Abstract: For shear-cutting a stack of thin strips of amorphous steel along a cutting plane that extends transversely of the stack, an apparatus that comprises two blades that are positioned at the start of a cutting operation on opposite sides of the stack is utilized. Each of the blades has a first surface for engaging one side of the stack and a second surface extending transversely of the first surface and generally parallel to said cutting plane and intersecting the first surface at a corner. The first surface of each blade is disposed at a predetermined rake angle with respect to a reference plane extending through a point on the corner of the blade and normal to said cutting plane.

Abstract: Groups of amorphous steel strips, cut to appropriate length from a composite strip, are stacked in longitudinally-staggered relationship to form packets. The groups are made up by a process that comprises a pre-spooling operation that results in the strips and groups in each packet adhering together, even though dry. The individual packets are fed successively into a belt nester that includes a rotatable arbor and wrapping means that wraps the packets in superposed relationship about the arbor as the arbor rotates, thereby building up a hollow core form. The above-described adhesive effect precludes the strips and groups from shifting longitudinally while the packets are being wrapped about the arbor.

Abstract: Groups of amorphous steel strips, cut to appropriate length from a composite strip, are stacked in longitudinally-staggered relationship to form packets. The groups are made up by apparatus preforming a process that comprises a pre-spooling operation that results in the strips and groups in each packet adhering together, even though dry. The individual packets are fed successively into a belt nester that includes a rotatable arbor and wrapping means that wraps the packets in superposed relationship about the arbor as the arbor rotates, thereby building up a hollow core form. The above-described adhesive effect precludes the strips and groups from shifting longitudinally while the packets are being wrapped about the arbor.