Tips

Air shafts and chucks are used for holding cores and rolls of material in unwind and rewind stations throughout most converting machines. Air shafts and chucks are designed so that when they are deflated, they slide easily in and out of the inside of a core or roll of material. Once inserted, air shafts are inflated and expand to grip and supply torque to the inside of a core or roll of material. This allows proper unwinding and rewinding operation.

Typically, air shafts have valves that accept an air inflating tool to inflate them. Similar to how tires are inflated on vehicles. There are many designs, shapes and sizes to air shaft and chucks. Not all inflating valve are the same. Make sure you have the proper inflating tool, which is normally available with the purchase of a particular air shaft. Don't assume that because you have an air inflating tool already existing that it will fit a new air shaft you recently purchased.

Improper fitting air inflating tools may not operate at peak efficiency for the air shaft with which they are being utilized. Air shafts and chucks may not expand fully and may not deliver the proper amount of holding capacity for your rolls. Always be sure your air inflating tool fits your air shafts and chucks properly so maximum air pressure and volume will be delivered air shafts and chucks.