Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for cutting and creasing corrugated cardboards, and more specifically, to digital system and processes for cutting and creasing corrugated cardboards, wherein the system includes an array of cutting elements that can be dynamically configured to cut and/or crease a wide range of contours.

Abstract: Providing a rotary packaging machine which can improve production efficiency and mass productivity, which can be rendered smaller-sized with the result of reduction in a footprint and which can cause various devices and apparatuses arranged at each packaging station to function in a stable manner. The rotary packaging machine P in accordance with the invention has four grip pairs intermittently moved to each packaging station simultaneously, and all the grip pairs include grips configured to be located on a circumference L of an imaginary circle that is concentric with a disk-shaped rotating body.

Abstract: A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device.

Abstract: A trolley apparatus for dispensing plastic stretch wrap film from a roll suitable for wrapping a pallet of stacked loose goods, characterized by a transportable frame structure having wheels or castors to provide support and mobility, the frame having a means of adjusting the height of the roll, the frame is provided with a guide roller positioned for use as a fulcrum point for generating tension in the stretch wrap film, and, a cutter for detaching the stretch wrap film at the completion of the operation, the end of the stretch wrap film being retained for next use.

Abstract: A device for holding tools for processing flat, sheet-like material includes top and bottom tool holding devices which have respective top and bottom tool units that are driven by drive shafts through servomotors and are laterally displaceable by tool guide elements which are supported on cross members. The top and bottom cross members have a rectangular construction and are fitted perpendicularly in the device. A sheet-processing machine and a folding carton gluer having the device, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the production of paper cushioning from a paper web (8) rolled up into a supply roll (12), wherein the device has a machine comprising a support device for the pivoted support of the supply roll, a reshaping device (22, 22?, 22?) for reshaping the paper web, and a device for the production of the paper cushioning. A bracket (30) that can be pivoted between a contact position and a releasing position is provided in a region in front of the paper web infeed into the reshaping device, wherein the bracket rests on the paper web in the contact position.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing longitudinally folded products has a machine frame (17) which is arranged below a former arrangement which can be charged with web material. Transporting and processing units are arranged in tandem in the machine frame (17), and a superstructure wall (18) which carries web guiding members (19) associated with the former arrangement is mounted on the machine frame (17). At least one web ribbon (2a) is guided through the superstructure wall (18). The machine frame (17) has at least two modules (22, 23) arranged one above the other which are rotatable by 180° relative to one another and can be connected to one another. Each module (22, 23) has its own at least one drive motor, and every unit provided in the region of the dividing line (24) between modules (22, 23) which are rotatable relative to one another is constructed symmetrically with respect to a center working plane containing the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (36) converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material, but is relatively thin and sufficiently flexible to function as a protective wrap. The conversion machine includes a feed mechanism (40) that advances a sheet stock material therethrough and a connecting mechanism (42) downstream of the feed mechanism. The connecting mechanism retards the passage of the sheet stock material therethrough by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed mechanism feeds the stock material to the connecting mechanism. This causes the stock material to randomly crumple in a longitudinal space between the feed mechanism and the connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism connects multiple overlapping layers of sheet stock material together as they pass therethrough, including connecting at least one crumpled sheet to one side of one other sheet.

Abstract: The folding machine has a cross fold module which includes a cross-fold folding blade (18), a sheet-supporting device (38) which is arranged below the cross-fold folding blade (18) and on which an incoming sheet comes to rest, and a roller frame (27) which is arranged below the sheet-supporting device (38) and into which a sheet is introduced by the cross-fold folding blade (18). A three-fold module (22) with a three-fold folding blade (24) arranged perpendicularly with respect to the cross-fold folding blade (18) is arranged downstream of the roller frame (27). The three-fold module (22) and the roller frame (27) are arranged on a rotary stand (20) which is rotatable through at least 180 about a vertical axis (28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an order change in a corrugator uses a minimum slit head configuration with all slit heads carried on two sides of a single tool support structure. A single robot is operable on the support structure to independently reset the positions of slit heads during a running order to prepare for subsequent order change in a most efficient manner, utilizing order scheduling that eliminates order changes that cannot be formed with the minimum slit head configuration.

Abstract: A transformation station for a packaging production machine comprises side frames between which tool-carrier cassettes are mounted. The side frames support slides on which members slide for the mounting of the tool-carrier cassettes. The members for mounting the tool-carrier cassettes comprise cassette supports that can be moved in opposition across and according to material advancing direction dimensions of the tool-carrier cassettes. The cassette supports are fitted with first devices for attaching in position the cassette supports and second devices for locking the tool-carrier cassettes to the supports.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a swing arc and centering of a swinging director chute during separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. The apparatus includes a lever arm, interconnected with the swinging director chute, and a connecting rod having a first pivot end and a second pivot end. The first pivot end is adjustable movable along the lever arm. A drive arm connected to the second pivot end includes a lead screw. The lead screw can be operatively connected to an index wheel having a plurality of directed posts and a movable pawl that advances the index wheel.

