The leaf shaft is the preferred shaft type, which can also be used for coreless winding.
The operating principle is as follows: The web material is inserted into the gap between a gripping lamella under a fixed leaf. When compressed air is applied, the beginning of the web is clamped firmly, while the other leafs expand. When the winding process is finished, the leafs return to their nominal diameter when the shaft is vented. At the same time the web start is released and the reel can be pushed off the shaft.