# What is center guiding?

> Center guiding is a web handling technique that maintains the centerline of a moving web by detecting both edges simultaneously and calculating the average position. Unlike single-edge guiding, center guiding systems use two sensors (or one wide sensor that sees both edges) to compute the true ce...

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

**Source:** https://live-roll2roll.pantheonsite.io/resources/faq/what-center-guiding

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## Question

What is center guiding?

## Short Answer

Center guiding maintains web centerline by detecting both edges and calculating average position.

## Detailed Answer

Center guiding is a web handling technique that maintains the centerline of a moving web by detecting both edges simultaneously and calculating the average position. Unlike single-edge guiding, center guiding systems use two sensors (or one wide sensor that sees both edges) to compute the true centerline regardless of web width variations. This approach naturally filters out edge defects and wrinkles, providing more stable control than single-edge systems.

**Category:** General

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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).

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