Abstract: A machine for covering packaging boxes (S) with a sheet (F) comprises at least one presser (10) and one folding blade (11) that move horizontally to apply the edges (L) of a glued sheet (F) to corresponding outside walls (P) of a box (S). The presser (10) and/or the blade (11) are adjustable in angular position with respect to one or more axes of rotation.

Abstract: A machine for covering packaging boxes (S) with a sheet (F) comprises at least one presser (10) and one folding blade (11) that move horizontally to apply the edges (L) of a glued sheet (F) to corresponding outside walls (P) of a box (S). The presser (10) and/or the blade (11) are adjustable in angular position with respect to one or more axes of rotation.

Abstract: The invention describes a sack (220) which (220) is formed by first transverse sealing seams (110, 150) from a foil tube (101), and which (101) is provided with at least a first vent channel (20), which runs largely parallel to the axis of the film tube (101), and whose inner (40) film layer has first vent openings for venting of the sack interior (210) into the first vent channel (20). It is characteristic that at least a second vent channel (140) is provided, which is connected to the first vent channel (140) by second vent openings (90, 100, 200), and which, in turn, has third vent openings (120), which vent the at least one second vent channel (140).

Abstract: A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.

Abstract: A variable length cutting device includes a cutting cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder cooperates with the cutting cylinder for cutting a ribbon into signatures having a desired cutoff length. An adjustable diameter portion of the transfer cylinder can be moved in a direction toward and away from the central axis of the transfer cylinder for adjusting the desired cutoff length of the signatures.

Abstract: A new and improved case sealer assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed case drive mechanisms for conveying a multiplicity of cases through a sealing station. The drive mechanisms are laterally separated from each other such that an interior space is formed therebetween which effectively defines a sealing station for serially accommodating the multiplicity of cases to be sealed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding machine for the graphics industry. The machine has a folder, at least one pair of blade shafts following the folder, and a separate roll frame that supports the pair of blade shafts. In order to be able to perform changeover operations on the pair of blade shafts as ergonomically as possible without partial dismantling of the folding machine, the folding machine is equipped with a guide for the roll frame and with an actuating device (e.g., tooth rack, pinion, crank) for displacing the roll frame along the guide.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter having an anvil cylinder that is operable alternately with one of a pair of die cylinders includes a vertical support and rectilinear translation arrangement that permits selective repositioning of each of the die cylinders between an operative position and a stand-by position utilizing various combinations of horizontal and vertical linear movement of the cylinders. In the presently preferred embodiment, the supporting frames of all three cylinders, in operation, are in abutting contact and vertically aligned to assure that shock loads are directed vertically downwardly into the supporting base. The operator has direct access to each of the die cylinders for maintenance and order change from a single station positioned below the board line.

Abstract: An adjusting device of a thermo shrinkable film machine includes first and second blocks movably mounted on two rails between two sideswalls on the base of the machine. Each of the two blocks has a wheel for contacting the film on a shaft. Two rotatable rods have two threaded sections of different directions of threads which rotatably extend through the two blocks respectively. The two respective ends of the two rotatable rods are connected to a rotating piece which is rotatably received in a case located between the first and second blocks. A driving wheel drives one of the rotatable rods so as to move the two blocks in opposite directions and to adjust the distance between the two wheels contacting the film of different thickness.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively replacing one set of folding boards for another set of folding boards is provided. The system can include a first frame assembly secured to a first set of folding boards. The first set of folding boards can be initially placed in a web-receiving position for receiving and folding webs, such as tissue webs. The system can also include a second frame assembly secured to a second set of folding boards, which is placed in another position. The first set of folding boards at the web-receiving position can then be selectively replaced by the second set of folding boards. For example, in one embodiment, each frame assembly can be simultaneously rotated about an axis to replace the first set with the second set.

Abstract: Machine for the production of flexible material sheets comprising at least one folding unit housing at least one cutting cylinder, to which a suction cylinder is opposed, and a gripping cylinder for transversal folding and/or conveying flat products by suction. A second suction cylinder for a second transversal fold and/or for conveying flat products and a second conveyor cylinder for conveying folded products or flat unfolded products may be associated downstream to said machine.

