Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Reel

A reel is a revolvable device, typically consisting of a cylindrical spool or frame mounted on an axis, used for winding, storing, and dispensing flexible materials such as thread, wire, film, rope, or fishing line.^[1] These devices facilitate efficient handling of elongated items by allowing them to be coiled compactly and unwound as needed, serving as essential tools across numerous industries and everyday activities.^[2] The term "reel" derives from Old English hrēol, referring to a rotatory apparatus linked to weaving, with its first known use predating the 12th century.^[1] Reels have evolved significantly since their ancient origins, with early forms appearing in textile production for winding yarn and thread into manageable skeins. By the 18th century, mechanical clock reels—geared devices that clicked to measure fixed lengths of yarn—became common in households and workshops for preparing fibers for dyeing and weaving.^[3] In fishing, the reel originated around AD 300–400 in China as a simple winder for retrieving lines, though widespread adoption in Europe occurred later; geared multiplying reels emerged in the mid-18th century, followed by brass winches with spiked or clamped bases in the late 18th century.^[4] Key 19th-century innovations included wooden Nottingham-style reels for coarse fishing and centrepin models with sprung latches, while the 20th century saw fixed-spool designs like the 1907 threadline reel and the 1954 Mitchell reel, which revolutionized angling with nylon lines and sold over 25 million units.^[4] In cinematography, film reels emerged alongside motion-picture technology in the late 19th century, with Thomas Edison's 1892 Kinetograph camera incorporating a two-reel system for capturing and projecting short films.^[5] By the early 1900s, flanged spools held 35mm celluloid strips for feature films, newsreels, and early television broadcasts, requiring projectionists to manually switch reels during screenings until the 1990s.^[5] The format persisted as the dominant medium for visual media until digital transitions began in the 1990s, rendering physical reels largely obsolete but preserving them as cultural artifacts.^[5] Modern reels also appear in electrical engineering for managing cables and hoses—such as 17th-century Dutch firefighting hose reels—and in manufacturing for automated winding of wires and tapes, underscoring their enduring versatility.^[6]

Definition and History

Definition

A reel is a cylindrical device consisting of a central core, often referred to as a barrel, with flanges or discs at the ends to contain and guide the material, designed for winding and storing elongated flexible items such as thread, wire, film, or hose.^[7]^[8] This structure facilitates organized storage by wrapping the material around the core in layers, preventing tangles and enabling efficient handling during use or transport.^[2] Reels are distinguished from simpler spools by their rotational capability on an axis, which supports active winding and unwinding, whereas spools often serve as static holders for lighter materials like thread without integrated turning mechanisms.^[7]^[2] The key characteristics of a reel emphasize its dynamic winding action, where the core rotates to coil materials like yarns, cords, ribbons, or cables under controlled conditions.^[8]^[2] This allows for repeated access to the stored material, making reels essential in applications requiring deployment and retrieval, such as in textiles or cabling.^[7] Unlike fixed spools, which lack provisions for easy rotation and are typically used for permanent or semi-permanent storage, reels incorporate features like axles to enable smooth payout and rewind.^[2] In operation, the physics of winding on a reel involves applying torque to the core and maintaining consistent tension on the material to achieve uniform layers and avoid damage.^[9] Proper torque ensures rotational force without slippage, while tension control prevents issues like stretching, air entrapment, or deformation that could compromise the material's integrity during storage or use.^[10] This balance is critical to producing stable rolls that resist shifting or telescoping over time.^[10]

Historical Development

The origins of reels trace back to ancient civilizations around the 3rd millennium BCE, where simple wooden devices were used for winding and storing fibers in textile production and rope-making. Evidence from regions like ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia indicates early winding tools for managing plant fibers such as flax and reeds, essential for weaving and construction.^[11]^[12] During the medieval and Renaissance periods, reels evolved in European textile industries to improve yarn management, with the introduction of cranked mechanisms for efficient winding of skeins. By the early 15th century, these hand-operated reels enhanced productivity in wool and linen processing across regions like England and Italy, supporting the growth of trade guilds and cloth exports. Concurrently, the earliest fishing reels originated in China around AD 300–400, with bamboo and wooden designs allowing anglers to retrieve lines more effectively, as depicted in contemporary illustrations of angling practices.^[4] The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a pivotal mechanization of reel designs, integrating steam power for automated winding in textile mills. Innovations like Richard Arkwright's water frame in 1769 and subsequent steam-driven adaptations enabled continuous reeling of cotton and wool fibers, dramatically scaling production from manual to factory-based operations. Although Eli Whitney's 1793 cotton gin revolutionized seed separation, it indirectly influenced reel advancements by increasing the volume of clean fiber available for mechanized winding and processing patents in the following decades.^[13]^[14]^[15] In the 20th century, reels shifted from primarily wooden constructions to durable metal and later plastic materials, enhancing strength and versatility across industries. Post-World War II, film reels saw widespread standardization, with Hollywood studios in the 1910s adopting 1000-foot metal reels as a norm for feature-length silent films, facilitating distribution and projection in expanding cinema networks. The introduction of injection-molded plastic reels in the mid-20th century, building on synthetic polymer developments from the 1930s, reduced costs and weight in textile, fishing, and media applications.^[16]^[17] Entering the 21st century, physical reels for media storage have declined sharply due to the dominance of digital formats, with physical media sales dropping significantly since 2000 as streaming supplanted analog distribution. However, specialized eco-friendly reel designs have grown in industrial sectors, featuring recyclable plastics and sustainably sourced wood to support circular economies in wire, cable, and textile recycling. Companies like Carris Reels and Madem Reels have pioneered CO2-neutral and FSC-certified models, emphasizing reusability to minimize environmental impact. As of 2025, Madem Reels received sustainability awards from industry leaders like Prysmian and Nexans for their environmental efforts.^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]

