When a winding machine is part of an industrial operation, the ability to change the roll quickly once it has reached its maximum diameter is a critical aspect of the process. Changing the roll can be a time-consuming task that requires the equipment and the process to come to a complete stop. All effort should be taken to minimize or eliminate this downtime since it adversely affects production.
Changing the roll on a winding machine can be achieved either manually or automatically. Some automated winders are capable of high-speed roll changes and core loading. But often this is not always an option. Sometimes, manual methods may be required. For instance, in toilet paper production, the winding process must be stopped in order to change the roll and glue the material onto a new core. Even when this is the case, it’s important for the process to be thought-out and precisely designed to limit the amount of downtime. All while keeping the product quality high and maintaining the equipment at optimum performance.
M.R. Snyder has helped companies with the design of automated processes that include winding machines. Our goal is to engineer a system that either minimizes downtime or eliminates the need to stop the line to change the winder rolls.
Winding Machines Options
A winder is a machine that wraps a material, such as yarn, paper, film, foil, or wire onto a center roll. Many technologies and options are available that improve performance or add capabilities. For example, the following are features that can be incorporated into a winding machine:
- Slitting – slitting winders incorporate large blades that cut through the entire rolled material; a slitter will be used to cut individual smaller rolls from a long length of wound material.
- Cut-Off – cut-off blades cut the web when the maximum roll diameter is reached. The knife blade is actuated either by means of pneumatic or electrical actuators.
- Monitoring – Sensors are incorporated into the system to monitor the web, such as edge sensors which are incorporated into the system to gauge the fullness of the center roll.
- Splicing – Automatic splicing is the process of connecting two rolls of material together without manual intervention. Automatic splicing significantly increases productivity, reduces material waste, and product quality.
All of these factors and many more must be considered when designing a successful automated system that includes winders. The latest technologies and features available that can be incorporated to improve the production process are overwhelming. It takes an experienced knowledgeable integrator to create a highly efficient system. M.R. Snyder has the expertise to engineer a successful system, taking into account all the many variables needed to achieve the desired results. Let us provide a customized industry-specific automation and web-handling solution for your company, contact us today.