Abstract: A machine for punching blanks (10) of corrugated cardboard out of a web or plates of corrugated cardboard and for forming folding lines (5) in said blanks. The machine has two cylinders (2, 3) rotating towards each other and of which at least one cylinder is provided on the outer surface with a curved wooden plate (6). The punching tools and the folding line tools (8, 9) are mounted on said wooden plate by being pressed into slits in said wooden plate (6). The cylinders (2, 3) are made of metal, preferably steel. The wooden plate (6) is secured to the cylinder (2, 3) by being screwed (15) thereon. The wooden plate is centered on the cylinder by means of two adjustable rings (4) on the cylinder. Each ring (4) is provided with an axially directed guide projection (4a, 4b) adapted to interact with an end notch (6a, 6b) in the wooden plate.

Abstract: A conversion machine and related method for making a dunnage product by converting a sheet-like stock material of at least one ply into a dunnage product is characterized by a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams. The conversion machine includes a housing through which the stock material passes along a path, and an assembly that advances the stock material from a source thereof along the path, crumples the stock material, and maintains the shape of the crumpled stock material to produce a strip of dunnage. This assembly includes at least one rotatable member rotatable in a first direction for engaging and advancing the stock material, a feed motor for driving a driven rotatable member in the first direction, and a crank connected to the rotatable member for enabling rotation of the driven rotatable member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A flush mounted presser assembly for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member having an upper surface which defines a substantially horizontal plane, a presser movable vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the support member between a first extended position spaced from the support member beneath the horizontal plane and a second retracted position also beneath the horizontal plane of the support member, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the presser to the support member wherein the mounting arrangement is disposed flush with or below the horizontal plane of the support member so that none of its components extend or project above the horizontal plane of the support member. The mounting arrangement comprises a base mounted on the support, a linkage assembly interconnecting the base and presser, and a spring for biasing the linkage assembly and presser toward its first extended position away from the support member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus has a base and a plurality of shears adjustably secured thereto. Each shear has one cutting element that is adjustable secured to the base and another cutting element that is pivotally secured to the other cutting element. A handle operably connects the cutting elements to allow simultaneous cutting by the shears. The cutting apparatus is useful in bending sheet material such as aluminum or vinyl coil stock used in trimming structures. In use, the shears are adjusted on the base to cut slits in desired locations on a sheet. A sheet is put in place, and the shears are actuated to cut a plurality of slits in a side of sheet material, preferably simultaneously. The sheet is then repositioned, and the shears are actuated to cut a plurality of slits in another side of the sheet. The sheet is then folded along lines extending between pairs of slits. The folded sheet is then affixed to a structure such as a house.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting pressure rollers and/or cutting knives includes driven pull rollers or driven pull and knife rollers extending over the web width arranged opposite the pressure rollers and/or cutting knives and at least two threaded spindles, which are used to axially adjust the pressure rollers and/or the cutting knives simultaneously or immediately one after another. During the axial adjustment, some of the pressure rollers and/or the cutting knives remain stationary, some of the pressure rollers and/or cutting knives are adjusted by a first adjustment travel and/or some of the pressure rollers and/or cutting knives being adjusted by a second adjustment travel.

Abstract: The folding machine includes at least one pair of knife shafts, the knife shafts (22, 24) of which are, in a working position, mounted parallel to each other between two spaced-apart side walls (18, 20) of the folding machine (10). In order, in parallel with the production process, to be able to prepare knife shafts for a subsequent production process, the knife shafts (22, 24) are mounted in a cassette (28) which can be displaced through a sidewall (20) facing the operator from an inserted position, in which the knife shafts (22, 24) are in their working position, into a pull-out position, in which the knife shafts (22, 24) are outside the folding machine (10).

Abstract: Arrangement for the positioning and shifting of tools, specifically the tools of a machine designed for shaping sheet material while being advanced relative to the arrangement, the arrangement having fixed guides (16,19) for guiding the tools in transverse motion relative to the travel direction (X) of the material, the tools or holders (7,7?) for the tools comprising means (22,23) by which a continuous or intermittently running drive (Y) across the material travel direction (X) is used for shifting the tool holders, individually or in combination, by alternately connecting one or several tool holders (7,7?) to the running drive.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus of changing from manufacture of pant-type refastenable articles of a first size to manufacture of articles of a second different size in a process for manufacturing pant-type refastenable personal care articles. A respective such personal care article has a front portion, rear portion, and crotch portion. The personal care article also has a fastener-receptive area at the front portion for receiving fasteners thereon, first and second fasteners on opposing sides of the fastener-receptive area, and first and second lines of weakness on opposing sides of the fastener-receptive area and between the fastener-receptive area and the respective first and second fasteners. The method comprises changing spacing between the fastener-receptive area and at least one of the first and second fasteners while maintaining the first and second lines of weakness between the fastener-receptive area and the respective first and second fasteners.

