1. What is Reel Capacity?

Reel capacity refers to the maximum length of material (like cable, wire, or film) that can be wound onto a reel or spool, given the reel's dimensions and the material's thickness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the reel capacity formula:

Where:

• \( r_{outer} \) — Outer radius of the reel (meters)
• \( r_{inner} \) — Inner radius (core radius) of the reel (meters)
• \( L \) — Width or length of the reel (meters)
• \( thickness \) — Thickness of the material being wound (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume available between the outer and inner radii, then divides by the material's cross-sectional area to determine length capacity.

3. Importance of Reel Capacity Calculation

Details: Accurate reel capacity calculations help in inventory management, production planning, and ensuring efficient use of storage space. It's crucial for industries dealing with cables, wires, films, and other materials wound on reels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all dimensions in meters. The inner radius can be zero for reels without a core. Ensure thickness is in square meters (cross-sectional area of the material).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my material thickness is in millimeters?
A: Convert to meters before entering (1 mm = 0.001 m). For square meters, square the conversion factor.

Q2: Can this be used for any reel shape?
A: This formula works for cylindrical reels. For other shapes, different formulas are needed.

Q3: How does winding pattern affect capacity?
A: This calculation assumes perfect winding. In practice, winding patterns may reduce actual capacity by 5-15%.

Q4: What about tapered reels?
A: For tapered reels, use the average radius or a more complex conical volume formula.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical maximum capacity. Actual capacity may be less due to winding inefficiencies and material compression.