Web handling equipment serves various functions, all related to neatly moving continuous strips of material, known as web (including all non-woven materials), through industrial processes. The web itself is comprised of any number of materials, but plastic film, thin metal sheet, paper and cloth are among the most common examples. Web handling systems also often include web production and processing machines that actually make textiles or paper from raw materials.

Industrial web handling requires a wide range of machines to serve many applications. Coaters, control systems, embossers, dryers, roll handlers and winders are all common web handling machines. Below is a list of additional machines used for web handling, organized by the material type they process:

1. Textile web handling: festooners, rotary drum machines, slitting machines, spoolers, vertical blockers and winders.

2. Metal web handling: magnetic sheet stacker, conveyors and fabrication machines.

3. Plastic web handling: blenders, chillers, dryers, granulators and loaders.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go custom to get just what you need from web handling manufacturers

Web handling is not a generic process. Find an experienced company that's willing to work with you to produce a machine that works for your particular application.

I recommend: McGuckin & Pyle produces equipment for many industries, including the web handling business. They produce a wide variety of custom web process machines. REM Manufacturing is another option. They have a selection of standard slitters, rewinders, and other web machines, but also modify and custom engineer as necessary. Also check out the large selection at US Webcon.

Shop used web handling providers

Web handling machinery and systems are costly. Buying used equipment is a viable way to save some capital. Just be prepared to do a more extensive search than if you were buying new.

I recommend: Margot Machinery is devoted to the used web handling business. They both buy and sell. CONTECH keeps a stock of used machines. They also sell a lot of new ones, including narrow web handling equipment.

Browse sellers that publish a lot of online web handling information

Generally speaking, you're going to want to speak extensively with the personnel of the company you buy from, or even meet them in person. However, companies with plenty of information on web handling right on their websites can give you a good introduction to what they offer and help steer you in the right direction right from the beginning.

I recommend: Glenro clearly shows you what the company is all about and what they can do for you right on its website. Glenro sells ovens, dryers and laminators for continuous manufacturing, like web handling. Parkinson Technologies is another good website to take a look at because they give detailed descriptions of the wide array of web handling supplies and equipment they carry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to include recycling machines in your industrial web handling.