Design and Construction

Core Components

The central core, also known as the hub or arbor, forms the cylindrical foundation of a reel around which the material—such as thread, wire, line, or film—winds. This component determines the reel's storage capacity, with its diameter influencing the volume and tension of the wound material; smaller diameters, typically around 1 to 3 inches, suit delicate threads to prevent tangling, while larger ones up to 12 inches accommodate bulkier items like hoses or cables.^[22]^[23] Flanges, or end discs, serve as the protective plates attached to both sides of the central core to contain and guide the material during winding and unwinding. These can be fixed for standard applications, removable for easy loading in industrial settings, or adjustable to accommodate varying widths of material, ensuring even distribution and preventing slippage.^[22]^[24] The axle, or shaft, runs through the center of the core and flanges, providing the rotational support essential for the reel's operation. Often equipped with bearings for reduced friction and smooth spinning, it allows the reel to mount on stands or rods, facilitating controlled payout or retrieval of the material.^[22]^[25] Optional features enhance functionality depending on the application, including integrated handles for manual cranking, brakes to control speed and prevent backlash, and tensioners to maintain consistent pressure on the wound material.^[25] Dimensional standards for reels vary by use but commonly feature core diameters from 1 to 12 inches and flange diameters scaled accordingly—often 12 inches for small reels up to 96 inches for heavy-duty ones—to match material type and load requirements, as outlined in norms like DIN 46397.^[26]^[27]

Materials and Manufacturing

Reels are constructed from diverse materials tailored to their functional demands across applications. Traditional textile and lightweight spools frequently use wood, valued for its low density and machinability in custom designs. Heavy-duty industrial reels, such as those for cables and wires, commonly incorporate metals like steel and aluminum to provide structural integrity under high tensile loads. Modern fishing reels prioritize corrosion-resistant materials including aluminum alloys and stainless steel for frames and components, while graphite composites offer a lightweight alternative with high strength-to-weight ratios. For media and recording reels, plastic hubs made from ABS or polycarbonate are standard, ensuring durability without adding excessive weight to film or tape storage.^[28]^[29]^[30]^[31] Material choices are determined by key criteria such as mechanical strength relative to weight, resistance to environmental stressors, and economic viability. In fishing reels, exposure to moisture and saltwater necessitates materials with superior corrosion resistance, like anodized aluminum, to prevent degradation over time. Industrial reels emphasize load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance in metals to handle repeated winding cycles. Sustainability has emerged as a critical factor since the early 2020s, driving adoption of biodegradable composites and recycled plastics in spool production to lower carbon footprints and align with circular economy principles.^[30]^[32]^[33]^[34] Manufacturing processes are selected based on material type to optimize precision and scalability. Injection molding dominates plastic reel production, enabling rapid formation of intricate shapes like flanges and cores with minimal waste. Metals are processed through CNC machining for accurate tolerances in high-stress components, such as gear housings in fishing reels. Wooden reels rely on conventional woodworking methods, including lathe turning and milling, for bespoke industrial or textile applications. Mass production incorporates automated assembly lines to integrate components efficiently, a practice refined for industrial reels since the mid-20th century.^[35]^[36]^[30]^[37] Adherence to quality standards ensures reliability and safety in reel manufacturing. Industrial producers often certify under ISO 9001 for quality management systems, verifying consistent processes and defect reduction. Environmental compliance via ISO 14001 addresses waste minimization, particularly in plastic handling. By 2025, recycling protocols are embedded in production, with manufacturers incorporating post-consumer resins to support sustainable practices while maintaining performance.^[38]^[39]^[33]

Winding and Operation

Winding Techniques

Winding techniques for reels prioritize precise layering to preserve material integrity and facilitate subsequent unwinding. For flat or ribbon materials, such as adhesive tape or magnetic recording tape, single-layer winding is utilized to minimize creasing and distortion by laying the material flat without multi-layer stacking that could induce buckling under tension.^[40] In contrast, round materials like electrical wire or cable employ multi-layer level winding (traverse winding), where successive layers are built up in parallel using traverse mechanisms that move the guide across the reel's width to achieve uniform coverage and prevent voids.^[41] Tension control during winding maintains a constant force to avoid slack, which causes uneven packs, or excessive tightening, which damages the material. Systems achieve this through constant tension methods that adjust torque as the reel diameter increases, often via dancer arms or electronic sensors in industrial setups.^[42] Basic designs rely on manual adjustments or mechanical tension arms to apply steady pressure, suitable for smaller-scale operations.^[43] Speed and direction of winding influence layer adhesion and alignment, with clockwise or counterclockwise rotation selected based on the reel's orientation and material properties to ensure consistent buildup. Level-wind systems integrate with the drive mechanism to distribute material evenly across the reel's traverse width, reducing the risk of piled-up edges or thin spots.^[44] Common challenges in winding include material overlap, which is mitigated by precision guides that align the feed path and synchronize with traverse motion. Operators also calculate maximum layers based on core diameter and material thickness to prevent overfilling, which could deform the flanges or compromise stability.^[45] These techniques ensure the wound reel remains compact and reliable for storage and deployment.^[46]

Mechanisms and Automation

Manual mechanisms in reels typically rely on hand cranks or pull-cords to facilitate winding, providing direct mechanical control for smaller-scale operations. Hand cranks, often integrated into the spool assembly, allow operators to rotate the reel manually, transmitting torque through geared or direct-drive systems for efficient material collection.^[47] Pull-cords, commonly used in portable or lightweight reels, enable quick engagement of the winding action via a ratcheting or friction-based spool. For controlled unwinding, friction brakes are employed, utilizing yieldable pads or discs to apply adjustable resistance and prevent uncontrolled payout of the material.^[48] Powered systems enhance reeling capabilities for industrial applications, incorporating electric motors or hydraulic drives to handle larger loads and continuous operations. Electric motors, such as DC or AC variants, power reels in cable laying tasks, where they automate the retraction of heavy-duty cables in ports and mining environments, supporting loads exceeding 100 kW.^[49] Hydraulic drives are prevalent in reels for heavy hoses, using fluid pressure to drive the spool rotation, which is particularly effective for high-torque requirements in construction and oilfield operations.^[50] Manufacturers like Reelcraft and Hannay produce these systems with robust frames to accommodate hoses up to 1.5 inches in diameter.^[51]^[52] Automation features in modern reels integrate sensors for real-time tension feedback and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to optimize performance in factory settings. Tension sensors monitor material pull during winding, adjusting motor speed to maintain consistent pressure and prevent breakage or slack.^[53] PLCs, which have been widely used in industrial automation since the 1970s, enable programmable sequences for automated winding cycles, interfacing with motors and sensors for precise control in high-volume production.^[54]^[55] Safety integrations in automated reels include auto-stop mechanisms that halt operation upon full winding to avoid over-tension, as seen in electric models with digital counters. Overload protection, often via circuit breakers or electromagnetic brakes, safeguards against excessive torque by disengaging power when limits are exceeded.^[56]^[57] By 2025, IoT-enabled monitoring has emerged for predictive maintenance in industrial reels, using sensors to detect wear in real-time and forecast failures through IIoT platforms, reducing downtime in sectors like manufacturing.^[58] Efficiency in these setups is evidenced by winding speeds reaching up to 100 meters per minute in motor-driven systems, enabling rapid material handling over lengths up to 200 meters.^[59]

