Choosing the Right Converting Equipment: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right converting equipment is crucial for your manufacturing business; ensuring you have the right equipment is our focus at Pinnacle. Our US-made machinery has a wide range of capabilities, exceptional precision, and endless options for customization.

The right machinery streamlines operations, reduces downtime, and ensures efficiency and quality in production, which significantly improves your bottom line. In this blog post, we’ll discuss:

• How to determine the best converting equipment for your needs
• Different types of converting equipment, including custom options
• Factors to consider when purchasing converting equipment:
  • Safety
  • Installation requirements
  • Custom requirements
  • Budget
• The importance of quality and reliability

Types of converting equipment

Next, explore the different types of converting equipment to determine which is best for your needs. Common examples of machine types include:

• Slitter Rewinders. These machines are ideal for handling large rolls of material and converting them into smaller, more manageable sizes. Slitter rewinders can precisely cut materials such as paper, film, foil, or laminate.
• Sheeting Machines. Sheeting machines convert rolls of materials into predetermined sheet sizes, such as paper or plastic sheets. Sheet cutters can handle various materials and thicknesses.
• Core Cutting Machines. A core cutting machine is designed to cut or trim paperboard cores, which are the cylindrical tubes that hold rolled materials in place.
• Rewind/Unwind Machines. These machines are essential for handling large rolls of materials, either to rewind them into smaller rolls or unwind them for further processing.
• Festooners. Festooners are used to handle and fold delicate or sensitive materials, such as woven fabric or paper. Festooners use a gentler process to prevent damage to material while converting.

Custom converting machines are another option for businesses with unique or specific production needs. Pinnacle can design and build machines according to your exact specifications, offering maximum efficiency and customization.

Key Elements to Consider When Purchasing Converting Equipment

The evaluation of equipment investments differs from organization to organization. We know because we have helped guide the decision making process for thousands of delivered machines. While you will clearly have your own set of requirements and elements to consider, these are the top factors that come up in almost every conversation.

Safety

Guided by Pinnacle’s mantra of constructing robust, ergonomically safe machinery, our commitment to safety and reliability forms the core of our philosophy. In the context of selecting converting equipment, safety must come first.
Operator ease of use is integral to this effort, with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls contributing to a secure work environment. Your team’s safety is paramount, which adds to the importance of purchasing high-quality converting equipment from a reputable manufacturer. It also underlines the importance of purchasing from a manufacturer that will train your team in operating and maintaining the converting equipment to avoid any potential safety hazards.

Space and installation requirements

Before making a final decision on converting equipment, consider the space and installation requirements for the machinery. Will it fit into your current production line layout? Is it compatible with your existing production line components? Do you have the necessary infrastructure and utilities to support the machine’s operation? Will it require any special permits or modifications to your facility?
You’ll also want to consider any potential downtime during the installation process. Ensure that you have a plan in place for minimizing any disruptions to your production schedule, not only during installation, but also as your team trains on the new piece of equipment and ramps up production.

Customization options

Custom converting equipment is a prime option for businesses with highly specific needs. Using custom equipment, versus trying to make existing equipment work for your needs, can mean more efficient and accurate production, with fewer errors and issues.
When considering specific features or modifications for your unique needs, think about where your current equipment falls short. In an ideal world, what would your converting equipment be able to do? If you’re still having trouble articulating exactly what you need, our team is happy to consult with you to show you what’s possible.

Budget considerations

When selecting the right converting equipment, it’s also crucial to keep your budget in mind. A realistic budget means not just considering the initial purchase cost, but also any ongoing maintenance, training, and operating expenses.
It may be tempting to opt for a lower-priced machine, but consider the long-term costs and benefits of investing in advanced features and increased automation. For example, you might realize a return on your investment faster if a higher-priced converting machine requires less labor and human oversight.
If you don’t currently have converting equipment on-site, also factor in the long-term cost savings of operating your own machine as it compares to contract converting.