Roll Handling Equipment & Shaft Lifting Systems for Paper, Film, and Packaging

Roll handling equipment is used to lift, position, and transport rolls of paper, film, and other materials throughout converting and manufacturing operations. These rolls can be large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver, creating safety risks and inefficiencies when handled manually. Unidex designs shaft lifting systems and paper film roll lifts that allow operators to safely lift, rotate, and position rolls with precision during loading, unloading, and material feed processes.

Designed for Paper, Film, Textile, and Packaging

Roll-handling equipment for paper, film, and packaging applications is designed to move heavy rolls without damaging the outer layers or core structures. Depending on the application, systems may use core engagement, outer diameter gripping, or shaft-based lifting to securely handle the roll during transport and positioning. Common equipment configurations include lifts, carts, grippers, and hydraulic manipulators, each designed to match specific workflow and material requirements.

To meet the needs of different industries, specifications, and requirements, the equipment can vary considerably in design and lifting capability. Roll and shaft handling equipment is designed to move heavy rolls of material without damaging the outer layers. Some of the most common types of roll handling equipment used to move heavy rolls without damage include grippers, carts, lifts, and hydraulic manipulators. These types of equipment help create a safe working environment and minimize waste from roll damage.

Customizable for Your Line

Standard equipment may not align with the specific positioning, clearance, or workflow requirements of converting and packaging lines. Unidex provides engineered-to-order roll-handling equipment and shaft-lifting systems designed around your process.

Customization options include:

Manual, mechanical, or powered load engagement methods
Manual, mechanical, or powered load engagement methods
Multi-axis movement, including tilt, rotation, and linear positioning
Multi-axis movement, including tilt, rotation, and linear positioning
Construction materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, laminates, or mild steel, based on environmental requirements
Construction materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, laminates, or mild steel, based on environmental requirements
Custom table, fork, or interface dimensions to match equipment and line layouts
Custom table, fork, or interface dimensions to match equipment and line layouts
Specialized transfer surfaces for handling and protecting different roll materials
Specialized transfer surfaces for handling and protecting different roll materials

Engineered for Heavy, Repetitive Lifts

Roll and shaft handling tasks often involve repetitive lifting, positioning, and rotation of heavy loads. Unidex equipment is designed to reduce manual handling and improve operator safety while maintaining precise control of the load.

Typical system capabilities include:

With your needs and resources determined and potential solutions identified, the next step is planning things like:

  • Load capacities up to approximately 500 pounds
  • Lift and rotation configurations supporting a wide range of positioning requirements
  • Stroke lengths ranging from approximately 8 to 96 inches

Systems can be configured to handle a wide range of roll sizes, weights, and application requirements, including paper film roll lifts used in converting and packaging operations.

At Unidex, we manufacture standard and made-to-order equipment that can be integrated into your manufacturing assembly system. Stainless steel construction is available for applications where sanitation requirements or corrosive environments are a concern, such as food, medical, pulp, or chemical processing facilities.

Unidex roll handling equipment is designed to perform key material handling tasks, including:

Adding or removing shafts from rolls and machines
Adding or removing shafts from rolls and machines
Lifting and placing rolls during loading and unloading operations
Lifting and placing rolls during loading and unloading operations
Rotating rolls up to 90 degrees for positioning or transfer
Rotating rolls up to 90 degrees for positioning or transfer
Gripping rolls from either the outside diameter or the core
Gripping rolls from either the outside diameter or the core
Handling complex applications with varying roll sizes, materials, and access constraints
Handling complex applications with varying roll sizes, materials, and access constraints

Custom Roll Handling Equipment for Converting and Packaging Lines

Roll-handling equipment and shaft-lifting systems play a critical role in improving safety, reducing manual handling, and maintaining consistent material positioning in converting and packaging operations. Unidex designs both standard and engineered-to-order systems that integrate with existing equipment and workflows.

Contact Unidex to discuss your application requirements or to request a quote for roll-handling equipment designed for your line, load, and positioning needs.