Sticking to Business

Shaftless designs can also provide a more forgiving handling approach. "With shaftless unwinds," explains KTI's Plude, "a roll shaft does not have to be run completely through the core, allowing easier loading of rolls with minor core deformations."

"Shaftless splicers can be convenient for roll loading," concurs Herbert, "but it is possible to run into problems with how much torque can be transmitted to the core with this design. In higher tension applications, an air shaft with multiple lugs, buttons or continuous leaves gripping the core through its entire length will transmit much higher torque to the unwinding roll."