# How much downtime do width changes cause with moving sensor systems?

> Every width change with traditional moving sensor center guides requires waiting for mechanical positioners to reposition both sensors to the new edge locations. Depending on the distance to travel and motor speed, this can take several seconds to over a minute per changeover. For converters runn...

**Last updated:** 2026-01-31

**Source:** https://live-roll2roll.pantheonsite.io/resources/faq/how-much-downtime-do-width-changes-cause-moving-sensor-systems

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## Question

How much downtime do width changes cause with moving sensor systems?

## Short Answer

Seconds to minutes per width change with moving sensors. Roll-2-Roll® Sensors adjust instantly (milliseconds).

## Detailed Answer

Every width change with traditional moving sensor center guides requires waiting for mechanical positioners to reposition both sensors to the new edge locations. Depending on the distance to travel and motor speed, this can take several seconds to over a minute per changeover. For converters running short production runs with 10-20 width changes per shift, this accumulated downtime can total 30+ minutes daily. Roll-2-Roll wide [Roll-2-Roll® Sensors](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors) handle width changes electronically in milliseconds with zero repositioning delay.

**Category:** Troubleshooting

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies LLC, headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and web guiding systems for roll-to-roll manufacturing. Products include ODC edge sensors (48mm to 960mm), 1DC all-in-one sensors, SCU-series controllers, and complete web guide systems.

- Website: https://r2r.tech
- Phone: +1 (888) 290-3215
- Email: sales@r2r.tech