There are many variables to be considered; however, as far as most sheeters are concerned mechanically, it doesn’t really matter. Here are a few questions which must be asked.
1. What type of roll stands are being used. Shafted with chucks? Shafted with air shafts? Shaftless?
If shafted with chucks is the answer, the roll changes may go faster if an operator only has to remove one chuck leaving one clamped in position at all times. This would be especially true when running from multiple roll stands where roll edge alignment must be achieved. Running from an edge in this example is the answer.
2. Does the sheeter have any form of edge guidance system or web steering?
If equipped with one of these systems, it is often faster to locate the roll edge to be roughly in line with the sensing devise for the system than to relocate the sensor and have to reset the sheeter as well. This applies even more so when the sheeter is equipped to cut to a registration mark, water mark or notch, because this usually requires operator positioning of a scanning devise. Clearly you would set up from an edge in this instance.
3. Is multiple pile work being done?
If the majority of the work is two pile service, this presents a strong case for running from center line. The center slitter can remain fixed as well as edge turners and center jogger blade. The two outboard slitters would have to move to the variety of sheet widths on wider machines. This would eliminate a reach problem for the operator as well.
Single pile work and odd number pile work (multiples of three, five and seven) may prove to allow faster setups from the edge of the sheeter, where at least one of the slitters and downstream edge turners and jogger blades can remain fixed.
4. Is the sheeter in line?
It is fairly common for a sheeter to be in line with a paper machine, treater line extruder, or printing press. In this instance, equipment prior to the sheeter may determine how the sheeter is to be set up. Packaging equipment on the out feed of the sheeter could have the same impact.
Always consider the fewest moves when trying to determine whether to run from the center or edge of your sheeter.
