Roll Diameter Calculator

Calculate current roll diameter from core diameter, material thickness and wound length.

roll diameter winder web conveyor thickness winding

Input values

Enter values and click Calculate to see results here.

Formula

D = sqrt(D_core² + (4 × L × t) / π)

Worked Example

Given: A core diameter of 150 mm, material thickness 0.2 mm, and 500 m of material wound.

Step 1: Area = 500 × 0.2 = 100,000 mm²

Step 2: D = sqrt(150² + (4 × 100,000) / π) = sqrt(22,500 + 127,324) = sqrt(149,824) = 387 mm

The roll is now 387 mm in diameter. Check it fits your machine frame.

Engineering Notes

  • Measurement method: For accurate results, measure the web thickness with a micrometer. 0.01 mm error in thickness causes significant diameter error over thousands of layers.
  • Winder tension: Tension compresses the material. The actual diameter may be slightly less than calculated, especially for soft materials like paper or film.
  • Max roll diameter: Always check the machine's maximum roll diameter rating. Exceeding it can cause mechanical failure.
  • PLC integration: Use this calculation in PLC programs to estimate roll diameter from encoder counts and material thickness input.

References

  • TAPPI TIP 0404-48 — Roll diameter estimation