See International converting technology in action at the MSC Open House, November 10–12.

For conveyor belt converters, cutting is only one part of production. How material unwinds, maintains control through each operation, and exits in the required width, length, or roll format can have a major impact on the overall workflow.

At the MSC Open House 2026, attendees will have the opportunity to see International converting technology up close and explore how unwinding, slitting, sheeting, and rewinding can work together as part of a more connected production process.

Before you visit, here are four areas to consider when evaluating your converting workflow.

1. Start With Controlled Unwinding

Before material can be slit or sheeted accurately, it has to enter the process consistently.

International unwinders are designed for jumbo-roll material handling, with configurations using dancer, sensor, puller, cradle, and side-control systems depending on the material and application. Puller-equipped models, for example, are designed to assist with heavier materials.

The goal is not simply to get material off the roll. It is to create stable, controlled material flow for the operation that follows.

For converters, that means considering roll weight and diameter, material tension, core construction, and how easily the material stretches when selecting an unwinding configuration.

2. Slit the Master Roll to the Width You Need

Many converting operations begin with a wide master roll that needs to become multiple narrower widths.

The International LC Series is designed for precise longitudinal cutting of roll materials and can be configured with pneumatic blades or circular knives. It can also incorporate unwinding and external rewinding to maintain a controlled roll-to-roll process.

The ICZ 1600/2100 E LCA Slitter-Rewinder takes this concept into heavier-duty production, with available working widths of 1,600 mm and 2,100 mm, material thicknesses up to 30 mm, and cutting speeds up to 20 m/min.

For conveyor belt converters, precise slitting can help create consistent widths for downstream fabrication while producing uniformly wound rolls ready for the next operation.

3. Know When to Sheet Instead of Rewind

Not every material needs to leave the process as another roll.

International sheeting systems add accurate cross-cutting and formatting so roll material can be converted into predetermined sheet lengths. Systems can incorporate unwinding and rewinding units, conveyors, slitting, stacking, and automatic unloading depending on production requirements.

The important question is:

Does the next stage of production need a roll, a narrower strip, or a finished sheet?

Working backward from the finished format can help determine the right converting configuration.

4. Think in Production Lines, Not Individual Machines

International’s modular approach allows unwinding, rewinding, slitting, cross-cutting, conveyors, and other converting technologies to be configured around specific production requirements.

A converting workflow might look like:

MASTER ROLL → UNWIND → SLIT → SHEET OR REWIND

The right configuration depends on the material, desired finished format, production volume, and downstream process.

This modular approach also allows manufacturers to consider how a system could adapt as production requirements evolve.

What Should Converters Evaluate?

When evaluating a slitting, sheeting, or material handling system, start with the production process:

- What are the maximum roll diameter and weight?

- How much tension control does the material require?

- What finished widths or sheet sizes are needed?

- Does the material need to be rewound or discharged as sheets?

- Could additional converting operations be needed later?

These questions can help determine the right equipment and configuration for your operation.

See International Technology at the 
MSC Open House

See the equipment up close at MSC Open House 2026, including:

ICZ 1600-5H Double Sided Laminator
ICZ 1600 LC Slitter-Rewinder
International Unwinders & Winders

Join MSC November 10–12, 2026, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at its Earth City, Missouri headquarters to see converting technology in action and talk with the MSC and International teams about your materials, applications, and production requirements.

See it in action. Learn more and RSVP for the MSC Open House at https://mfgsup.com/msc-open-house-2026