed shaft extensions for mounting a brake, clutch, drive or other accessories.

GOLDENROD CORP., 800/465-3763, fax: 203/723-8230, www.goldrod.com

Co.'s stainless-steel air chuck can be washed down with no possibility of oxidation. It features an easy-change bladder system, split clamp securing for shaft mounting, O-rings in bore for air connection and a fixed core stop. An adjustable core stop is available as an option. Many sizes and configurations are available.

JRC WEB ACCESSORIES, 973/625-3888, fax: 973/226-4249, www.jrcweb.com

A new K Series safety chuck design speeds production by automating the opening and closing of a shafted unwind or rewind's chucking system. A rotary encoder feeds a signal to the machine's drives to stop when the safety chuck can be loaded or unloaded. The air shaft also can be inflated or deflated automatically when the chuck is closed or opened. Auto inflation eliminates the possibility that the air shaft will not be properly inflated and therefore ensures process stability and consistency, co. says. When combined with automated roll- and shaft-handling systems also offered by co., auto open / close chucks with auto inflation / deflation significantly reduce labor requirements, co. says.

SCHLUMPF, INC., 207/893-1903, fax: 207/893-1905, www.schlumpf-inc.com