Center-surface winding is used primarily for rewinding large diameter rolls and extended web width applications. Today, center-surface winders are available in several models. These include liftout mandrel, cantilevered and multiple individual shaftless rewinds.

On a center surface-slitter, the web is pulled by the primary surface roller. Finished roll density is then developed independently from the web tension. This is done through controlled nip pressure as well as torque from the primary surface roller.