Web Guiding Systems Information

Web guiding systems provide precise lateral positioning for web-fed material. A web guiding system typically includes sensors, controllers, guide rolls, drives, and actuators. A web system controls the web material by continuously sensing the position of the web edge or a printed line. A web guide controller calculates the difference to a given reference position and uses an actuator to guide the web material laterally back to the reference position. Textile machinery is used to manufacture, dye and finish fiber, yarn, and thread. It is also used for the extrusion of non-wovens, fiber and plastics. Textile machinery includes balers, draw frames, fabric cutters, calendars, dyers, dryers, padres, extruders, conveyers, and die presses. For winding operations, ballers, doublers, and winders are used. Pulp and paper manufacturing companies use a web handling system once sufficient water has been removed from the pulp. Web guiding systems can be an important element in quality control and waste reduction in pulp and paper machine operation.

Specifications

Specifications for web guiding systems can be tailored for conditions of the web. For example, poorly wound rolls might require immediate alignment. Other conditions handled by web guiding systems include: width of the web, size of reels, hygiene requirements (packaging for foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals), length of entry span, high temperature, and conveyer applications. The amount of power required for adjustment can indicate the use of electrical or hydraulic actuators. Selection of sensors depends on characteristics of the web material: opaque or transparent, woven or nonwoven, and irregular edge. Positioners can be manual, electromechanical, and hydraulic. To purchase a used textile machine, manufacturers can contact a textile machinery dealer. Textile machinery dealers can belong to trade associations such as the Machinery Dealers National Association, the American Textile Machinery Association, or the Association of Machinery and Equipment Appraisers (AMEA). ATMA® is a Registered Trademark of the American Textile Machinery Association.

Web guiding systems are covered by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO 11111 (safety requirements for textile machinery). Web guiding systems are also covered by standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 184 (industrial automation systems and integration).