Reel and winding technology plays a central role in numerous industries. Whether it’s steel strip, aluminum coil, paper web, plastic film, wire, cable, or textiles—wherever materials are continuously wound or unwound, precision machinery is indispensable. Modern systems often operate continuously and achieve high web speeds.

Rotary unions are used to ensure that winding shafts, reels, and tensioning systems can be reliably supplied with compressed air, hydraulic oil, or other media even while rotating. They connect stationary media lines to rotating machine components and ensure safe, continuous media transfer.

Winding systems must maintain constant web tension to prevent wrinkles, material tears, or dimensional deviations. Pneumatic or hydraulic tensioning systems therefore require a reliable supply of media even during continuous rotational motion. Rotating unions perform this task consistently and reliably.

Typical designs: Depending on the application, single-channel or multi-channel rotary unions are used. Multi-channel designs allow for the simultaneous transfer of multiple media and reduce the space required inside the machine.

Requirements: high rotational speeds, continuous operation, high sealing performance, robust construction, and a low-maintenance design.

Selection criteria: medium, operating pressure, speed, clamping system, material, seal materials, temperature range, and installation space.

Maintenance and Service Life: Regular visual inspections, clean media, and adherence to the permissible operating parameters extend the service life and minimize unplanned downtime.