Abstract: A process for forming a multi-strand elastic laminate comprising the steps of: (a) providing a multi-strand elastic feed (1); (b) feeding the multi-strand elastic via a feed nip roll (2) for further processing; (c) imparting a tension to the multi-strand elastic feed; (d) separating the multi-strand elastic feed into strands (4) separated in the cross-direction; (e) applying a hot melt adhesive to both surfaces of each strand separated in the cross-direction to give adhesive coated separated strands (6); and (f) sandwiching the adhesive coated separated strands between two further layers of material (7) whereby the further layers of material are adhered to either side of the adhesive coated elastic strands.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a multi-strand elastic feed (1) comprising: an apparatus for separating a multi-strand elastic feed (1) comprising: a feed roll (2); a series of pins (3) for separating the feed located downstream from the feed roll said series extending laterally to the machine direction (9), the series comprising a first feed pin (4) and a subsequent set of separator pins (5); and wherein the spacing of the pins in the series is such that the separation of adjacent pins in the cross direction is less than the diameter of a separator pin, wherein in use, the multi-strand elastic feed is threaded manually around the feed pin and is then separated such that the strands pass around the separator pins in a direction opposite to that traveled round the feed pin with the result that the multi-strand elastic feed is separated into strands separated in the cross direction and a tensioning means to facilitate the initial threading of the feed around the pins; and a means for passing the separate

Abstract: Elastomeric materials have long been used to produce printing blocks, printing rollers, printing formes and elastomeric covered printing sleeves for flexographic printing. A suitable and commonly used elastomeric material is natural rubber. According to one aspect of the present invention such a flexographic printing member comprises a printing surface having raised regions (2) and sunken regions (1) wherein one of the raised regions or sunken regions (2) is formed of ink accepting material and the other (1) is formed of ink repelling material. The area of the forme onto which the ink is held is therefore limited essentially to the tops of the raised regions (2) since it is repelled by the side walls of the raised regions. This considerably reduces the “dot gain” that otherwise takes place.