Abstract: A clamping arrangement is provided for a slitter and/or hole punch for a plastic film processing machine. The punch can be unitarily formed on a base member, and mounted on a block that is affixed to the end of an actuator rod. A double-acting pneumatic cylinder actuator serves as the reciprocating mechanism for the punch. A hold-down clamping mechanism includes an apertured clamping plate and frame that surrounds the punch and is spring-driven using a compression spring mounted over the shaft or rod of the actuator. The compression spring compresses on the upstroke, and assists the cylinder on the downstroke.

Abstract: An external stabilizer or guide cage for plastic film extrusion has an upper frame comprised of a ring and structure for rotatably supporting the ring. A lower frame is suspended from the ring of the upper frame, and is positioned such that the lower frame surrounds the extruded tube. The lower frame can employ one or several banks of guide arms that keep the tube aligned axially as the tube is drawn upwards. The arms on the lower frame define an iris aperture, or a stack of iris apertures. The arms include channels for coolant flow. Heat transfers from the film to the guide arm. The upper frame includes a drive for rotating the ring and the lower frame of the guide cage over a predetermined arc, e.g., 60 degrees, to compensate for gauge variations in the film.

Abstract: An external stabilizer or guide cage for plastic film extrusion has an upper frame comprised of a ring and structure for rotatably supporting the ring. A lower frame is suspended from the ring of the upper frame, and is positioned such that the lower frame surrounds the extruded tube. The lower frame can employ one or several banks of guide arms that keep the tube aligned axially as the tube is drawn upwards. The arms on the lower frame define an iris aperture, or a stack of iris apertures. The arms include channels for coolant flow. Heat transfers from the film to the guide arm. The upper frame includes a drive for rotating the ring and the lower frame of the guide cage over a predetermined arc, e.g., 60 degrees, to compensate for gauge variations in the film.

Abstract: A multiple variable punch assembly is configurable for punching holes and slits in a plastic film material. The assembly has frame is positioned below the plane of film with one or more transverse carriages positioned to slide on the sides of the frame. Each of the carriages has side plate members, and upper and lower rails extending across the frame in the transverse direction. The upper rail is positioned above the plane of the film and the lower rail is positioned directly below the upper rail and below the film web plane. The positions of the carriages can be adjusted along the frame in the machine direction. The punch head assemblies are adjustably mounted the carriages, with an upper plate fitted onto the upper carriage rail and a lower backing plate situated beneath it on the lower carriage rail. An alignment pin can be inserted into aligned holes for positioning the upper plate and the lower backing plate.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement is provided for a slitter and/or hole punch for a plastic film processing machine. The punch can be unitarily formed on a base member, and mounted on a block that is affixed to the end of an actuator rod. A double-acting pneumatic cylinder actuator serves as the reciprocating mechanism for the punch. A hold-down clamping mechanism includes an apertured clamping plate and frame that surrounds the punch and is spring-driven using a compression spring mounted over the shaft or rod of the actuator. The compression spring compresses on the upstroke, and assists the cylinder on the downstroke.