Abstract: Method and apparatus for polishing an article are provided. The method features the step of contacting the article in an area to be polished with at least one polyethylene filament. The polishing apparatus comprises at least one polyethylene filament, and means for rotating the filament about a central axis for contact with the surface to be polished. The polyethylene filament of choice is characterized by a tenacity and an elongation such that the product of the tenacity and the square root of the elongation (toughness paramenter) ranges from 20 to 60 units. With use of such a filament, deflashing of an article to be deflashed can be accomplished simultaneously with the polishing of the article.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of simultaneously cutting a plurality of different elongated materials into shorter lengths is provided. The method features the steps of continuously winding a coil of each of the materials about a common axis, each of the coils being separate from one another, while continuously cutting a layer of each of the materials into shorter lengths, and continuously transporting the shorter lengths away. The apparatus features a cutter reel with a plurality of radially spaced cutting blades which form in conjunction with a barrier at least two cutting zones which are separate from one another. The different types of elongated material are fed to the different cutting zones for cutting and removal.