Goss has launched a range of six unwinder/splicers and rewinders developed specifically to address digital web printing requirements. Available immediately, both the unwinder and the rewinder series are designed and engineered to be entirely modular, providing customers with an easy path to full automation at either end of the press line.

Developed at the Goss Contiweb facility in the Netherlands, the new product lines have been designed to equal the Contiweb signature splice performance of 99.7% for digital webs. Available in two web widths 770 mm (30”) and 1100 mm (42”), the ‘CD’ range of splicer/unwinders and the ‘CR’ range of rewinders share features that facilitate simple set-up, integration and day-to-day operation. These include floor-level loading and unloading of paper reels; unwinding/rewinding in either direction; as well as motorized reel side-lay adjustment; all of which can be monitored throughout via an HMI screen on the unit.

Each model is shaftless and uses pneumatically expanding core chucks driven by low-noise electric motors, which provides an added element of sustainability since energy generated feeds back into the electrical circuit. The models come with a range of options including additional levels of infeed control, web guidance, remote operation through the central control system, and remote diagnosis via VPN.

The Goss Contiweb CD Series of unwinder/splicers
Drawing on Contiweb’s 40 years’ experience in web tension technology, the ‘CD’ series has been engineered to ensure accuracy and repeatability at every stage of the digital web infeed process, regardless of operator experience or familiarity with web-fed production.This includes:
The CD-W unwinder comes with manual, stationary splicing
CD-S Stop/Go double unwinder with semi-automatic splice – allows the operator to unload, load and prepare for splicing while production is underway; facilitates a minimum stoppage cycle time per splice.
CD-N fully automatic splicer with non-stop reel changeover – uses renowned Contiweb ‘zero-speed’ festoon technology to splice running web and new reel while press continues at full speed.

The Goss Contiweb CR Series of rewinders
All models in the Contiweb Digital Series of rewinders have been developed specifically to rewind reels at speed without the loss of any printed copies. Transfer may be between reels of different width and paper thickness, and repeated transfers from first to second position, and vice versa, are also possible. This includes:
The CR-W single rewinder provides reel change and web transfer to the new core is manual while the press remains stationary.
CR-S Stop/Go double rewinder with semi-automatic web transfer allows unloading and preparation of cores during ongoing production; facilitates a minimum stoppage time for reel change and web transfer to the new core.
CR-N Non-stop unwinder with automatic reel changeover – unloading of fully wound reels and preparation of cores is possible during production; automatic splice can be made at full press speed, at any reel diameter.

Aside from the digital web sector, the adaptable and modular design of the Contiweb Digital Series also expands potential for labels and packaging applications. This is seen with the customized Goss Vpak web offset press configurations, incorporating a range of processes and ancillaries – such as flexo, gravure and digital stations, UV and EB drying – which would benefit from a higher level of tension control throughout the web path.