Method for controlling tension in a web

A method for controlling tension in a print media in a tension zone of a continuous web printing system, comprising:

• enabling an active tension control mode when initial transport of the print media begins and until the tension in the print media in the tension zone is in a stable state for a given period of time;
• disabling the active tension control mode and enabling a synchronized control mode after the tension in the print media in the tension zone is in the stable state for the given period of time and adjusting the tension in the print media in the tension zone less frequently than in the active tension control mode;
• using a processor to monitor the tension in the print media in the tension zone to determine if the tension exceeds a tension inner band and does not exceed a tension outer band while the synchronized control mode is enabled and adjusting a speed of a drive roller in response to the determination that the tension exceeds the tension inner band and does not exceed the tension outer band;
• and
• monitoring the tension in the print media in the tension zone to determine if the tension exceeds the tension outer band while the synchronized control mode is enabled, disabling the synchronized control mode in response to the determination that the tension exceeds the tension outer band, and enabling the active tension control mode.