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 the Right Air Shaft Core Adapter:...

What Is an Air Shaft Core Adapter? An air shaft core adapter (also called a roll core adapter or chuck adapter) is a mechanical sleeve that fits between an air...

How to Choose the Right Air Shaft Core Adapter:...

What Is an Air Shaft Core Adapter? An air shaft core adapter (also called a roll core adapter or chuck adapter) is a mechanical sleeve that fits between an air...

Why Does Web Material Move Sideways During Rewi...

Why does web material move sideways during rewinding? 5 causes — uneven tension, roller misalignment, core eccentricity, material drift — to stop telescoping.

Why Does Web Material Move Sideways During Rewi...

Why does web material move sideways during rewinding? 5 causes — uneven tension, roller misalignment, core eccentricity, material drift — to stop telescoping.

How to Choose the Right Differential Shaft for ...

Pick the right differential shaft for multiple rewind rolls: count positions, choose the slip tech, set per-section torque, and fit diameter for uniform rolls.

How to Choose the Right Differential Shaft for ...

Pick the right differential shaft for multiple rewind rolls: count positions, choose the slip tech, set per-section torque, and fit diameter for uniform rolls.

Differential Shaft Size and Torque Selection Guide

A practical differential shaft size and torque selection guide — how to size diameter, length, and core ID, and calculate the slip torque band for film, foil, paper, and nonwoven...

Differential Shaft Size and Torque Selection Guide

A practical differential shaft size and torque selection guide — how to size diameter, length, and core ID, and calculate the slip torque band for film, foil, paper, and nonwoven...

What Is a Web Guiding System?

What is a web guiding system? Automatic web alignment via edge position control stops side drift, folded edges, and trim or material waste on converting lines.

What Is a Web Guiding System?

What is a web guiding system? Automatic web alignment via edge position control stops side drift, folded edges, and trim or material waste on converting lines.

Differential Shaft Components and Working Princ...

Differential shaft components — drive shaft, rotary sections, grippers, slip couplings — work so each roll on a slitter rewinder winds at its own tension.

Differential Shaft Components and Working Princ...

Differential shaft components — drive shaft, rotary sections, grippers, slip couplings — work so each roll on a slitter rewinder winds at its own tension.

What Is a Differential Shaft in Web Handling?

A differential shaft is a slip-control rewinding shaft that lets each roll on a slitter rewinder build at its own tension. Learn what it is, how it works, and where...

What Is a Differential Shaft in Web Handling?

A differential shaft is a slip-control rewinding shaft that lets each roll on a slitter rewinder build at its own tension. Learn what it is, how it works, and where...

Why Web Tension Changes During Rewinding

Web tension shifts as the rewind roll builds. Learn why roll diameter, taper tension and torque demand change rewind tension, and how to keep it under control.

Why Web Tension Changes During Rewinding

Web tension shifts as the rewind roll builds. Learn why roll diameter, taper tension and torque demand change rewind tension, and how to keep it under control.

Unstable Web Tension: Causes and Solutions

Unstable web tension? Match the symptom pattern to a source, rule out false readings, and fix the mechanical and control causes of drift and oscillation.

Unstable Web Tension: Causes and Solutions

Unstable web tension? Match the symptom pattern to a source, rule out false readings, and fix the mechanical and control causes of drift and oscillation.

When Should You Replace an Air Expanding Shaft?

Learn when to replace an air expanding shaft — wear limits, repair-versus-replace economics, safety red flags, and what to specify when ordering a new one.

When Should You Replace an Air Expanding Shaft?

Learn when to replace an air expanding shaft — wear limits, repair-versus-replace economics, safety red flags, and what to specify when ordering a new one.

How to Choose a Web Tension Control System

How to choose a web tension control system: map your tension zones, pick a topology per zone, allocate the sensor budget, and set FAT acceptance limits.

How to Choose a Web Tension Control System

How to choose a web tension control system: map your tension zones, pick a topology per zone, allocate the sensor budget, and set FAT acceptance limits.

Air Shaft for Printing and Packaging Machines

How to choose an air shaft for printing and packaging machines — unwind vs rewind duty, fast changeovers, register, core variety and a buyer's checklist.

Air Shaft for Printing and Packaging Machines

How to choose an air shaft for printing and packaging machines — unwind vs rewind duty, fast changeovers, register, core variety and a buyer's checklist.