Abstract: An improved cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example, the density, of the cushioning product; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing product yield. The features of the invention may be individually or collectively used in cushioning conversion machines of various types.

Abstract: A converting press for paper or cardboard sheets including a waste stripping station and/or a blanking station with a pull-out chase (1, 2, 3, 4). A pair of horizontal transverse rails (5, 11) supports an upper stripping tool for a waste stripping operation, or a blanking tool for a blanking operation. The first rail (5) is fixed relative to the chase and the second rail is movable in a longitudinal direction. The profile of the rails allows receiving and maintaining in an operational waste stripping position, a pull-out chase of an upper tool or an upper stripping board, and/or blanking board for blanking operation.

Abstract: A sheet wise booklet maker includes adjustable elements to allow adjustment of the parallelism of the booklet maker elements to produce quality booklets. The booklet maker includes a sheet trimmer, a folding apparatus, and a paper drive. Orientations of at least two of the sheet trimmer, folding apparatus, and paper drive are adjustable to achieve parallelism between the sheet trimmer, folding apparatus, and paper drive.

Abstract: A longitudinal folding device includes formers for longitudinally forming and folding paper webs having different widths. Each former, together with its folding rollers, hopper roller and longitudinal cutting device is supported in a frame such that the former can be displaced in the axial directions of both the folding rollers and the hopper roller.

Abstract: A jaw cylinder in a jaw folder is provided. A first base (1) includes a stationary member (11) in a jaw mechanism. A second base (2) includes a swing member (21) having a jaw portion accessible to the jaw portion of the stationary member (11). A third base (3) has end axes (31a, 31b) at both ends and is rotatably supported by the end axes (31a, 31b) on a pair of opposite frames (Fa, Fb). The first (1) and second (2) bases are rotatably located on the third base (3) about the rotational centerline of the third base (3) relative to the third base (3). The first (1), second (2) and third (3) bases synchronously rotate to move the swing member (21) close to and apart from the stationary member (11) to grip a print therebetween. A jaw clearance adjusting mechanism (4) turns the first (1) and second (2) bases about the rotational centerline of the third base (3) in opposite directions to adjust a gap between the jaw portions of the stationary (11) and swing (21) members in the jaw mechanism.

Abstract: A device for guiding signatures in a folder of a rotary printing machine includes at least one guide belt disposed near a transporting path of the signatures, and extending transversely to a transporting direction of the signatures, the at least one guide belt being formed with guide surfaces defining the transporting path.

Abstract: A worktable that can be used to support a substrate while forming a hole therein. The worktable may include one or more actuators that stretch the substrate. The worktable may also have a control unit that is connected to the actuators and strain gauges that sense the strain in the substrate. The control unit, actuators and strain gauges may provide a closed loop control system for tensioning the substrate. The center portion of the substrate may be supported by wires that extend across an opening in the worktable. The opening eliminates a backing surface that may interfere with a laser hold forming process.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine has mandrels with a plurality of fingers for gripping an object. A cam track has contours which defines the location of positions along a conveyor carrying the mandrels. The fingers are closed by a spring and opened by a cam follower encountering a contour of cam track. This way a plurality of objects having a variety of widths may be carried by the fingers without requiring a readjustment of the machine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for positioning a plate (3) on a roll (1), in particular a chopper or folding roll. Said device is characterized in that the roll is provided with magnetic fixing means maintaining the plate on the surface thereof, and two centring elements whereof at least one (9) is mobile and longitudinally spaced apart from the first, so as to cooperate with matching means maintaining the plate (3), the mobile centering element (9) being linked to control means (15) for displacing it along the transverse axis of the roll (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for folding paper-like objects utilizing a housing which supports a tray. The tray includes a surface which is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal plane to permit gravity feed of paper objects along the tray. A first roller fixed along its axis is supported by the housing while a second adjustable roller is also mounted to the housing. The adjustment is determined by mounting the axle of the second roller in an eccentric collar which moves the axis of the second roller when the collar is rotated.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine chassis and a sealing device supported on the machine chassis. The sealing device includes upper and lower movable members each carrying heat-sealing blades for performing heat-sealing operation of a package film enclosing an article to be packaged. A driving system is arranged in the machine chassis, including a power cylinder or a solenoid mechanically coupled to the upper and lower movable members by a linkage for reciprocally driving the upper and lower members between an open position where the members are separated from each other at a predetermined distance and a closed position where the heat-sealing blades engage each other. An adjustment device includes a screw rod threadingly engaging the machine chassis and a platform attached to an end of the screw rod.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) for converting sheet-like stock material (22) into a three-dimensional cushioning product (P) including a device (400; 400′; 500; 600; 600′; 700) which controls the width of the strip and which may be selectively adjusted to change the width of the strip. By selectively setting the device (400, 400′, 500; 600; 600′; 700), a cushioning product of a desired width may be produced. For more sophisticated packaging needs, the stock material may be converted into a first portion of a certain width, the device adjusted, and then the stock material may be converted into a second portion of a different width whereby the cushioning product will have continuous portions of different widths.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a plastic film guiding device of a packaging machine, which comprises a frame, a screw rod, a walking block, a positioning rod, a pair of slanting rods, and a pair of slide bodies. The plastic film guiding device of the present invention is arranged in suspended way to reduce its contact with the surface of a machine table so that the present invention suffers less heat to facilitate the adjustment. Most importantly, the present invention has instant width-adjusting function, and can simultaneously perform identical adjustments to the widths of both sides. The adjustment is fast, and the positions of movement are exact. Moreover, fine adjustment of width can be performed at any time during the operation of the machine.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a folding box transporting device and a closing device for alignment and insertion of the closing flaps of a folding box, wherein the closing device supports at least one closing tool which rotates, via a drive and a gearing, while maintaining its orientation. The gearing is a planetary gearing which ensures precise motion of the closing tools even at high packaging machine cycle frequencies. The planetary support can thereby be connected to an intermediate shaft surrounded by a coaxially disposed hollow drive shaft, wherein the hollow drive shaft is borne for rigid rotation along with the intermediate shaft but in an axially displaceable fashion to permit axial or vertical adjustment of the planetary gearing and therefore of the closing tools.

