The Harms of Harmony

Published: November 30, 2004

From a simple handling viewpoint, these harmonic motion hiccups may be no problem, but combined with coating, extrusion, slitting, or winding operations, they may lead to waste.

Mechanics of Tension Control, Part II

Published: November 30, 2004

For this basic tutorial in the mechanics of web tension control, tension is defined as the force applied to a continuous web of material in the machine direction.

Slitting Debris: Cracking the Case

Published: October 31, 2004

Dust and debris are a common but unwanted side product of slitting. Slitting debris comprises the small particles that break off a product's edge during the slitting process. It is created through fracture and abrasion. Uncontrolled slitting debris will lead to defects in your customer's product and equipment downtime.

10 Tips on Antiwrinkle Rollers

Published: September 30, 2004

Antiwrinkle rollers, like antiperspirants and anti-inflammatories, have a name that implies a cure to your problem. But as with most remedies, read the

Can This Lamination Be Saved?

Published: August 31, 2004

Delaminating undesired separation within a multilayer product is a major problem for many converters. Laminate products are a marriage of two or more

The Signs of Shear Wrinkle

Published: August 01, 2004

Your web is talking to you. Not out loud but in a form of sign language. It's saying, Oh, I'm shifting to the right (or left) in this span, or Ouch, I'm

The Word on Winding

Published: July 31, 2004

Winders may not cost six million dollars, but like that 1970s television phenomenon, The Six Million Dollar Man, we have the technology to build them better, stronger, and faster.

Steering Directions Made Simple

Published: June 30, 2004

Steering and displacement guides are the two most popular forms of intermediate guiding.

Tracking Wrinkles: Part II

Published: June 01, 2004

The easiest way to explain roller diameter variation tracking is to walk you through the chain of events. Diameter variations create web strain variations.

When Rollers Fight, Webs Lose

Published: April 01, 2004

A tram is a coal bin with wheels. If you want your coal bin to stay on its tracks, you must keep the two axles parallel. If they are not parallel, the

High & Low

Published: March 31, 2004

Winpak Technologies is a global packaging group that manufactures and distributes high quality machines and packaging materials for the food, beverage,

Fun with Force Gauges

Published: February 29, 2004

In today's world of high-tech electronic gadgets, a force gauge may seem unglamorous, but I hope to convince you a force gauge is something you should have and use.

Reduce Web Nip Problems

Published: February 01, 2004

Web handling is about transport and delivery, getting from point A to point B, without damaging the product. It is relatively easy to move a web across a free span or over an unnipped roller, but getting into and through a nip can be a show stopper for many processes or products. As a web handler, you should consider nips your tough customers.

Friction Circles on a Winter's Day

Published: January 01, 2004

Doing doughnuts — this was the term my high school friends called the art of driving around in snow-covered parking lots, spinning your back tires during a hard turn to get your car to fishtail in a circle.

Get More with Less

Published: January 01, 2004

Brakes and clutches are yet more converting-process components affected by this “less is more” philosophy.