Roller machine and method of operating the same

The driven rollers (2-9) have a common control (14) varying drive torque distribution. An Independent claim is included for the corresponding method of operating the machine. PREFERRED FEATURES:- The drive control limiter keeps rate of torque variation below a set threshold. A sensor unit (22,23) detects band material- and/or machine operational parameters, used to adjust torque distribution. The drive control includes a timing unit (20) and a memory (32) storing variation functions. Drive control includes a function generator (optionally random number-based) producing the torque variation function. Two rollers are driven in a stand with 2n rollers, n being integer. Rollers have at least two different diameters. A speed controller (14,10,11) is provided for the band. At least one roller (3,6) axis is outside the plane defined by other adjacent rollers (2,4; 5,7). A band guidance unit has variable spacing ahead of a roller nip.