Abstract: A conveyor system has a bucket with a pivoting side wall. The pivoting movement of the leading side wall is actuated by a cam follower which engage; a cam rail. As the bucket passes through a carton loading station, the cam rail moves the cam follower to adjust the rotational position of the side wall. This pivoting movement will push back the leading side flap of a carton, thus making the loading of the carton easier. For different sized cartons, the transverse position of the cam rail can be adjusted thus altering the relevant rotational movement of the pivoting side wall.

Abstract: The clearance or gap between cooperating pairs of folding jaws in a folding jaw system is adjustable by using a roller and a control cam. The control cam has an axial width that is several times greater than the roller track. The control cam is inclined across its axial width and the control cam and roller are shiftable axially with respect to each other.

Abstract: A mast and trolley assembly for a case sealer machine includes a set of fixed bearing members mounted upon the trolley assembly, and a set of movably adjustable bearing members mounted upon the trolley assembly such that opposite sides of the trolley assembly will engage the mast member with the proper degree of tension whereby adjustable vertical movements of the trolley assembly along the mast member are smoothly accomplished without any play or chatter. The machine head assembly is also bolted to the trolley assembly such that replacement or exchange of different sized head assemblies are readily, easily, and quickly achieved. A coiled spring mechanism is mounted upon the mast member and operatively attached to the trolley assembly so as to counterbalance the weight of the trolley and head assemblies thereby rendering the vertical adjustments of the head and trolley assemblies along the mast member easy to achieve in a counterbalanced manner.

Abstract: A box erecting machine that can readily be set up to assemble boxes of different sizes contains pointers and scales permitting the vertical and horizontal adjustment of the box magazine, the centering of the flap folding structures, and the vertical adjustment of the box hold down plates to be readily set according to the dimensions of the box to be assembled. The vertical adjustment of the box magazine, the horizontal adjustment of the box magazine, and the centering of the flap closure apparatus are adjusted until the corresponding pointer and scale of those structures indicate the width measurement taken directly from the box. The hold down plate assembly is adjusted until the corresponding pointer and scale indicate the height of the box as measured directly therefrom. Horizontal adjustment of box magazine width and horizontal adjustment of an adjustable guide rail are performed against an actual box placed in those structures.

Abstract: A machine (10) for performing a manufacturing operation on a sheet of material (12) includes an upper tool (282, . . . ) for engaging an upper surface (602) of the sheet of material (12) and a lower tool (380, . . . ) mateable with the upper tool for engaging a lower surface (606) of the material opposite to the upper surface. The upper and lower tools are arranged to cooperate in performing the manufacturing operation. A drive mechanism (456, 522, . . . ) is provided for causing relative movement between the tools and the sheet of material, back and forth along a first axis (24) and back and forth along a second axis (518) substantially perpendicular to the first axis while performing the manufacturing operation. The invention includes a method of performing the manufacturing operation utilizing the machine (10).