Nip Pinch Roller Pressure Measurement

Capture and measure nip pressure distribution with pressure mapping.

Nip Pinch Machine Setup, Roller Alignment, and Pressure Distribution

The I-Scan^® is an excellent tool for measuring nip profiles, force or pressure variations along a roll axis. The system measures and displays in real-time the static forces in a pinch roll nip. For many large machines, nip contact is adjusted by setting hydraulic pressure at contact units located on the ends of the rollers. In the absence of measurements, the relationship between hydraulic pressure and nip force is assumed to be linear. Drag in the linkage and other sources of hysteresis are not quantified. With I-Scan, nip force and width can be directly measured at locations along the axis and at various hydraulic pressures. The effectiveness of crowning and differences in pressures and contact width along the length of the roll can be documented. These measurements reduce machine set-up time and minimize product scrap saving your company time and money.

Tekscan’s patented, thin-film, pressure sensors are available in different shapes and pressure ranges, are reusable, and provide accurate pressure data. With the help of our highly qualified sales and engineering support team, each system can be configured to meet your specific needs. The new Nip Pressure Measurement System™ (NPMS) eliminates the guesswork of adjusting rollers. Learn more about the new roller nip sensor and register to view a complete product demonstration.

2-D and 3-D display of the force along the axis of the nip, also shown graphically as a function of force vs. distance across sensor columns.

Nip Pinch Pressure Measurement Applications

Nip pressure profile
Identify roller contact pressure
Determine roller contact area
Determine nip width
Before and after adjustment comparison
Machine to machine comparison
Validation testing

Benefits of Pressure Mapping

Reduce machine set-up time
Minimize product scrap
Quick, easy, and reliable data
Visualize the nip pressure profile

Typical Pressure Sensor Models Used for Nip Pressure Measurement

Sensor Model 5501

Sensing Area Total

Width Height Sensels Sensel Density

12.03 in. 3.24 in. 264 6.8 in.²

305.6 mm 82.3 mm 264 1.1 cm²
Sensor Model 5511

Sensing Area Total

Width Height Sensels Sensel Density

12.10 in. 3.40 in. 1,496 36.4 in.²

307.3 mm 86.4 mm 1,496 5.6 cm²
Sensor Model 5526

Sensing Area Total

Width Height Sensels Sensel Density

12.10 in. 1.30 in. 2,288 145.5 in.²

307.3 mm 33.0 mm 2,288 22.6 cm²
Sensor Model 5555

Sensing Area Total

Width Height Sensels Sensel Density

17.99 in. 2.20 in. 2,288 57.8 in.²

456.9 mm 55.9 mm 2,288 9.0 cm²
Sensor Model 5570

Sensing Area Total

Width Height Sensels Sensel Density

8.36 in. 3.24 in. 264 9.7 in.²

212.3 mm 82.3 mm 264 1.5 cm²