# A Novel Edge Sensor for Web Guiding

> Existing edge sensors use the concept of blocking/unblocking for measuring web lateral position. The most commonly used sensors employ either ultrasonic or infrared signals to detect the web edge position by measuring the amount of signal attenuation due to blocking/unblocking of the signal. The main drawback of this sensing method is nonuniform signal attenuation due to web material variations and opacity. The research in this paper develops a new sensor which utilizes the phenomena of light scattering from the web edge and the directional sensitivity of optical fibers. A collimated laser beam is incident on the web edge and scattered light is collected by a linear array of fibers spatially positioned above the web edge. The theory of operation and the development of the sensor is described. Experiments are conducted with different web materials to validate the proposed sensing method. A representative sample of the results are presented and discussed.

**Last updated:** 2017-08-30

**Source:** https://live-roll2roll.pantheonsite.io/articles/novel-edge-sensor-web-guiding

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### Authors

 Aravind Seshadri, Anil Abbaraju and Prabhakar R. Pagilla

### Publication Information

 Conference: Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems
 Volume:6174, April 11, 2006

### Abstract

 Existing edge sensors use the concept of blocking/unblocking for measuring web lateral position. The most commonly used sensors employ either ultrasonic or infrared signals to detect the web edge position by measuring the amount of signal attenuation due to blocking/unblocking of the signal. The main drawback of this sensing method is nonuniform signal attenuation due to web material variations and opacity. The research in this paper develops a new sensor which utilizes the phenomena of light scattering from the web edge and the directional sensitivity of optical fibers. A collimated laser beam is incident on the web edge and scattered light is collected by a linear array of fibers spatially positioned above the web edge. The theory of operation and the development of the sensor is described. Experiments are conducted with different web materials to validate the proposed sensing method. A representative sample of the results are presented and discussed.

[Link to the Article](http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/proceeding.aspx?articleid=1282418)

**Tags:** edge sensor, web edge sensor, web edge position, laser, fiber optic sensor

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration at ±0.1mm accuracy up to 760 mpm — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

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