Custom Air Shafts for Slitting & Rewinding Machines

Leaf, lug and strip type air expanding shafts, built to your core size and machine drawing.

 

     

XW Machinery manufactures air shafts for OEM machine builders, converters and wholesale buyers. Also known as an air expanding shaft or expanding air shaft, this pneumatic component grips a roll core from the inside for winding and unwinding. Choose leaf, lug or strip expansion designs in steel or aluminum, with shaft dimensions and end journals made to your machine requirements.

Send us your core inner diameter, roll weight, working width and shaft drawing. Our engineers will recommend a suitable design and prepare an OEM quote.      Get an Air Shaft Quote

How Does an Air Expanding Shaft Work?

Slide the roll core onto the deflated shaft. When compressed air enters the shaft, its internal expansion mechanism pushes the leaves, lugs or strips outward to grip the core. Release the air after the production run to remove the roll. The expansion structure, operating pressure and shaft dimensions should be selected for the actual core and machine conditions.

Watch the air shaft working principle video or read the working principle guide.

Choose the Right Air Shaft Type

Leaf Type Air Shaft

Expanding leaves distribute contact along the core, making this design suitable for paper, film and precision rewinding applications.

Lug Type Air Shaft

Expanding lugs grip rigid cores for demanding winding and unwinding applications. Shaft length and end journals can be customized to fit your machine.

Strip Type Air Shaft

Lengthwise expanding strips provide broad contact with the core for slitting, rewinding and converting lines.

XW Machinery can specify the core size, working length, shaft material, journals and expansion structure for slitting, rewinding, printing, packaging, paper, film and foil equipment. Final load, speed, torque and air-pressure ratings should be confirmed against the machine drawing rather than stated as universal values. XW Machinery

OEM Air Shaft Manufacturing

Whether you are building a new machine or replacing an existing shaft, send us the core ID, core material, maximum roll weight, working width, operating speed, mounting-end dimensions and available air supply. XW Machinery will review the fit and propose a standard or custom air expanding shaft.

 Send Your Drawing for an Air Shaft Quote → Product Requirements Survey