3 Common Solutions to Web Wrinkling

Machine Alignment
One of the most common causes of web wrinkles is poor machine alignment or bad roll geometry. When addressing a wrinkle problem, you should first verify that you rolls are cylindrical and aligned within tolerances appropriate for your web material. The application of web spreading or wrinkle removal rolls is not appropriate until roll alignment has been ruled out.

Reverse Taper Rollers
Also referred to as concave, reverse crown or bow tie rolls. These idlers are machined with increasing diameters at the outer edges. This profile creates a surface speed differential at each different roll diameter. The resulting tension differential, or higher edge stress, ultimately results in the material climbing outward toward the larger diameters at the roll ends. Web Tension and Wrap Angle are critical to creating the traction needed for reverse taper rolls to be totally effective. The amount of taper or crown is also dependent upon the application. Reverse taper rolls are cost effective web spreading devices and can also be effectively applied anywhere in the line as general idler rollers.

Web Spreaders
These anti-wrinkle rolls can influence your web in various ways, including stretching it, spreading it or allowing the web to lay flat and simply not induce wrinkles in the first place. Look over the Web Spreader Idlers. If you have any doubt regarding your roll specifications, call us.

See also:
Technical Info on Web Spreaders