Abstract: A press has modular components which are removable secured together to provide a C-shaped or gap frame press. The base portion includes a bed which is keyed and bolted to lower beam frames. Supports are keyed and bolted to the bed and an upper plate is keyed and bolted to the uprights. A ram assembly is removably coupled with the upper plate and its movement is controlled to carry out a desired operation.

Abstract: A manual cutting apparatus for simulating an automatic strand pelletizing operation has mechanisms for simultaneously feeding and cutting plastic strands to enable the simulation of automatic circular cutters.

Abstract: A rotary cutter and method of making same having a plurality of wear resistant material tipped helical cutting teeth therealong and comprising a plurality of cutter discs removably mounted in stacked relationship on a mandrel. Each disc comprises a circular member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutting teeth extending therearound and wherein each cutting tooth incorporates a hard, wear resistant insert having a helical rake facet and a helical relief facet defining the cutting edge which is in the form of a true geometrical helix. Coacting means are provided on the mandrel and each disc for rotationally positioning and aligning the discs such that the helical cutting edges thereon define in combination a substantially continuous geometrically true helical cutting edge extending the entire length of the cutter.