Slitting & Rewinding Technical Guides

Practical, field-tested guides for slitting, rewinding and converting lines: how to size, select and maintain air shafts, differential shafts, magnetic powder brakes and clutches, tension controllers and web guiding systems. Written by XW Machinery application engineers for plant engineers and purchasing teams.

Not sure which shaft or brake fits your line? Send us your core size, roll weight and line speed — our engineers reply with a sizing recommendation.

Magnetic Powder Clutch Slip Power: How to Calcu...

Learn how to calculate magnetic powder clutch slip power and heat load (P = T × Δω) to size cooling, protect the powder, and avoid thermal failure in tension control.

Magnetic Powder Clutch Slip Power: How to Calcu...

Learn how to calculate magnetic powder clutch slip power and heat load (P = T × Δω) to size cooling, protect the powder, and avoid thermal failure in tension control.

Retrofitting a Slitter with Differential Shafts...

Retrofitting a slitter with differential shafts means checking rewind drive torque, coupling, bearing span and clearance first — scope the upgrade to avoid fit problems.

Retrofitting a Slitter with Differential Shafts...

Retrofitting a slitter with differential shafts means checking rewind drive torque, coupling, bearing span and clearance first — scope the upgrade to avoid fit problems.

Differential Rewind Shaft Overspeed: How to Set...

Set and verify the speed difference on a differential rewind shaft. Control slip torque with air pressure and confirm uniform roll hardness with tension sensors.

Differential Rewind Shaft Overspeed: How to Set...

Set and verify the speed difference on a differential rewind shaft. Control slip torque with air pressure and confirm uniform roll hardness with tension sensors.

Air Shaft Journal Drawings: Dimensions and Tole...

Get the air shaft journal drawing right: specify diameter, keyway, bearing seat and runout tolerances for chuck fit and true running. Request a quote.

Air Shaft Journal Drawings: Dimensions and Tole...

Get the air shaft journal drawing right: specify diameter, keyway, bearing seat and runout tolerances for chuck fit and true running. Request a quote.

Rotating Air Sleeves on Fixed Shafts: Design Ch...

A rotating air sleeve on a fixed shaft retrofits winding and rewinding lines without rebuilding the shaft. Review design checks for fit, bearings, torque, runout and core grip.

Rotating Air Sleeves on Fixed Shafts: Design Ch...

A rotating air sleeve on a fixed shaft retrofits winding and rewinding lines without rebuilding the shaft. Review design checks for fit, bearings, torque, runout and core grip.

Air Expanding Sleeves vs Replacement Shafts: Wh...

Compare air expanding sleeves vs a full replacement shaft for your retrofit. Weigh cost, downtime, and core grip to pick the right upgrade for your machine.

Air Expanding Sleeves vs Replacement Shafts: Wh...

Compare air expanding sleeves vs a full replacement shaft for your retrofit. Weigh cost, downtime, and core grip to pick the right upgrade for your machine.

What Determines the Cost of a Custom Air Expand...

Air expanding shaft cost depends on diameter, length, material, load rating and expansion type. Understand the drivers and request an accurate factory quote.

What Determines the Cost of a Custom Air Expand...

Air expanding shaft cost depends on diameter, length, material, load rating and expansion type. Understand the drivers and request an accurate factory quote.

Air Shaft Inflation Pressure: How to Set It for...

How to set air shaft inflation pressure for your core and load. Calculate grip torque, avoid core crush and slip, and verify the setting on the line.

Air Shaft Inflation Pressure: How to Set It for...

How to set air shaft inflation pressure for your core and load. Calculate grip torque, avoid core crush and slip, and verify the setting on the line.

How to Check Air Shaft Deflection Under Roll We...

Learn how to measure air shaft deflection under real roll weight with a dial indicator, separate it from runout, and decide when a shaft needs resizing.

How to Check Air Shaft Deflection Under Roll We...

Learn how to measure air shaft deflection under real roll weight with a dial indicator, separate it from runout, and decide when a shaft needs resizing.

Air Shaft Runout and Dynamic Balance: What Mach...

What should machine builders specify for air shaft runout and dynamic balance? Learn the tolerances, balance grades and callouts that stop vibration.

Air Shaft Runout and Dynamic Balance: What Mach...

What should machine builders specify for air shaft runout and dynamic balance? Learn the tolerances, balance grades and callouts that stop vibration.

Switching from Steel to Aluminum Air Shafts: A ...

Switching from steel to aluminum air shafts? Check load, span, journals, torque and core grip before you retrofit. Get a factory-direct quote from XW Machinery.

Switching from Steel to Aluminum Air Shafts: A ...

Switching from steel to aluminum air shafts? Check load, span, journals, torque and core grip before you retrofit. Get a factory-direct quote from XW Machinery.

Web Guiding System for Printing and Packaging M...

Web guiding systems for printing and packaging machines keep webs in register at speed. Learn the right guiding modes, placement, and cut scrap and downtime.

Web Guiding System for Printing and Packaging M...

Web guiding systems for printing and packaging machines keep webs in register at speed. Learn the right guiding modes, placement, and cut scrap and downtime.