Coil Cradles

The coil cradle is the oldest of the coil handling technologies. Material is fed off the front of the coil away from the press and then loops over the top of the cradle. Typically, its mechanics consist of two rollers, a motor, and a chain drive. Cradles usually are rugged and can handle abuse, such as dropping coils a few inches, without suffering damage. They are suitable for heavy-gauge materials and contract stamping operations involving quick, job-to-job coil changeover.

Uncoiler machine maintenance

With a cradle, cosmetic damage may occur on material surfaces such as polished steel, soft aluminum alloys, and plated or painted. Dirt or debris on the cradle rollers may become imbedded in the surface or mar finishes.
Because the coil rests on just two roller surfaces, the load-bearing capacity of the material surface diminishes as the thickness decreases.