Misaligned winding line

Explore how a small roller misalignment changes web tracking while span tension remains nearly unchanged.

Why does the film drift when tension looks right?

Original 3D simulation of the winding line.

What you can model

A PET web travels from an unwinder through driven rollers, a dancer and a guide to the rewinder. The model diagram shows how the mechanical line connects to its drives and tension controller. Changing the idler yaw links a small alignment change to the lateral motion visible in the animation.

Model diagram of the complete winding line.
Model diagram of the complete winding line.

What you can explore

Start with the tracking plot: increasing yaw shifts the web edge farther from its aligned position. Then compare the tension histories for aligned and yawed idlers. Their close overlap shows why lateral tracking and span tension need to be examined together when studying a winding line.

Lateral tracking response for different idler yaw settings.
Lateral tracking response for different idler yaw settings.
Aligned and yawed idlers produce closely matched span tensions in this operating case.
Aligned and yawed idlers produce closely matched span tensions in this operating case.

← Back to Roll2RollDynamics