Abstract: A method and apparatus for disintegrating an elastomer is provided. The elastomer is moved across a base relative to a cutting tool and toward the cutting tool. The cutting tool has a cutting wedge, which has a cutting edge and a rake face adjacent to the cutting edge. After the cutting wedge comes into contact with the elastomer, the elastomer is first at least partially compressed only by the rake face between the rake face and the base before the cutting edge cuts through the elastomer. An elastic evasive movement of the elastomer is avoided because of the initial planar compression of the elastomer by the rake face. Thus, it is possible to cut off significantly thinner pieces from the elastomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for disintegrating an elastomer (20), wherein the elastomer (20) is moved across a floor (22) relative to a cutting tool (12) and toward the cutting tool (12), wherein the cutting tool (12) has a cutting wedge (14), which has a cutting edge (30) and a rake face (32) adjacent to the cutting edge (30). After the cutting wedge (14) comes in contact with the elastomer (20), the elastomer (20) is first at least partially compressed only by the rake face (32) between the rake face (32) and the floor (22) before the cutting edge (30) cuts through the elastomer (20). Because of the initially planar compression of the elastomer (20) by means of the rake face (32), an elastic evasive movement of the elastomer (20) is avoided, such that it is possible to cut off significantly thinner pieces from the elastomer (20), and thus the specific surface area of the pieces severed from the elastomer (20) can be increased.