Applications

Industrial and Textile Uses

In the textile industry, reels, often in the form of bobbins and spools, play a crucial role in yarn production and weaving processes within spinning mills. These devices hold and dispense yarn during spinning, where raw fibers are twisted into threads, and in subsequent weaving stages to ensure continuous supply to looms.^[60] Bobbins, typically made from wood, plastic, or cardboard, are loaded onto spinning frames to collect yarn directly from the drafting process, while spools facilitate winding for storage and transport to weaving operations.^[61] Capacities vary by yarn fineness, but standard bobbins can accommodate 1 to 10 kilometers of thread, depending on the denier and material density, enabling efficient bulk handling in high-volume mills.^[62] Reels are essential in wire and cable production for managing electrical wiring and other conductive materials during manufacturing. Steel reels, prized for their durability under heavy loads, support payoff systems that unwind raw wire from supply spools and take-up systems that collect finished cable in uniform layers to prevent tangling and ensure quality.^[63] These reels commonly handle capacities up to 5,000 meters of wiring, with designs accommodating weights from 5,000 to 20,000 pounds to suit factory-scale operations.^[64] In hose and ribbon handling, reels facilitate organized storage and deployment in agricultural and packaging contexts. Agricultural irrigation reels, often mobile and turbine-driven, manage hoses ranging from 200 to 500 meters in length, allowing efficient water distribution across fields while minimizing manual labor.^[65] For gift ribbons, industrial reels wind and package materials in bulk, typically on plastic or wooden spools, to support automated dispensing in wrapping and crafting production lines.^[66] The global market for industrial reels was valued at approximately USD 0.48 billion in 2024, driven by demand in manufacturing sectors for efficient material handling solutions.^[67] Recycling programs, such as Sonoco's EcoReel initiative, promote sustainability by collecting and repurposing used wooden and plastic reels, reducing landfill waste and enabling reuse in secondary markets.^[68]

Fishing and Utility Reels

Fishing reels are portable mechanical devices designed for angling, enabling the storage, deployment, and retrieval of fishing line while providing control over tension during the fight with a catch. These reels are essential for recreational and sport fishing, attaching to rods to manage monofilament, braided, or fluorocarbon lines. Key types include spinning reels, which feature a fixed spool that rotates parallel to the rod for smooth line release, making them ideal for beginners and lighter tackle applications, and baitcasting reels, which use a revolving spool perpendicular to the rod for precise casts with heavier lines but requiring more skill to avoid backlash.^[69]^[70] Line capacities in these reels typically range from 100 to 300 meters, depending on the line type and reel size; for instance, a standard 2500-size spinning reel holds about 150-200 meters of 8-10 pound test monofilament, while baitcasting models accommodate around 100-150 meters of 12-pound test for balanced performance in various fishing scenarios. Drag systems, a core feature in both types, apply adjustable tension to the spool via friction washers—often carbon or felt-based—to prevent line breakage when a fish pulls, with modern designs offering smooth, progressive resistance up to 10-20 pounds in mid-range models.^[71]^[72]^[73] Utility reels extend the concept of line management to everyday tasks, including badge or ID reels that provide quick access to identification cards or keys through retractable cords extending up to 0.6 meters, featuring durable clips for attachment to belts or pockets in professional or event settings. Extension cord reels for home and garage use store electrical cords of 15-30 meters, such as 50-foot 14-gauge models with multiple outlets, facilitating organized power distribution for tools and appliances while preventing tangles and enabling easy retraction.^[74]^[75]^[76] Design adaptations in fishing and utility reels prioritize durability and usability, with marine-grade corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum frames and stainless steel components shielding against saltwater exposure and prolonging lifespan in coastal environments. One-handed operation features, such as quick-release triggers on spinning reels or electric motors in adaptive models, allow effortless casting and retrieval, benefiting anglers with limited mobility by reducing physical strain during extended use.^[77]^[78] Market trends reflect growing innovation, with smart fishing reels incorporating GPS integration emerging since 2020 to log catch locations, track line depth, and suggest optimal spots via app connectivity, enhancing user experience in recreational angling. The global fishing reels market, valued at over $4.8 billion in 2024, supports annual sales exceeding 50 million units, driven by rising participation in sport fishing and demand for technologically advanced, portable gear.^[79]^[80]

