Abstract: A work preparation and ruling machine is provided for the production of semi-cylindrical rotary dies. The machine comprises a longitudinal cylinder mounted for rotation in frame and being provided with a series of equally spaced longitudinal rows of holes which are radially formed therein. An end wheel, of the same diameter as a finished die, is coaxially secured to one end of the cylinder and includes a first positioning means whereby the cylinder can be rotated by a distance equal to the distance between each two longitudinal rows of holes. A guide bar mounted above and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder is provided with a pair of carriages, one carrying drilling and cutting means for drilling holes in the die and for squaring it up and the second carriage includes a pen holding fixture to keep the pen aligned with the axis of the cylinder and includes means for measuring the horizontal dimensions of the layout.

Abstract: A cutting rule for use in a rotary die cutter is made up of a plurality of segments. Each segment has a notched marginal side edge whereby it interlocks with an adjacent segment.