Tension control on sheet materials

Processing sheet materials means keeping the sheet tensioned. If the tension is too little, then the product "sags" and may become entangled. If it is too much, then the product can become overstretched and end up becoming damaged or ripped as a result. In order to accurately determine this tension between two different points in the process, it is essential to measure the velocity at both points. You can then calculate the tension from the difference.

Laser surface velocimeters (LSVs) from Polytec are ideally suited because they can conduct measurements on almost any surface and they are not susceptible to contaminated surfaces. The non-contact measuring technique makes it possible to eliminate any negative influences on accuracy, such as slippage and wear, in one go. The product being subjected to the measurement also remains intact. The increased precision in velocity measurement enables you to monitor the tension more closely, thereby optimizing the process while preventing the product from being damaged by tension fluctuations. The result: You increase quality while at the same time reducing waste.

Practical examples

Polytec LSVs are used in various applications in the converting and textile industry as a means of regulating tension:

  • in joining sheet materials, i.e while changing rolls of film and packaging materials
  • when processing sensitive material such as thin films

Industrial length and speed control with optical sensors