Media and Recording Reels

In media and recording applications, reels have historically served as essential components for storing and transporting analog audio, video, and data, facilitating the capture, playback, and preservation of information through magnetic or photographic media. Open-reel audio formats, particularly those using 1/4-inch wide magnetic tape, emerged as a standard in the mid-20th century for both amateur and professional sound recording, allowing for high-fidelity multitrack production in studios. These systems typically employed reels ranging from 3 to 10.5 inches in diameter, with the largest 10.5-inch reels accommodating up to 2400 feet of tape to support extended recording sessions at speeds like 7.5 or 15 inches per second. Professional audio engineers relied on such open-reel setups for mastering and broadcasting until the late 1990s, when digital audio workstations began to dominate due to their precision and ease of editing.^[81]^[82]^[83] For video and film recording, reels handled photochemical stocks in gauges such as 16mm and 35mm, which were widely used in documentary, educational, and theatrical production from the 1920s onward. Standard 16mm reels often held 400 feet of film, equivalent to about 11 minutes of footage at 24 frames per second, making them practical for portable cinematography and non-theatrical distribution. In contrast, 35mm reels supported larger capacities, with common lengths of 1000 to 2000 feet per reel to accommodate feature-length segments in professional workflows. The transition to enclosed formats in the 1970s introduced cassette-based systems like Betamax and VHS, which incorporated internal reels within protective plastic shells to simplify consumer handling and reduce exposure to dust, while maintaining the core winding mechanism of earlier open-reel video tapes. These cassettes, pioneered by Sony's Betamax in 1975 and JVC's VHS in 1976, revolutionized home video recording by enabling up to 2-4 hours of playback on a single unit, though they retained reel-based tape transport internally.^[84]^[85]^[86] In data storage, magnetic tape reels evolved into cartridge formats like Linear Tape-Open (LTO), which became a cornerstone for enterprise backups and archiving starting in the late 1990s, offering scalable capacities far exceeding earlier open-reel systems. LTO-9 cartridges, for instance, provide 18 terabytes of native capacity per unit, while the 2025-introduced LTO-10 extends this to 40 terabytes native (up to 100 terabytes compressed), enabling efficient handling of petabyte-scale datasets in cloud-hybrid environments.^[87] Although solid-state drives gained prominence post-2010 for active data access due to their speed and reliability, tape reels persisted in archival roles where cost per terabyte outweighed frequent retrieval needs, with global shipments reaching 176.5 exabytes in 2024.^[88] As of 2025, remnants of reel-based media endure primarily in archival contexts, where institutions like the Smithsonian and National Archives maintain vast collections of audio and video tapes for cultural preservation, often digitizing them to mitigate degradation from magnetic particle loss over decades. Museums and libraries continue to house open-reel audio tapes and film stocks as primary artifacts, with ongoing efforts to transfer content to digital formats ensuring long-term accessibility. Hybrid systems, integrating analog reels with high-resolution scanning technologies, have emerged for restoration projects, allowing non-destructive playback of vintage tapes alongside AI-assisted digital enhancement to bridge analog warmth with modern searchability.^[89]^[90]^[91]

Field-Specific Terminology

Cinematography Terms

In cinematography, the term "reel" refers to a standardized unit of film stock wound onto a spool for production, distribution, and projection. For 35mm film, the standard reel length is 1,000 feet, which provides approximately 11 minutes of runtime at the conventional projection speed of 24 frames per second.^[92] Similarly, in 16mm format, reels typically measure 400 feet, also yielding about 11 minutes of footage under standard projection conditions.^[93] These lengths were established to balance manageable handling in projectors with sufficient narrative continuity, often requiring films to be divided into multiple reels for longer features. To facilitate seamless transitions during projection, films employed split reels across dual projectors, allowing one to run while the next was prepared. Related terminology includes changeover cues—small dots, ovals, or crosses printed in the upper-right frame corner, appearing about 8-10 seconds before a reel's end to alert the projectionist to switch projectors.^[94] Reel markers, often synonymous with these cues, served as visual indicators etched or printed on the film to denote reel boundaries and ensure precise synchronization.^[95] Another associated format is the newsreel, a short documentary reel compiling current events, topical stories, and footage, which dominated cinema programming from the 1910s through the 1960s before television supplanted it.^[96] Projection practices historically incorporated intermission breaks to accommodate manual reel changes, minimizing disruptions in multi-reel presentations. By the 1980s, theaters transitioned to platter systems, which spliced entire films into continuous loops on horizontal platters, eliminating reel swaps and enabling automated, non-rewind playback.^[97] This innovation, introduced around 1980, streamlined operations but required projectionists to handle longer, unified film assemblies.^[98] The digital shift further transformed reel usage, with Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) emerging as the standard for distribution since 2005, effectively replacing physical film reels with encrypted digital files containing audio, video, and metadata streams.^[99] DCPs, governed by the Digital Cinema Initiatives specification, allowed for high-quality projection without physical media, though residual use of film reels persists in independent productions and special effects workflows where analog textures are preferred.^[100]

Other Specialized Contexts

In engineering and utilities, particularly within manufacturing lines for wire, cable, and metal processing, payoff reels and take-up reels represent key terminology for material handling. A payoff reel functions as the unwinding source, feeding coils or spools into production machinery, commonly known as an uncoiler in metal fabricating operations where it grips the coil's inner diameter to dispense material steadily.^[101] The take-up reel, by contrast, serves as the winding destination, collecting output material under constant tension to form neat spools, often integrated into systems handling products from fine copper wire to large jacketed cables up to 6 inches in diameter.^[102] These terms emphasize directional flow in continuous processes like galvanizing or extrusion, where payoff units initiate uncoated material entry and take-up units finalize winding.^[103] In maritime and aviation contexts, winch reels manage ropes and cables essential for operations, with specialized terms reflecting environmental demands. Maritime winch reels handle heavy-duty lines, including hawsers—thick ropes exceeding 5 inches in diameter used for mooring or towing vessels—ensuring controlled deployment and retrieval to prevent kinking or overload.^[104] In aviation, winch reels support aircraft cable systems, typically 7x7 or 7x19 strand wire ropes galvanized or stainless steel for corrosion resistance, facilitating secure rigging in maintenance and towing scenarios.^[105] Beyond mechanical applications, the term "reel" extends to cultural and performing arts as a folk dance form of Scottish origin, later prominent in Irish traditions, characterized by rapid, gliding steps and figures that alternate traveling patterns with setting steps in 2/4 or 4/4 time. This usage draws an analogous connection to the spinning motion of a thread-winding reel, evoking the dancers' whirling turns in group formations.^[106] In emerging technologies post-2020, reel terminology appears in drone and immersive systems for tether management. Drone tether reels deploy lightweight composite cables—often fiber optic for data alongside power transmission—enabling indefinite flight durations by spooling out up to several hundred meters while mitigating drag and tension.^[107] In virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), cable management reels, such as motorized retractors in haptic devices, prevent entanglement during full-body interactions; for instance, the Reel Feel system employs shoulder-worn reels with fingertip strings to deliver variable force feedback, enhancing spatial haptics in XR environments.^[108] Similarly, NASA concepts incorporate tether reels for multibody dynamics control in aerial platforms, tracking deployment via position indicators.^[109] Automotive wire reels adhere to ANSI/SAE specifications governing harness production, where reels supply low-voltage cables compliant with SAE J1128 standards^[110] for insulation, conductivity, and environmental resistance, ensuring reliable performance in vehicle wiring up to 125°C. These standards focus on wire quality for reel-fed manufacturing, with performance tests like USCAR-44^[111] evaluating retention under vibration and fluid exposure.

