This cylindrical device is inserted into the cardboard core of a large paper roll on a web press. When inflated with compressed air, internal bladders push gripping lugs outward, locking the roll tightly to the shaft. This allows the press to unwind the heavy paper roll at high speeds without slipping, and it can be quickly deflated for fast roll changes.
Heard on the job
Grab the air hose, this airshaft is losing pressure and the roll is starting to slip on the unwind stand.
Also heard as
- air mandrel
- pneumatic shaft