Abstract:
A flexible mandrel is provided for holding cores or core segments so that a roll of sheet material can be wound on the core segments in a winding machine. The mandrel and core segments are coupled through elastic interference between the mandrel and the core segments so that the core segments are arranged either adjacent to each other or spaced apart. A method for producing rolls of sheet material on the novel combination of mandrel and core segments feeds cores in an apparatus, transversely cuts the cores to form portions of core or core segments, feeds a flexible mandrel into the core segments for supporting and maintaining the axial position of the core segments. Coupling is by elastic interference between the flexible mandrel and the core segments to form an assembly in which the core segments are arranged on the mandrel spaced apart or adjacent one to the other.