References

[1]
Definition of REEL
### Extracted Content for "Reel" (Noun, Winding Device)
[2]
REEL Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
Reel definition: a cylinder, frame, or other device that turns on an axis and is used to wind up or pay out something.. See examples of REEL used in a ...Missing: encyclopedia | Show results with:encyclopedia
[3]
Yarn Winding Tools in the 18th Century
Jan 29, 2024 · Wooden hand reels from Lanarkshire, Scotland, 18th century ; Skinner 3259T, Lot 1153, four 18th century wool-winding tools from the Marge Staufer ...
[4]
A brief history of the fishing reel - Fishing Museum
The Chinese probably invented the fishing reel around AD 300 or 400, but until the seventeenth century the only evidence that anglers used them was in art.Missing: tool | Show results with:tool
[5]
History of the Film Reel - Southtree
Film reels were likely invented shortly after motion-picture cameras, with Edison's 1892 camera having two reels. They were used until the 1990s, when digital ...
[6]
The History and Design Elements of Hose Reels - Intradin
Mar 10, 2023 · The first hose reel design appeared in 17th century Holland. They were developed to meet the needs of firefighting hoses at the time.
[7]
Reels, spools, drums, and bobbins - expometals
All reels are composed of a cylindrical core, which is called barrel, and flanges at the ends to retain the material wound around the core. The core in many ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
reel - American Heritage Dictionary Entry
A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.Missing: thread | Show results with:thread
[9]
Winding: Part 3 - Tension, Nip and Torque
Jan 23, 2023 · TNTs stand for Tension, Nip and Torque. Tension is the force in the plane of the web. Nip is the force applied against the building roll. Torque is an optional ...
[10]
What is Winding Tension and Why is it Important?
May 8, 2019 · When winding reels, the degrees of tension must be controlled to exclude air from between the layers of material. Air entrainment can cause the ...
[11]
Rope making in Egypt - Universität Innsbruck
Jun 23, 2021 · Ropes are no longer made of papyrus but are manufactured from coconut and palm fibers. Similar rope making methods can also be found in other countries.
[12]
The Ancient History of Ropes - Eurofuni
Nov 24, 2023 · In ancient Egypt, ropes were used for building construction, transportation of heavy materials, and agriculture. The ropes were made by weaving ...Missing: reels storage Mesopotamian 3000 BCE
[13]
Richard Arkwright | Science and Industry Museum
Jul 29, 2019 · With Kay, Arkwright developed his first prototype spinning machine. Initially designed to be driven by horsepower, the machine's moving rollers ...
[14]
A Timeline of Textile Machinery Inventions - ThoughtCo
May 13, 2025 · Here's how the industrial revolution affected the textile industry, an introduction and timeline to the main advancements of the era.
[15]
Cotton Gin – EH.net - Economic History Association
The cotton gin developed by Eli Whitney in 1793 marked a major turning point in the economic history of the Southern United States.
[16]
American Cinema in the 1910s
The years 1908 to 1914 are often referred to as the “one-reel era.” One reel, or 1,000 feet of film, had become the standard film length at most studios ...Missing: standardization | Show results with:standardization
[17]
The Age of Plastic: From Parkesine to pollution | Science Museum
Oct 11, 2019 · The 20th and 21st centuries have been dubbed the Plastics Age—when were the first plastics produced, and how have they changed our world?
[18]
Physical Media is Dying: Is That Good for the Planet? - GreenGeeks
Explore how moving away from physical media impacts the planet and whether it truly reduces waste and energy consumption.Missing: reels | Show results with:reels
[19]
Sustainability - Carris Reels, Inc.
We provide a versatile range of recycling options, including both environmentally friendly Nailed Wood Reels and durable Plastic Reels.
[20]
Madem Reels Group Honoured with Dual Sustainability Awards ...
Sep 1, 2025 · “Today, we are proud to be CO₂ neutral, ISO 14000 certified, and hold FSC or PEFC green certification for all our reels made from renewable pine ...<|separator|>
[21]
Wooden Reel Anatomy: How Do Wire Reels Work? - Kris-Tech Wire
Jan 30, 2024 · The arbor hole runs lengthwise through the drum at its center and holds the arbor or axle used to transport or unwind the cable from the reel.Missing: dimensional | Show results with:dimensional
[22]
Wooden Cable Reel Dimensions for Wire and Cable Orders - Blog
Aug 25, 2021 · The arbor hole is at the center of the reel, and provides access for Reel Stand axles. · The drum core is the circular center of the cable reel.Missing: hub shaft
[23]
Industrial Cable Spools and Reels: Working With a Reel of Cable
Oct 27, 2021 · Some manufacturers use “reel" to refer to the full unit, while “spool" refers to what's left behind after the cable has been exhausted. For ...
[24]
[PDF] Ordering & Accessory Guide - Hannay Hose Reels
The hub assembly is the heart of the hose reel. It includes the outlet riser, the reel axle, and the threaded inlet to which the swivel joint is attached.Missing: core | Show results with:core
[25]
Reel Dimensions and Volumes - HOWAR Equipment Inc.
Reel Dimensions and Volumes. There are various standard sizes of reels which are represented below : DIN46397. Flange Dia. Drum Diam. Bore O.D., Bore I.D. ...
[26]
[PDF] Reel Packaging Information - Southwire
Reel Packaging Information. ALL WOOD REEL. Reel flanges are two-ply; layers nailed together at 90° angles. Used for shipping medium to heavy loads of bare and.Missing: axle | Show results with:axle
[27]
What Are The Material Characteristics Of Cable Spool?
Steel plate structure is generally used for steel wire winding Cable spool, but wooden Cable spool can be used for winding fine steel wire and non-ferrous wire.
[28]
Reels And Spools Market Size, Growth, Trends, Report 2035
The Reels And Spools Market is segmented based on material into Plastic, Metal, Wood, and Composite Materials. Among these segments, the Plastic segment is ...
