fAQs AF3 Web Flagger
Q1: What is Web Flagging?
A: Flagging a web is a common method used to identify areas within a wound roll after it has been printed, coated, laminated, etc. These areas are typically defective. An operator either places a pressure sensitive label on the moving web by hand, or inserts a slip of paper into a winding roll at the rewind. A portion protrudes from the edge of the web like a “flag” making it visible after rewinding the web.
Q2: What is an Automatic WebFlagger?
A: What we call a WebFlagger is sometimes called other names within the industry. Those other names include: flagger, tabber, tagger, web-marker, tab or tag inserter, or defect-marker. Novation’s AF3 WebFlagger automatically applies a pressure sensitive label or “flag” to almost any type of web moving at virtually all process speeds.
Q3: Why don’t the flags stick to machine parts?
A: Novation’s flags have the adhesive deadened on the portion which hangs off the web’s edge.
Q4: Do the flags tear easily?
A: No. Our flags have a film lamination over the print for strength.
Q5: Why is automatic flagging so much safer than hand flagging?
A: The AF3 WebFlagger is signaled to apply a flag from a pushbutton or machine signal and does not require an operator to have any body part near the moving web or rewind section of the line.
Q6: What if I change web widths on my process line?
A: We offer an optional slide base on which the AF3 WebFlagger can be mounted. The slide base allows the WebFlagger to be easily adjusted from side-to side to line up to the edge of different width webs.
Q7: What triggers the WebFlagger to apply a flag?
A: The AF3 WebFlagger can be triggered from an included pushbutton or additional, pushbuttons or machine signal. Five inputs are included for triggering a flag from different devices.
Q8: Can I trigger a flag from an upstream location and track the position?
A: Yes. If an encoder is connected to the AF3 an input from upstream can be configured to wait to apply a flag until the web has traveled a preset distance. For example, a signal from an automatic unwind splice would prepare the WebFlagger to apply a flag, but it would wait until the unwind splice reached the WebFlagger to apply that flag.
Q9: Where is the WebFlagger manufactured and how is it supported?
A: All our products are manufactured in our plant in Bethlehem, PA USA and supported by our own in-house technical and engineering staff.
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