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.

How to Choose a Differential Shaft for Slitting...

Choosing a differential shaft for slitting machines? Compare ball vs key type, friction ring torque, core size, slit width and load with this checklist.

How to Choose a Differential Shaft for Slitting...

Choosing a differential shaft for slitting machines? Compare ball vs key type, friction ring torque, core size, slit width and load with this checklist.

Custom Air Expanding Shaft: What Specifications...

Ordering a custom air expanding shaft? Here is the full specification checklist: core ID, length, journal, element type, torque, speed and balance grade.

Custom Air Expanding Shaft: What Specifications...

Ordering a custom air expanding shaft? Here is the full specification checklist: core ID, length, journal, element type, torque, speed and balance grade.

Air Expanding Shaft for Slitting Machines

How to choose an air expanding shaft for slitting machines: unwind and rewind sizing, lug vs leaf vs strip elements, torque, core ID and common mistakes.

Air Expanding Shaft for Slitting Machines

How to choose an air expanding shaft for slitting machines: unwind and rewind sizing, lug vs leaf vs strip elements, torque, core ID and common mistakes.

How to Repair an Air Expanding Shaft

Step-by-step air expanding shaft repair: find the leak, replace the bladder, valve and lugs, pressure-test the rebuild, and decide when to repair or replace.

How to Repair an Air Expanding Shaft

Step-by-step air expanding shaft repair: find the leak, replace the bladder, valve and lugs, pressure-test the rebuild, and decide when to repair or replace.

Air Shaft Slipping During Rewinding: 7 Causes a...

Air shaft slipping during rewinding ruins rolls and uptime. Diagnose the 7 root causes (pressure, worn lugs, core fit, torque, contamination) and fix each one.

Air Shaft Slipping During Rewinding: 7 Causes a...

Air shaft slipping during rewinding ruins rolls and uptime. Diagnose the 7 root causes (pressure, worn lugs, core fit, torque, contamination) and fix each one.

Air Shaft Losing Air Pressure: Causes and Solut...

An air shaft losing air pressure risks slip, telescoped rolls and downtime. Learn the 6 root causes, how to isolate each one, and how to hold grip pressure all shift.

Air Shaft Losing Air Pressure: Causes and Solut...

An air shaft losing air pressure risks slip, telescoped rolls and downtime. Learn the 6 root causes, how to isolate each one, and how to hold grip pressure all shift.

Air Shaft Not Expanding: Causes and Solutions

An air shaft not expanding usually traces to leaks, a failed bladder, or low supply pressure. Learn the 7 most common causes, the fix for each, and how to prevent...

Air Shaft Not Expanding: Causes and Solutions

An air shaft not expanding usually traces to leaks, a failed bladder, or low supply pressure. Learn the 7 most common causes, the fix for each, and how to prevent...

Air Shaft vs Differential Shaft | XW Machinery

Air shaft vs differential shaft: compare grip, core holding, tension control and roll-change speed to pick the shaft for your slitter. Get XW Machinery quote.

Air Shaft vs Differential Shaft | XW Machinery

Air shaft vs differential shaft: compare grip, core holding, tension control and roll-change speed to pick the shaft for your slitter. Get XW Machinery quote.

How Does an Air Expanding Shaft Work? | XW Mach...

Learn how an air expanding shaft works—pneumatic lugs, air pressure and friction grip for fast roll changes on slitting and rewinding lines. Get a quote.

How Does an Air Expanding Shaft Work? | XW Mach...

Learn how an air expanding shaft works—pneumatic lugs, air pressure and friction grip for fast roll changes on slitting and rewinding lines. Get a quote.

How to Choose an Air Expanding Shaft for Your M...

How to choose an air expanding shaft: compare lug, leaf and strip types, core size, torque and adapter fit to prevent slip and roll damage. Get a factory quote.

How to Choose an Air Expanding Shaft for Your M...

How to choose an air expanding shaft: compare lug, leaf and strip types, core size, torque and adapter fit to prevent slip and roll damage. Get a factory quote.

Safety Chuck for Air Shaft | XW Machinery

Safety chuck for air shaft: STO/STW & FLO/FLW safety chucks for slitting, rewinding and printing. 400Nm torque, quick-release, factory-direct. Get a quote.

Safety Chuck for Air Shaft | XW Machinery

Safety chuck for air shaft: STO/STW & FLO/FLW safety chucks for slitting, rewinding and printing. 400Nm torque, quick-release, factory-direct. Get a quote.

How to Choose a Web Tension Sensor | XW Machinery

Web tension sensor guide for slitting & rewinding. Compare pillow block, cantilever & through-shaft load cells and controllers. Get a quote from XW Machinery.

How to Choose a Web Tension Sensor | XW Machinery

Web tension sensor guide for slitting & rewinding. Compare pillow block, cantilever & through-shaft load cells and controllers. Get a quote from XW Machinery.