[29]
https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/reels-spools-market-23575
[30]
Preservation Self-Assessment Program (PSAP) | Film
A reel is a metal or plastic hub with extended sides between which the film is wound for projection. Reels—especially metal, dented, or otherwise damaged reels— ...35mm · 16mm · Film Base Materials<|separator|>
[31]
Fishing Reels - AvCarb Material Solutions
AvCarb carbon fiber materials can be used in ALL fishing reels: Fly Trolling, Spinning, Casting and may be used with or without lubricants!Missing: common | Show results with:common
[32]
Plastic Spools : Using Recycled Plastic in the Manufacturing
Jan 23, 2023 · Our company has a proven track record in creating plastic spools using recycled ABS and HIPS plastic. These plastics have the same material ...<|separator|>
[33]
Trends in the Sustainable Materials Market for 2025 and Beyond
Sep 2, 2025 · The next five years will bring tighter embodied carbon limits, portfolio-level procurement standards, and wider adoption of Buy Clean policies.
[34]
Plastic Spools and Reels Product Guide - Sonoco
Jul 25, 2025 · Reel Tough® Plastic Process Reels · Copper, aluminum, and special alloy wire producers · Magnet wire producers · Monofilament ...
[35]
Textile Spools Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA and Canada
Polystyrene, ABS, polycarbonate and polypropylene materials used. Offered in various colors, sizes, designs, and materials.
[36]
Introduction to Flat Cable Reel Manufacturing Process - News
Apr 3, 2024 · Introduction to Flat Cable Reel Manufacturing Process · 1. Design Phase: · 2. Material Selection: · 3. Cutting and Shaping: · 4. Component Assembly:.
[37]
Most Common ISO Standards in the Manufacturing Industry
1. ISO 9001: Quality Management System · 2. ISO 14001: Environmental Management System · 3. ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management System · 4. ISO ...Missing: reel | Show results with:reel
[38]
https://www.stibosystems.com/blog/iso-standards-in-the-manufacturing-industry
[39]
APPENDIX 1: Ampex Guide to the Care and Handling of Magnetic ...
A nominal winding tension in the region of 2.2 N [8 ounces] is appropriate for 25.4 mm [1 inch] wide tape with nominal thickness 25 mm [1 mil; 0.001 inch]. For ...Missing: single | Show results with:single
[40]
What Is Traverse Winding? Complete Guide to Spooling
Traverse winding is the method of spooling material where the guide moves side to side across the spool axis while the spool rotates.Missing: single | Show results with:single
[41]
Taper Tension for Rewind Control: Definitions & Processes - Montalvo
Mar 17, 2015 · Taper tension is the process of gradually decreasing web tension as the material is wound at the re-coiler so that the larger the diameter of the coil, the ...
[42]
[PDF] WINDER/UNWIND TENSION CONTROL
By changing the tension control to a better suited method, far more accurate and consistent tension result while not requiring ANY operator adjustments. This ...
[43]
Traverse Drives for Cable Winding & Spooling Applications - Amacoil
The RG traverse drive is uniquely well suited to traverse winding and spooling a wide range of medium to heavy gauge materials.
[44]
Cable Reel Capacity Calculator - SAMM
A) Flange Diameter is the cable reel total size. The side circular guards that cover each end of the flat edges of the drum core are known as flanges. A common ...
[45]
[PDF] double r controls technical information on the principles of spooling
The Stepped-End™ winding technique is a KT Industries Patented spooling technique when the dwell at the end of the stepped end package is greater than 720º ...
[46]
[PDF] 1 June 2009 CLASS 242, WINDING, TENSIONING, OR ... - USPTO
Jun 1, 2009 · mechanism for transmitting torque includes an initial element (e.g., a hand crank, lever, or wheel) particularly fashioned to be operated by.
[47]
Class 242: WINDING, TENSIONING, OR GUIDING ( Manual of U.S. ...
Oct 6, 2000 · Hand crank feature. 284 · [Patents] . . . . Collapsible or extensible ... Yieldable brake (e.g., friction or fluid). 381.1 · [Patents] ...Missing: cord | Show results with:cord
[48]
Motor-Driven Reels | Conductix-Wampfler | United States of America
Motor driven reels handle the heavy cables and hoses that continuously feed the biggest machines in ports, mines and industry. For higher than 100 kW ...Missing: laying hydraulic
[49]
Hydraulic hose reel HR000H - Industrial Winch
Hydrualic (air) Hose reel HR series are used to reel hoses for fresh water or fuel supply and hydraulic oil or to reel electrical power supply cables ...
[50]
EA33118 L12D - Premium Duty 12 V DC Motor Driven Hose Reel
Reelcraft Series 30000 hose reels are designed for rugged applications requiring long lengths of hose and large storage capacity.Missing: laying | Show results with:laying
[51]
Home | Hannay Reels Official Site
Hannay Reels is the leading manufacturer of durable hose and cable reels for both OEM and aftermarket applications, offering thousands of standard models.Parts Drawing · Dealer Locator · Reel Selector · Careers
[52]
Winding Reeling Machines - Precision and Efficiency - Alibaba.com
Automated models feature programmable logic controllers (PLCs), touch-screen interfaces, and sensors that monitor tension, diameter, and length in real time.
[53]
Top 12 Coil Winding Machine Manufacturers [October 2025]
Jul 16, 2025 · PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) interfaces. Heavy-duty mechanical design for large coils. Tensioning systems and adjustable winding heads.
[54]
Winder Controls | PLCtalk - Interactive Q & A
Jul 12, 2010 · Surface wind? A PLC allows you to include logic to control the sequence loading/unloading of the winder along with the tension in a single unit.Missing: automation | Show results with:automation
[55]
https://www.plctalk.net/forums/threads/winder-controls.56639/
[56]
Cord & Cable Reels | MSC Industrial Supply Co.
4.7 776 · Free deliveryIt includes a built-in circuit breaker with overload protection, which will automatically go off when the rated current or voltage is exceeded to protect your ...
