nip measurement with sensor insterted between rollers

Nip Pinch Roller Pressure Measurement

Capture and measure nip pressure distribution with pressure mapping.

Nip Pinch Machine Setup, Roller Alignment, and Pressure Distribution

Tekscan tactile pressure sensors are excellent tools for measuring nip profiles, force or pressure variations along a roll axis. The software measures and displays in real-time the static forces in a pinch roll nip. For many large machines, nip contact is adjusted by setting hydraulic pressure at contact units located on the ends of the rollers. In the absence of measurements, the relationship between hydraulic pressure and nip force is assumed to be linear. Drag in the linkage and other sources of hysteresis are not quantified.

Tekscan sensors measure nip force and width at locations along the axis at various hydraulic pressures providing real-time feedback on a PC. The detection of crowning and differences in pressures and contact width along the length of the roll can be documented. These measurements improve costs by reducing machine set-up time, down time and product scrap.

Tekscan's patented, thin-film, pressure sensors are available in different shapes and pressure ranges, are reusable, and provide accurate pressure data.

Tekscan offers two solutions for nip and roller pressure measurement: I-Scan™ and NPAT™.

I-Scan™ Pressure Mapping System

I-Scan is a versatile solution for optimizing a process or manufacturing parameters. With a wide range of sensor form factors and data analysis tools in the software, I-Scan is a powerful tool for a research and development team to improve yield. More benefits include:

Ideal for engineering team analysis
Used to understand full surface area of the nip
Over 200 sensors to choose from in different shapes and pressure ranges
Real-time display of pressure sensor data
Recording & playback of dynamic pressure images
Fast (100 Hz) sensor scanning
Supports high temp sensors

I-Scan System in Use

I-Scan Software Output

Nip Pressure Alignment Tool™ (NPAT™)

The Nip Pressure Alignment Tool™ (NPAT) is an easy-to-use tool used to capture nip footprints and relative pressure distribution between nip rollers. The system utilizes a sensor made up of an array of thin and flexible pressure sensitive bands, which can be configured to match the size of an application. More benefits include:

Clear visual representation of pressure distribution, nip width, and cross width using static snapshots
Ensures proper nip alignment
Ideal for large nip roller areas
Prevents equipment and product damage
Provides quantifiable and credible data
Easily maintained in-field
Allows for proper machine set-up, machine comparison, and preventative maintenance.

NPAT System in Use

NPAT Software Output

The Facts You Need to Make the Right Purchase for Your Machine

There is no "one-product-fits-all" approach when it comes to pressure mapping systems. The choice between an I-Scan or an NPAT is determined based on a set of criteria that is unique to each machine. Follow the graphic below to determine which system best meets your operation's needs.

Primary Use: Test & Measurement, or Machine Maintenance?

I-Scan is primarily a test & measurement system used to capture in-depth, quantifiable interface pressure data. NPAT is a simple, portable maintenance tool with a streamlined software program to deliver comparative nip uniformity data to the operator on-the-fly.

Data Needed: Total Nip Contact, or Roll Uniformity?

I-Scan is used to capture end-to-end nip contact pressure, which is not necessarily needed for all types of nip operations. NPAT provides static snapshots of nip with and relative force to verify uniform pressure and nip contact.

Nip Roll Size: Small, or Large?

The I-Scan is ideal for smaller rolls, otherwise its set-up can become cumbersome and costly. Multiple sensors scanning electronic handles would likely be needed for the I-Scan to analyze a surface area larger than 18 inches. NPAT was developed as an economical tool for use in large and custom nip roll applications.

Operating Conditions: Low, or High Temperature?

I-Scan sensors are available in high-temperature formats, which makes them ideal for laminating or applications involving plastics. Currently, NPAT can only be used in applications under 35°C (95°F).