a spreader roll for web processing machines used in the paper , textile , and plastic industry . the roll has a stationary shaft on which a roll structure is rotatably mounted . a plurality of rigid cylinder segments form the surface of the roll structure . the cylinder segments are connected to each other movably in relation to each other and to the roll body . the cylinder segments are arranged about , and rotated together with a cylinder sleeve and are connected to each other cicumferentially through rigid retaining rings encircling the roll sleeve . the retaining rings oppose the displacement of the cylinder segments through centrifugal forces acting in the radial direction . the cylinder segments are arranged in parallel rows along the cylinder axis and interconnected to each other within the rows . annular carriages within the roll structure rotate as integral parts of the roll and at angles to the roll - axis . thereby , the cylinder segments are caused with each revolution to be progressively elongated and then contracted .