Abstract: A method for producing particles of polymeric material by extruding hot, sticky material in a plastic state through orifices in a die plate. The extruded plastic material is cut into crumb upon exit from the orifices by a high velocity gas stream, suitably air, and the particles conveyed away from the die face. The air supply is coupled to a cutting chamber for providing the stream of air across the face of the die plate to cut and convey the crumb away from the orifices. The cutting chamber is arranged to include a restricted throat having an exit area in close proximity to the orifices and a further portion for providing an accumulation zone adjacent the orifices, the accumulation zone having a cross-sectional area which increases from the exit area of the throat to a product discharge zone remote from the orifices in a downstream direction.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing particles of thermoplastic material by extruding material in a plastic state through orifices in a die plate and thereafter cutting the extruded plastic material into crumb upon exit from the orifices, an air supply is coupled to a cutting chamber for providing a stream of air across the face of the die plate to cut and convey the crumb away from the orifices. The cutting chamber is arranged to include a restricted throat having an exit area in close proximity to the orifices and a further portion for providing an accumulation zone adjacent the orifices, the accumulation zone having a cross-sectional area which increases from the exit area of the throat to a product discharge zone remote from the orifices in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A film for use as a rubber bale wrap includes a thermoplastic containing a release agent and having a microembossed surface to provide the film with a gloss of 10 or less.