Driving R&D

The Web Handling Research Center (WHRC) at Oklahoma State University focuses exclusively on web handling, which involves the physical mechanics related to the running and control of continuous strip materials through process machines. A primary goal of web handling is the transport of material through processes and machines without incurring defects and losses. The Center has put its emphasis on various factors, including mathematical model development, experimental parameter identification and model validation, and computer modeling and simulation. Specialized WHRC facilities include the winding/wrinkling laboratory, the air film conveyance laboratory, and the web transport laboratory. The center also includes a high-speed web line capable of running 30-in-wide webs at transport speeds to 5,000 fpm. The high-speed web line has the ability to operate in both forward and reverse web directions.