So I have a built an automatic winder. It is 2-axis and it winds 3/8" ribbons onto a 1/4" aluminum dowel, single pass. It is working great, but I need to find a better way to attach the end of the ribbon to the rod so the rolling can begin.

I am looking for some ideas on how to make this work.

The process currently needs someone to attach or clip or anchor the end of a ribbon to the end of the rod so that the roller can begin rolling.

It has to be quick and the removal process of the ribbon from the roller also has to be quick.

I can't weld anything to the rods, I can add nuts (using a tap&die). The rod is 18" long, and I have to create 120 of these rods so that the process can produce a full oven.

One day I would like to automate the entire process. Meaning a hopper of 120 rods that would drop into a roller and come out with the ribbon rolled and cut. And then again for the next 119 rods.

Any suggestions?
Paul