Apparatus and method for splicing a web of material

A method for splicing a first web to a second web, the method comprising:

• detecting a position of a trailing edge of a traveling web traveling in a machine direction;
• positioning a leading edge of a supply web adjacently to the trailing edge;
• actuating a web joiner;
• and
• creating a joint between the trailing edge and the leading edge via the web joiner to couple the trailing edge of the traveling web to the leading edge of the supply web.

A splicing system comprising:

• a first splicing assembly comprising:
• first and second support surfaces configured to support respective first and second material webs thereon;
• a fastener applicator configured to apply a first fastener to the first and second material webs;
• a second splicing assembly comprising:
• third and fourth support surfaces configured to support respective third and fourth material webs thereon;
• a fastener applicator configured to apply a second fastener to the third and fourth material webs;
• a web edge detection system;
• a receiving system configured to receive the first, second, third, and fourth material webs;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• determine, via the web edge detection system, a position of a trailing end of the first material web when the first material web passes a detection point in a sensing area of a first web end sensor;
• cause a leading end of the second material web to be positioned adjacently to the determined trailing end position of the first material web;
• control the fastener applicator of the first splicing assembly to couple the trailing end of the first material web to the leading end of the second material web via the first fastener;
• determine, via the web edge detection system, a position of a trailing end of the third material web when the third material web passes a detection point in a sensing area of a second web end sensor;
• cause a leading end of the fourth material web to be positioned adjacently to the determined trailing end position of the third material web;
• control the fastener applicator of the first splicing assembly to couple the trailing end of the third material web to the leading end of the fourth material web via the second fastener;
• and
• supply the joined first and second material webs and the joined third and fourth material webs to the receiving system.