A tensioning control device having a first motor that applies a torque to a first end of a substrate in a first direction and a second motor that applies a torque to a second end of the substrate in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction is disclosed. In this manner, the first motor and the second motor apply torque to the substrate in opposing directions, thereby placing the substrate in tension. In one embodiment, the first motor applies a torque to the first end of the substrate that is equal to the torque applied to the second end of the substrate by the second motor. By placing the substrate in tension in this manner, an actuator is able to incrementally move the substrate in a forward direction and a backward direction independent of the tension applied to the substrate.