Method and apparatus for aligning a paper roll

A method comprising the steps of:

• providing a paperboard handling machine comprising a frame and a roll support assembly having left and right roll support arm assemblies which are movably mounted on the frame;
• mounting a first paperboard roll having left and right ends on the roll support assembly between the left and right arm assemblies;
• ascertaining a first value representing an ordered axial width of the roll;
• measuring a first axial distance from a first reference point to a second reference point, wherein the first reference point is to the left of the left end of the roll and the second reference point is to the right of the left end of the roll;
• determining a second axial distance from the first reference point to the left end of the roll;
• calculating a calculated value including subtracting the second axial distance from the first axial distance;
• and
• moving the roll axially while mounted on the roll support assembly to a position at which the calculated value equals the first value.

A paperboard handling machine configured for handling a paperboard roll having left and right ends, the machine comprising:

• a frame;
• left and right axially spaced roll support arm assemblies mounted on and axially adjustable relative to the frame;
• a roll-receiving space which is defined between the left and right arm assemblies and comprises a left side adjacent the left arm assembly and a right side adjacent the right arm assembly;
• the space adapted to receive therein the paperboard roll with the left and right ends respectively adjacent the left and right sides of the space;
• and
• a first distance sensor configured to measure a first axial distance from a first reference point to one of (a) the left side of the roll-receiving space, and (b) a reference point on the left arm assembly.