[57]
Optimized predictive maintenance for streaming data in industrial ...
Jul 26, 2025 · Predictive maintenance in Industrial IoT (IIoT) networks faces challenges due to dynamic conditions, device heterogeneity, and evolving data ...Missing: reels | Show results with:reels
[58]
W Motor-Driven Reel Series | Conductix-Wampfler | Germany
W Motor-Driven Reel Series · Travel speed up to 100 m/min over winding length 200 m max · Outer diameter of spool. Random wind spool: 400 mm to 1500 mm.
[59]
How A Spinning Mill Works for The World
The spinning mill is a major part of the textile industry. A spinning mill is simply a place that cleans, pulls, and twists raw cotton to produce long threads.<|separator|>
[60]
Essential Equipment and Machinery in a Modern Cotton Mill
Jan 5, 2024 · In addition to winding the yarn onto bobbins or cones, some cotton mills utilize reeling machines. Reeling machines wind the yarn onto ...
[61]
Textile yarn size calculator and conversion chart - Service Thread
Our yarn conversion calculator makes it easy to select the right yarn size and measurement. Enter your custom data and view the yarn conversion chart.Missing: bobbin | Show results with:bobbin
[62]
Pay-Offs and Take-Ups | Cable Machinery Supplier | S&A
S&A introduces our portal type pay-off and take-up machine, designed for wire unreeling and take-up operations in cable manufacturing processes.
[63]
Take up Reeling & Coiling - Take-ups, Payoffs & Payouts - Products
$$5 deliveryThese units are offered in capacities from 5,000 to 20,000 lbs. with reel sizes ranging up to 120" diameter. Drive options are Hydraulic, AC or SCR DC. Add to ...
[64]
Casella LL 125/500 Hard Hose Irrigator - IrrigationBox
Casella LL 125/500 Fully Hydraulic Hard Hose Reel Irrigator, easy to use, highly efficient. It is perfect for lands up to 500 m length, and any industrial ...
[65]
https://www.irrigationbox.com/casella-ll-125-500-hard-hose-reel-travelling-irrigator
[66]
Industrial Reels Market Size, Share & Trends, 2025 To 2030
Reels that handle hoses, cables, and static grounding are usually manufactured to high standards with robust materials, such as stainless steel and aluminum, ...
[67]
Industrial Recycling | Sonoco Products Company
The EcoReel® Program is the most comprehensive, cost-effective nailed wood and polyfiber reel recycling program in the industry. Join the EcoReel Program. Wood ...<|separator|>
[68]
Unveil the World of Fishing Reels: Types That Revolutionize Your ...
The primary types of fishing reels include spinning, baitcasting, spinning baitcasting, and fly fishing reels, each suited for specific fishing conditions and ...
[69]
How-to Choose Your First Reel | Tackle Warehouse
For beginners, choose a lightweight, 2500-size spinning reel with a 5:1-6:1 gear ratio. This offers versatility for entry-level fishing.
[70]
Spinning Reel 101 - Guide to Understanding What the Numbers ...
Sep 20, 2023 · Freshwater reels typically range from 150 to 250 yards of 8-10 pound test line as a standard capacity. For fishing larger fresh or saltwater ...Gear Ratio · Drag System · Line Capacity · Line Retrieval Per Crank
[71]
Baitcaster Line Capacity - Bass Fishing Forums - Bass Resource
Oct 21, 2012 · The reel should also show what diameter the line is for that capacity. Such as 12lb/.027/120yds. Not all lines are created equal so some 12lb ...Fishing Line Capacity / Test for Dummies!First Time Baitcaster...how Much Line Do I Put On?More results from www.bassresource.com
[72]
[PDF] Basic Fishing Tackle and Techniques - NY.Gov
Setting the “Drag”. All reels have a drag system that differs in appearance between reel types. The drag puts pressure on the reel's spool, setting how much ...Missing: capacity | Show results with:capacity
[73]
ADVANTUS Retractable Heavy Duty ID Reel with Badge Holder ...
Pack of 12 heavy-duty badge reels; Stylish chrome and black finish; Steel-link cord extends up to 24 inches; Each reel has a built-in clip for pocket ...
[74]
Husky 50 ft. 14/3 Medium Duty 13-Amps Indoor Extension Cord Reel ...
In stock Rating 4.5 (82) Ideal for heavy-duty tasks, this retractable cord reel boasts a 50 ft. 14-gauge cord, 3 grounded outlets, and overload protection. Cord Length Capacity. 50 ...
[75]
Portable Cable Reel That Holds Up to 100 Ft of Extension Cords ...
Heavy-Duty Capacity: Our extension cord reel 100 ft capacity easily handles 100 feet of 16-gauge cable, 75 feet of 14-gauge, or 50 feet of 12-gauge. This ...Missing: length | Show results with:length
[76]
https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Forge-Extension-Storage-Metal/dp/B09GZXHRG8
[77]
Electric Fishing Reels | Automatic One Handed Fishing Reels
$$19 deliveryThe Daiwa quick release trigger allows for effortless one-handed casting & retrieving. FISH WINCH® EZ electric reel drives are cordless, easy to use, and weigh ...Missing: design adaptations corrosion- materials
[78]
High-Tech Fishing: Are Smart Fishing Reels Worth the Money?
Jun 5, 2024 · GPS Technology for Logging. Some smart fishing reels come equipped with GPS technology, allowing you to mark your favorite fishing spots and log ...
[79]
Fishing Reels Market Size & Share | Industry Report, 2030
The global fishing reels market size was valued at USD 4.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2030.Missing: annual | Show results with:annual
[80]
Preservation Self-Assessment Program (PSAP) | Audiotape
Quarter-inch open reel tapes were used in home recording and other semi-pro and consumer markets. Prior to digital technology, ¼" open reel tape was considered ...1⁄4'' Open Reel · 2'' Open Reel · Continuous Loop Cartridge...Missing: 2400 ft
[81]
Legacy Media Series: Reel-to-Reel Audio Tapes - Ovation Data
Reel-to-reel audio tapes are often found in archives and special collections due to their decades of use and wide adoption by amateurs and professionals ...Missing: reels | Show results with:reels
[82]
[PDF] About Reel-to-Reel Tapes and the Bentley's digitization process
General professional recording continued up until the 1990s while amateur recording tapered off in popularity by the 1980s with the increased prevalence of the ...
