Abstract: An annular object is disposed between upper and lower thermally fusible thermoplastic foils which are pushed together and cut away in an annular weld seam by a pair of tool halves brought vertically together in the central opening of the object. The lower tool half fits between a pair of spaced-apart transport bands which serve to carry the packaged object away after its center is cut out. The object can be supported above the bands on a fork so that the two tool halves can be brought together at a plane in the middle of the thickness of the object. If the object rests on the bands, the upper foil is deformed downwardly to the level of the undeflected bottom foil so that the lower foil is not deformed and ripped.