Methods of supporting a ribbon

A method of supporting a ribbon extending along a direction of an X-axis and along a direction of a Y-axis perpendicular to the direction of the X-axis comprising:

• gripping the ribbon with a support device;
• controlling the support device to maintain a downward force (Fx) in the direction of the X-axis within a first range of forces, wherein the downward force (Fx) is applied by the support device to the ribbon;
• controlling the support device to provide a force profile (Fz) in a direction of a Z-axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the X-axis and the direction of the Y-axis, wherein the force profile (Fz) is applied by the ribbon to a nosing device across a width of the ribbon, and wherein controlling the support device to provide the force profile (Fz) further reduces a moment (Mx) about the X-axis;
• and
• controlling the support device to reduce a force differential (Fz) in the direction of the Y-axis, wherein the force differential (Fy) is applied to the ribbon by the support device across the width of the ribbon, wherein controlling the support device to reduce the force differential (Fy) further reduces a moment (Mz) about the Z-axis,
• wherein the controlling the support device to provide the force profile (Fz) in the direction of the Z-axis and the controlling the support device to reduce the force differential (Fy) in the direction of the Y-axis are conducted simultaneously and after the controlling the support device to maintain the downward force (Fx) in the direction of the X-axis.