MBO Digital has released a new unwinder, the UW500, with an open interface allowing it to be used in-line, near-line or off-line.

Available from Friedheim International, the Unwinder UW500 can handle web rolls up to 60 inches in diameter, web widths up to 20½ inches, and paper weights ranging from 50 gsm up to 250 gsm.

With a maximum production speed of 490 ft/min, the UW500 can maintain a constant web tension and precise web alignment, regardless of the web speed or the roll diameter.

Its large diameter idler rollers minimise web curling, which is especially important when working with heavy paper stocks which have a tendency to curl around narrow idler rollers. For special applications, a de-curling device is available as an optional upgrade. The de-curling device removes web curl for better paper handling and increases the quality of printing and finishing. 

An electronic paper lift reduces the risk of operator injury and speeds up the roll change process.  Built-in sensors recognise splices and web breaks and stop the machine automatically.  In the event of a web break, the operator can patch the web via the ergonomic splice table and lead the web through at low speeds until the spliced portion is removed from the production run.

The UW500 Unwinder can also be used in tandem with the RW500 Rewinder as an unwind/rewind solution for digital web presses, and for job applications that require ultra-precise left-to-right rewind alignment.