Abstract: The present invention relates to a die used in bar stamping. Specifically, it relates to the orientation of cavities found on the die whereby, by angling the x-axis across the cavities at 10.degree. to 90.degree. from the horizontal axis of the press on which they are mounted, it is possible to add more cavities over a fixed length and/or to reduce spacing between cavities and thereby reduce rework. Surprisingly, the cavities are all filled using the same billet volume and, because the same volume fills more cavities, there is less rework and higher ultimate throughput.

Abstract: A plough for closing carton flaps, particularly major carton flaps and a process for making the plough. The plough is designed to cause the flaps to close at or near constant velocity so as to minimize disruptions on the manufacturing line. The plough is prepared by generating data describing the coordinates of a flap as it closes at or near constant velocity, using the data to generate additional data describing the contour of a plough necessary to close the flap at or near constant velocity, and causing the plough to be fabricated utilizing the contour data.