The Importance of “Direction of Force” When Calibrating Load Cells
When calibrating your load cells, first make sure you are always following the proper calibration procedure when troubleshooting. Reference your tension controller technical manual to verify that the load cell cables are terminated in the controller correctly, and securely. Secure one end of a rope, and follow the web path at least one idler roll […]
Causes and Cures for Load Cell “Zero-Drift”
What is load cell “zero-drift”? When you have no material in your machine and the tension reading is indicating something other than zero you are most likely experiencing “zero-drift”. There are several possible culprits to troubleshoot, and one needs to examine the entire system to best provide the solution. The components involved include the load […]
Why Would I Need a Dancer Controller with Tension Indication?
Processes that require rapid acceleration and/or deceleration, or processes that may deal with out of round rolls, all benefit from utilizing a dancer due to their web storage capabilities. A well designed dancer system with a quality dancer controller is an excellent method of managing web tension. However, no dancer system can tell you what your […]
Montalvo Launches New Line of Magnetic Particle Brakes – Press Release
October 22, 2015, Gorham, ME, USA – Montalvo, international specialists in web tension control, is announcing the launch of its newest product line, the MP-B Series Magnetic Particle Brakes. MP-B Series are ideal for clean room environments and for applications that require torque independent of speed. MP-B Series brakes are available in shafted or thru […]
Press Release: Montalvo Launches Newest Innovation in Open Loop Tension Control
September 23, 2015, Gorham, ME, USA – Montalvo, international specialists in web tension control, has launched their latest innovation in open loop tension control, the TSC™ Torque Sensing Control System. For the first time ever in an open loop control system, you get a precise, reliable tension reference that operators can use to ensure consistent, […]
What Should I Use, a Clutch/Brake or a Motor?
When comparing brakes (unwinds) and clutches (rewinds) to motors, there are significant advantages and disadvantages that must be considered to determine the best component for your application currently and in the future. Here we take a quick look comparing brakes and clutches to motors in 7 key categories. Acceleration Unlike a brake, a motor can drive a […]
Using Clutches for Superior Center Winding Tension Control
Proper component selection is critical to ensure the success of building a center-driven rewind stand. While many factors need to be taken into consideration, ultimately it is the quality of the wound roll that is of prime concern. Material advances have presented a host of challenges for machine designers to overcome to ensure proper wound […]
September 2015 Better Web Control Newsletter
In this issue: Torque Sensing Control System What is Extended Range? Analog in a Digital Age Torque Sensing Control System™ Open loop tension control is more accurate and precise than ever before For the first time ever in an open loop control system, you get a precise, reliable tension reference that operators can use to […]
Analog Meters Still Have Their Place
While much machine information today is displayed with digital meters, analog meters still have their place in the industrial world. One such application is the display of tension in a running web. The tension on the web is affected by many mechanical factors in the process. When unwinding a roll of material, the quality of […]
The Myth of Extended Range
A customer recently asked us how our load cells compared to other manufacturers that promote “extended range load cells”. These extended range load cells utilize a 10V excitation with the claim that by using a higher excitation you get a more sensitive tension signal. For reference, Montalvo’s load cells utilize a 5V excitation. So the idea […]