For high-changeover applications

The TruWide sensor gives converters the ability to run multiple webs and a variety of materials without time-consuming setup changes or sensor repositioning, says co. Ultrasonic sensing “nodes” are active at all times throughout the entire width of the sensing area, eliminating the need to reposition the sensor between runs and optimizing web alignment in applications with high instances of web-width variations. TruWide is said to improve accuracy, simplify maintenance and reduce cost.

FIFE CORP., 800/639-3433, www.fife.com/tru

For unwinds, rewinds

The MDI-1 digital interface for co.'s CB-64 circuit board connects with a CAT5e cable and provides remote access to the functions of the CB-64. That board powers dancer, load cell and combination tension controllers and can be configured to operate unwind, rewind and intermediate tension-zone processes. Said to be easy to install, the MDI-1 has versatile mounting hardware options and can be located up to 50 ft from the controllers for the convenience of machine operators.

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

Steel-screen covering

The new line of Isoten vacuum rolls features a highly durable steel screen that evenly distributes vacuum suction across the roll face. This fine mesh creates a smooth surface for mark-free web handling while providing better control in transporting or pulling wet webs and/or isolating web tension. Standard vacuum roll shells include a tungsten carbide plasma release coating that provides a general-purpose shell surface. Available in diameters from 12 to 20 in. and lengths up 160 in., the vacuum rolls have web-wrap angles from 30 to 180 degs.

WEBEX, INC., 920/729-6666, www.webexinc.com

Lightweight, multiple bladder

Co.'s new 1260-LF Ultralight Aluminum Multiple Bladder Leaf Shaft was developed under critical ergonomic guidelines, and at less than 0.24 lbs/in. of assembled body, is reportedly to be the lightest weight 3-in. shaft on the market, regardless of material. The bladders are easily accessible and can be replaced in 10-15 mins. The 1260-LF shaft is aimed at light-duty single- or multiple-roll applications and is said to be an excellent choice for drum-supported systems. Co.'s pneumatic and mechanical shafts, safety chucks, core chucks and roll handling equipment serve the needs of the converting, paper, film and foil industries.

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

Fewer moving parts

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

Optional interconnecting system

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

Automatic parameter calibration

The new AccuBeam3 digital line guide increases production efficiencies and improves web guiding performance. An auto-setup feature automatically calibrates the optimum sensor parameters with a push of a button. Operators then pre-select the guiding method of a printed line or pattern through an intuitive LCD display.

ACCUWEB, INC., 608/223-0625, fax: 608/223-0074, www.accuweb.com

Simplifies maintenance

The redesigned, pneumatic Smart Brake is said to be improve efficiency and eliminate surprises on the unwind. Pad wear indicators call attention to brake pads only when they need to be changed, eliminating the common practice of changing all brake pads at regular intervals, regardless of wear. Heat detection features identify signs of overheating, and can automatically activate fans to dissipate heat, without operator intervention. Maintenance is simplified via a guard design that helps to circulate and dissipate heat, while allowing easy access to brake pads, where change-outs can be made without tools.

MAGPOWR, 405/755-1600, fax: 405/755-8425,www.magpowr.com/smart

For wider webs, higher tensions

Co.'s all-air CD Series web guides meet web-handling demands of wider webs and higher tensions. With heavy-duty welded steel construction, the CD Series use a robust, pivoting web-guide assembly with dual cam-follower bearing assemblies to ensure smooth, dependable steering. High-performance, 3- to 6-in. dia. aluminum idlers handle web widths from 30-130 in. CD Series edge detectors and controls are powered entirely by low-pressure, plant-supplied air (3 to 6 psi) and are intrinsically explosion-proof. Self-cleaning pneumatic edge detectors are highly effective with both opaque and transparent webs.

COAST CONTROLS, 800/513-2345, www.coastcontrols.com

Lightweight carbon fiber

Said to eliminate safety risks commonly associated with sleeved or unsleeved shaft models, the new Ultrashaft XPRO 10 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, www.tidland.com

Test multiple web strands

The new SR Segmented Tension Roll transducer is an extension of co.'s Tension Roll® Transducer—a dead-shaft idler roll with integrated tension sensors at the roll's end. The SR Segmented allows converters to measure tension on multiple individual web strands in a slitting/rewinding environment or at multiple points across the width of a single web when converting or rewinding film. If found early enough, minor gauge band variations across a substrate can sometimes be compensated for in-process. By monitoring and controlling tension, slight defects in roll stock do not automatically translate into a defective finished product, co. says.

DOVER FLEXO ELECTRONICS, INC., 603/332-6150, fax: 603/332-3758, www.dfe.com/trn_seg-tr.html

Economical quality

Co.'s new CA203 Series Tension Sensors feature signature stainless-steel sensor bodies, 10-times overload protection, 0.5-percent accuracy class and a 20:1 measuring range. The CA203 Series is available in nominal forces of 28, 56, 112, 225 and 337 lbs, with dead-shaft adapters for 1-, 1.25- and 1.5-in. diameter shafts. High-quality CA203 sensors combine all these features into an economical package for any application.

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

Speeds to 3,400 fpm

New WINertia™ AV rollers can handle running on encoders, rewinders, high-speed presses and other converting equipment at speeds from 500 to 3,400 fpm. Compared to spiral-grooved rolls, the WINertia AV reportedly gets the air out 7.5 times faster and has 15 times the air-parking capacity.

COMPONEX, 608/884-2201, fax: 608/884-2363, www.componex.net