Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting a foam product from a foam blank. The cutting machine has a blank holder adapted to receive the foam blank and a cutting blade. At least one of the blank holder and the cutting blade is mounted for movement relative to the other. The blank holder has a first component having a die projection formed on a front surface of the first component. A second component has a cutting surface and an aperture. A third component has a cutting surface and is locatable in the aperture. At least one of the first component and the second component is mounted for movement relative to the other between a first configuration, in which the first and second components are distal to one another, and a second configuration, in which the first and second components are proximal to one another.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a protrusion cutting apparatus (30) for cutting a closed-cell foam product (32) comprising a support surface (36) adapted to support the foam product (32); a template (34) having an opening, the template (34) being movable relative to the support surface (36) to compress the foam product (32) between the support surface (36) and the template (34) so that a portion of the foam product (32)protrudes through the opening; a cutting tool (40) adapted to cut the foam product (32) adjacent to the template (34) so that the portion of the foam product (32) protruding through the opening is cut from the foam product (32); and one or more air vents (42) formed in the support surface (36) to allow air trapped between the compressed foam product (32) and the support surface (36) to escape.