Abstract: Magnetic tape is wound onto a roll at high speeds. Each strand of tape wound onto the roll is precisely superimposed over the previously wound strand by alignment devices including a pre-wrap alignment roller, a packwheel, and a post-winding final alignment guide roller. The final alignment guide roller locates the edges of the strand being wound in positions which are coplanar with the edges of the previously wound strands on the outside of the roll. The tape is aligned and locked in place on the roll by a combination of air removal and alignment and re-alignment steps during air removal.

Abstract: A rotary chuck for winding magnetic tape aligns the winding hub in both the axial and radial directions relative to the axis of winding rotation. This allows higher winding speeds to be used and produces finished rolls of improved quality. Alignment occurs upon application of air pressure to the rotary chuck. The rotary chucks can be placed side-by-side on a single mandrel for winding multiple strands simultaneously. Winding hubs can be easily slipped on and off the rotary chucks to improve winding productivity.