Sigma-Nip   Advanced Real-Time Nip Pressure

Sigma-Nip

Sigma-Nip Advanced Real-Time Nip Pressure Analysis Solution

Sigma-Nip® is an advanced electronic system for analyzing contact pressure between rollers. It measures and records the width of the pressure zone in real time at multiple points along the surface of the rollers, delivering results with unprecedented speed, precision, and repeatability. Compared to previous solutions, the new Sigma-Nip® not only ensures greater accuracy but is also capable of handling higher pressure levels, thus expanding the possibilities of applications. Sigma-Nip® represents a true revolution in industrial quality control. 

Technical specifications

Technology Resistive Ink
Max. Scan Speed 1 FPS
Compatibility Windows® 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 /Windows® 11
Connection USB
Disk Space 200 MB
Ram size 128 MB
Accuracy ± 6%
Repeatability ± 98
 0
 1

Common applications

  • Paper & Pulp Industry: Press sections, calenders, coaters, winders
  • Printing Industry: Offset, flexographic, gravure printing presses
  • Steel & Metal Rolling Mills: Cold rolling, hot rolling, leveling lines
  • Plastics & Film Processing: Calenders, film stretching lines, laminators
  • Rubber & Tire Manufacturing: Mixing mills, Calendering lines
  • Textile Industry: Controlling pressure in Padding mangles Finishing rollers
  • Converting & Packaging: Laminators, Coaters, Slitters
  • Maintenance & Condition Monitoring: Detecting uneven nip load, bearing wear, roller misalignment

Main advantages

  • Portable: Its modular and portable design connects instantly to the USB port of any standard Windows laptop, making setup quick and hassle-free.
  • Designed for durability and reliability, the sensor withstands repeated high pressure, conforms perfectly to curved surfaces, and tolerates daily exposure to grease, liquids, and inks.
  • Long-lasting performance: Sigma-Nip® thus offers stable and long-lasting performance even in the most demanding industrial environments. 

For the first time, technicians can measure roller pressure profiles and verify their alignment accurately, quickly, and cost-effectively. 

The system consists of an array of thin-film resistive pressure transducers mounted on a flexible support. 

By inserting the support between the rollers, the sensors detect the pressure distribution. The dedicated Windows-based software processes the data in real time, transforming it into intuitive and easy-to-interpret graphics. With Sigma-Nip®, contact pressure monitoring becomes simple, precise, and immediate. 

Sigma-Nip® is composed of a series of advanced sensors positioned between two contacting rollers. 

As soon as the rollers are closed, the system begins to precisely detect the width of the contact zone (nip), allowing instant verification of roller alignment and the level of pressure applied. 

Thanks to its real-time technology, Sigma-Nip® allows immediate adjustments to be made while the sensor is still in the closed (non-rotating) nip. 

This approach provides unprecedented flexibility, speed, and control in roller monitoring and calibration. 

Sigma-Nip® is a complete system designed to quickly and accurately detect pressure marks between rollers. 

Ideal for both routine maintenance and installation, the system is designed to be easily operated by a single person, allowing for quick removal of the rollers from the surface. 

Proper alignment and pressure balance between the rollers is essential to ensure optimal print quality and effective ribbon control. Evenly loaded rollers dramatically reduce the risk of ribbon breaks, sheet shifting, wrinkles, or unwanted creases. 

Through simple routine testing, Sigma-Nip® allows operators to optimize roller performance and significantly extend blanket life, reducing maintenance costs and increasing production efficiency. 

Using sophisticated mathematical algorithms, Sigma-Nip® is able to detect contact profiles in the transverse direction of the machine with unprecedented precision. Each sensor is individually calibrated, serialized, and assembled with the utmost care, adhering to extremely tight tolerances. 

 

Two solutions, one excellent technology: Sigma-Nip® Standard and Sigma-Nip® Mini


Sigma-Nip® is available in two versions to meet every application need: 

the Standard version, ideal for applications on large rolls or requiring high-amplitude measurement, and the Mini version, designed for smaller spaces and smaller contact surfaces, without sacrificing the precision and reliability typical of the Sigma-Nip® system. 

Standard Sigma-Nip

Active Sensor Area  8.4 in (21.3 cm)
Sensor Thickness 15 mils (0.381 mm)
Operating Temperature Range  from 0 to 250°F (da – 17.7 a 121°C)
Resolution  0.05 in (0.13 cm)
NIP Bandwidth Range  From 0.15 to 8.4 in (da 0.38 a 21.3 cm)
Minimum Pressure 40 PSI (2.8kg/cm2) 
Maximum Pressure 10,000 PSI (703 kg/cm2)
Maximum Exposure Time 300 sec
Detection Points 168
Substrate Material PET

Mini Sigma-Nip

Active Sensor Area  4.21 in (10.7 cm)
Sensor Thickness 5 mils (0.381 mm) 
Operating Temperature Range  From 0 to 250°F (da -17.7 a 121°C)
Resolution  0.02 in (0.5 mm)
NIP Bandwidth Range  From 0.06 to 4.21 in (da 0.15 a 10.7 cm)
Minimum Pressure 40 PSI (2.8 kg/cm2)
Maximum Pressure 10,000 PSI (703 kg/cm2)
Maximum Exposure Time 300 sec
Detection Points 168
Substrate Material PET

Both versions use individually calibrated sensors and advanced software to provide real-time analysis, enabling rapid adjustments and ensuring accurate quality control, both for routine maintenance and new system installations.

Whether for large industrial systems or more compact applications, Sigma-Nip® always provides safe, fast, and highly accurate pressure measurement.

Discover Sigma-Nip in action!

Want to better understand how Sigma-Nip can integrate into your projects? 

Book an online demo with one of our technicians. 

During the session, we will showcase the features of the Sigma-Nip and their dedicated software, provide real-world application examples, and give you all the information you need to evaluate the solution best suited to your needs. 

Book your Online Demo

We are here to guide you in selecting and integrating the most effective technology for your operational environment.