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 Does an Air Shaft Hold a Paper or Film Core?

Discover how an air shaft grips paper and film cores through inflatable bladder technology, radial expansion, and friction. Learn component functions and selection tips.

How Does an Air Shaft Hold a Paper or Film Core?

Discover how an air shaft grips paper and film cores through inflatable bladder technology, radial expansion, and friction. Learn component functions and selection tips.

Magnetic Powder Clutch Overheating: Causes and ...

A magnetic powder clutch overheating? Learn the 8 real causes, how to measure slip power in 15 minutes, and the cooling fixes that stop thermal drift.

Magnetic Powder Clutch Overheating: Causes and ...

A magnetic powder clutch overheating? Learn the 8 real causes, how to measure slip power in 15 minutes, and the cooling fixes that stop thermal drift.

Magnetic Powder Clutch Torque Selection Guide |...

Size magnetic powder clutch torque correctly: tension x radius formula, service factor, slip-power thermal check and a worked rewinder example for converters.

Magnetic Powder Clutch Torque Selection Guide |...

Size magnetic powder clutch torque correctly: tension x radius formula, service factor, slip-power thermal check and a worked rewinder example for converters.

How Does a Magnetic Powder Clutch Work? | XW Ma...

See how a magnetic powder clutch works: powder, coil and torque transmission explained, with sizing, slip-heat and duty-cycle tips for winders and rewinders.

How Does a Magnetic Powder Clutch Work? | XW Ma...

See how a magnetic powder clutch works: powder, coil and torque transmission explained, with sizing, slip-heat and duty-cycle tips for winders and rewinders.

Air Expanding Shaft Components and Their Functions

Learn the 8 core air expanding shaft components, how each part works, and how the assembly grips and releases a paper or film core.

Air Expanding Shaft Components and Their Functions

Learn the 8 core air expanding shaft components, how each part works, and how the assembly grips and releases a paper or film core.

Differential Shaft Slipping: Causes and Solutions

Differential shaft slipping? Diagnose worn friction rings, low slip torque, contamination, core ID errors and chuck slip — with proven fixes and prevention.

Differential Shaft Slipping: Causes and Solutions

Differential shaft slipping? Diagnose worn friction rings, low slip torque, contamination, core ID errors and chuck slip — with proven fixes and prevention.

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.