Abstract: A multi-stage forming machine with a final forming station for dividing combined parts into in each case two product parts (21, 22) has two product-part discharge devices (3, 4). Assigned to the two product-part discharge devices (3, 4) there is in each case a transfer device (6) for transferring a product part (21, 22) from the final forming station to the product-part discharge device (3, 4). The one transfer device comprises transfer tongs with an upper gripper with two gripping jaws (521, 522) and a lower gripper with one gripping jaw (531). The other transfer device (6) comprises a slideway (61) for receiving a product part (22) from the final forming station and also a kick lever (62) arranged such that it can swivel for pushing a product part (22) located on the slideway (61) to the product-part discharge device (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus achieve the intermittent feeding of raw material into a shearing station by exerting a drive torque on draw-in rollers in order to effect their rotation in one arcuate direction and hence the movement of the raw material toward the shearing station. A counteracting torque, which is less than the drive torque, is continuously exerted on the draw-in rollers. Thus, during intervals following a shearing operation when the drive torque is terminated, the counteracting torque functions to reverse the rotation of the draw-in rollers and hence retract the sheared end of the raw material away from the shearing station.