Tips

Brakes and clutches used in converting processes, typically on unwinds and rewinds, should be designed, specifically, for web handling. This may sound like a common sense issue. However, keep in mind industrial brakes and clutches are used in all sorts of industries, which have none of the concerns associated with converting. We see many applications where brakes and clutches that are not designed properly for converting being used on unwind and rewind stations. Consequently, web handling and web control suffer because the brake or clutch can't control the web properly. It's not that the brake or clutch isn't operating properly; it's that the brake or clutch just isn't designed for web handling. Brakes and clutches designed for converting must be designed to operate with:

• Constant slip - other types of industrial brakes are often designed for on / off operation. Heat generation / dissipation and wear properties are a big concern for brakes and clutches used in converting.
• Broad torque range - other types of industrial brakes and clutches often times are designed with a small / constant torque range in mind. Converting brakes and clutches must be designed to operate through a full roll range (from outside diameter to core), full width range (depending on what width material you are running) and for a large tension range depending on the material you are currently running and the material thickness.

Jeffrey Damour, Sales Engineer, Converter Accessory Corporation, Wind Gap, PA, Phone - 800-433-2413