MAXSON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY COMPANY (Westerly, R.I.), offers an economical package for unwind stands that eliminates the Operator's need to adjust a roll stand's brake pressure - automating the tension control which serves as the basis of a press ready, accurate sheet.

The retrofit upgrade uses a “proportional type” design for automatic tension control. The system includes a tension controller, an air regulator, an electronic-pneumatic converter mounted within an enclosure with a sensor collar mounted on the unwind's spindle and a proximity sensor wired back to the tension controller.

Once the Operator sets values at the tension controller and the roll unwinds, the sensor on the spindle monitors the number of rotations, detecting the proximity of the sensor collar.

This signal is fed to the tension controller, which reduces the inputted diameter. The controller sends a voltage output to the electro - pneumatic (E-P) converter. As the roll diameter reduces, the voltage lessens proportionately.

The E-P converter translates the voltage to a pneumatic output - air pressure. As the voltage decreases, the air pressure fed to the roll stand brake is reduced. The change in air pressure can be monitored by the pressure gauge at the E-P converter.

Installation and initial programming can be completed by in house staff within 4 hours.