In the world of converting, printing, and flexible packaging, web stability is the difference between a premium product and expensive waste. While mechanical rollers and unwind shafts do the heavy lifting, the brain of the operation is the tension controller.
Among the legacy workhorses of the industry, the Mitsubishi LE-30CTA Tension Controller stands out for its reliability and precision. Often found in older yet robust machinery, these units require specific handling. This article serves as an exclusive guide to the unit's functionality, bridging the gap between a standard spec sheet and the operational manual.
Automatic taper tension reduction
As the roll diameter increases (rewind) or decreases (unwind), the controller automatically reduces tension output by a user-defined taper percentage (0–99%). This prevents core crushing or telescoping. mitsubishi tension controller le 30 cta manual exclusive
Two independent taper patterns (selectable via manual parameter F12):
Diameter memory retention
After power-off, the last calculated diameter is stored in non-volatile EEPROM — no need to re-teach on next run. Mastering Web Stability: An Exclusive Guide to the
Diameter presetting
You can manually input starting core diameter and final roll diameter for closed-loop control without a dancer roller.
The manual exclusively warns about these common mistakes: | Terminal | Signal | Exclusive Warning | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1, 2 | AC Power (100-240V) | Do NOT share neutral with a VFD – causes ground loops. | | 3 | Earth Ground | Mandatory for noise immunity. | | 4, 5 | Load Cell Signal (+/-) | Use twisted, shielded pair. Ground shield only at controller end. | | 6, 7 | Excitation Voltage (5V/10V) | Set DIP switch inside before powering on. | | 8, 9 | Analog Output (to brake) | Output impedance: <1k ohm. Do not short to ground. | | 10, 11 | Run/Stop Input (dry contact) | Use a relay, not a solid-state switch. | Automatic taper tension reduction As the roll diameter
Exclusive Tip: The manual notes that if you see “Er-5” on startup, one of your load cell wires is reversed relative to terminal 5.
Most users fail because they skip the zero and span calibration sequence. Here is the exact method from page 47 of the technical manual:
For a film rewinder:
Set F08 = 30% taper, F12 = 1 (curved).
At 100 mm diameter → 100% tension.
At 300 mm diameter → 70% tension.
At 500 mm diameter → 50% tension.
Prevents edge wrinkles on soft film rolls.