[83]
STIL 16mm x 400 ft. Reel Capacity Film Can | Storage Boxes & Cases
In stockThis STIL 16mm x 400 ft. Reel Capacity Film Can is the first choice of museums, corporate archives, studios and labs. Made from inert polypropylene, ...Missing: stock | Show results with:stock
[84]
STIL 35mm x 2000 ft. Reel Capacity Film Can - Gaylord Archival
In stockThis STIL 35mm x 2,000 ft. Reel Capacity Film Can is the first choice of museums, corporate archives, studios and labs. Made from inert polypropylene, ...Missing: standard | Show results with:standard
[85]
Video Guidance: Identifying Video Formats - National Archives
Nov 14, 2023 · One easy way to determine what type of magnetic videotape you might have is to note whether it is stored on an open reel or inside a cassette.
[86]
Ultrium/LTO Announces 30TB Native LTO-10 Magnetic Tape - Forbes
May 28, 2025 · The latest generation LTO tape offers native storage capacities of 30TB and 400MB/s transfer speed per cartridge. 2.5X compressed capacities of 75TB are also ...Missing: terabytes | Show results with:terabytes
[87]
UNSTRUCTURED DATA GROWTH AND HYBRID CLOUD ...
Jul 22, 2025 · The report reveals a record 176.5 Exabytes* (EB) of total tape capacity (compressed) shipped in 2024, representing a growth of 15.4% over 2023.Missing: terabytes | Show results with:terabytes
[88]
About - Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative
Launched in 2021, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives' Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI) is the result of decades of media collections care.
[89]
Moving Image and Sound Holdings at the National Archives in ...
Apr 16, 2025 · The Moving Image and Sound holdings in College Park, Maryland, are vast and diverse, spanning more than: 520,400 Film Reels; 312,066 Sound ...Motion Pictures · World War II Films at the... · Highlights from Our Holdings
[90]
Preservation - BAVC Media
Oct 15, 2025 · Since 1994, BAVC Media has collaborated with artists, filmmakers, historical organizations, museums and universities to preserve thousands of hours of video ...
[91]
What Is A Film Reel 101: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Heart of Cinema
Aug 15, 2025 · By the early 1900s, virtually all moving images, feature films, newsreels, and even early television, were recorded on reels. This innovation ...
[92]
https://www.capture.com/blogs/film/what-is-a-film-reel
[93]
Change-over cue - Filmmakers Academy
Jul 16, 2021 · Change-over cue is the small dot, oval, or mark on the top-right corner of a film frame. It signals to the projectionist to change over from one projector (or ...Missing: markers | Show results with:markers
[94]
Cues - Sprocket School
Oct 16, 2024 · WEAR GLOVES and ALWAYS MARK THE BASE SIDE. Mark your changeover and motor cues over 4 frames. Because you have the film running tails to heads ...
[95]
The American newsreel : a complete history, 1911-1967
Jul 17, 2023 · This history details the full span of the American newsreel. It discusses the European-developed actualities which were the forerunners of American newsreels.Missing: format 1910s-
[96]
Platter Systems - Sprocket School
May 29, 2020 · A platter system is a non-rewind film transport system in which multiple reels are spliced together on a horizontal deck.Missing: 1980s | Show results with:1980s
[97]
LARGEST MOVIE COMPLEX IN U.S. OPENS ON COAST
Jul 21, 1982 · Fourteen projectors are required, rather than the usual two per theater, because the film is spliced into one continuous loop. It spools onto ...
[98]
Digital Cinema Initiative Distribution Package (DCP), Version 1.0
The DCI specification (covered in this document) completed its first draft of the DCP specification in 2005 with the rollout of the first DCI DCP packages in ...
[99]
DCP - Digital Cinema Package - Explained - RedShark News
Aug 24, 2014 · The written standard for doing this, developed in the early part of the 2000s, was intended to directly replace the 35mm film print that had ...
[100]
Reel – Metal Processing Machinery
A Payoff Reel, also called an Uncoiler, is used for unwinding and feeding steel coils into machines for processing. A Coiling Reel, also called a Recoiler ...Missing: take- definition
[101]
[PDF] Single Reel Payoffs And Takeups | Davis-Standard
A complete range of payoff and takeup systems designed to handle products as small as 40 awg soft copper and as large as jacketed cable up to 6 inches. (150mm) ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[102]
[PDF] Analysis of energy consumption in continuous galvanizing lines
1.3.1 Payoff Reel. Uncoated sheet steel rolls are loaded on the payoff reel for coating. This is the starting point of the continuous galvanizing lines.
[103]
[PDF] U.S. Navy Wire-Rope Handbook. Volume 3. Installation ... - DTIC
This handbook covers the installation, maintenance, and inspection of wire rope, including handling, uncoiling, and avoiding kinking.Missing: maritime aviation
[104]
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA955310.pdf
[105]
Reels | Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
The Reel as a dance form is Celtic in origin. It is a variety of Country Dance in which the dancers perform traveling figures alternating with “setting” ...Missing: etymology folk spinning
[106]
Tethered Drones: A Comprehensive Review of Technologies ... - MDPI
Tethered drones—defined in this work as multirotor aerial platforms physically connected to a ground station via a cable—have emerged as a transformative ...Missing: terminology | Show results with:terminology<|separator|>
[107]
Reel Feel: Rich Haptic XR Experiences Using an Active, Worn, Multi ...
Apr 25, 2025 · We developed Reel Feel, a novel shoulder-worn haptic device that uses strings attached to the fingertips and motorized reels to render a variety of haptic ...
[108]
[PDF] NNL14AA70T Task Title: Advanced Concept Modeling Task Mo
structure (including the tether reel-in/out mechani- cal system), and the ability to maintain control with complex multibody dynamics present in a system.