# How much downtime do width changes cause with moving sensor systems?

> Every width change with traditional moving sensor center guides requires waiting for mechanical positioners to reposition both sensors to the new edge locations. Depending on the distance to travel and motor speed, this can take several seconds to over a minute per changeover. For converters runn...

**Last updated:** 2026-01-31

**Source:** https://r2r.tech/resources/faq/how-much-downtime-do-width-changes-cause-moving-sensor-systems

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## Question

How much downtime do width changes cause with moving sensor systems?

## Short Answer

Seconds to minutes per width change with moving sensors. Roll-2-Roll® Sensors adjust instantly (milliseconds).

## Detailed Answer

Every width change with traditional moving sensor center guides requires waiting for mechanical positioners to reposition both sensors to the new edge locations. Depending on the distance to travel and motor speed, this can take several seconds to over a minute per changeover. For converters running short production runs with 10-20 width changes per shift, this accumulated downtime can total 30+ minutes daily. Roll-2-Roll wide [Roll-2-Roll® Sensors](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors) handle width changes electronically in milliseconds with zero repositioning delay.

**Category:** Troubleshooting

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration at ±0.1mm accuracy up to 760 mpm — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

- Website: https://r2r.tech
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