Air shafts are long and heavy, and pulling them out of a roll normally takes two people holding each end. When the shaft tilts even slightly it rubs against the roll core, and over time the shaft bends and the internal air valves fail.

FullSharp installs an electric articulating manipulator with a cradle head that hugs the shaft. The unit carries the full weight and keeps the shaft perfectly level, so one operator only needs to pull gently to slide it out of the roll and onto the storage rack.

Electric Articulating Manipulator for Air Shaft Removal

Electric articulating manipulator supporting and pulling an air shaft out of a roll on the shop floor.

Equipment installed

  • Folding articulated arm: each arm segment rotates freely, following the shaft's removal path even when the machine sits flush against a wall.
  • Electric lifting unit: an electric motor raises and lowers the arm at the push of a button, holding a steady height throughout the pull.
  • Shaft cradle head: a trough that hugs the shaft body, with stops on both sides so the shaft cannot roll while it moves.
  • Floor-mounted support column: bolted to the floor beside the machine to absorb the moment load when the arm reaches full extension.

Key specifications

  • Arm typeFolding articulated
  • Operation typeElectric lift

Benefits for the plant

Keeps the shaft straight

The shaft stays level as it's pulled out, so it never rubs the roll core or bends.

Single-operator task

No need for a second person to hold the opposite end of the shaft.

Faster shaft changeovers

Machine downtime for shaft replacement is cut noticeably.

Real installation photos

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Click a photo to enlarge. Album of 26 photos taken on site.

Suitable applications

  • Roll printing and film laminating plants
  • Flexible packaging factories
  • Slitting and rewinding lines
  • Air shaft storage and rack areas

Get a consultation for your plant

FullSharp needs the length, diameter and weight of your air shaft along with the clearance around the machine. We build a cradle head to match that exact shaft, install the manipulator beside the machine and run a live test.