Abstract: A separating device for cutting off individual containers (12) from a frame network made of a plastic material, particularly of polypropylene, has at least one punching device at least partially separating the containers (12) from a waste frame. Because the punching device can be moved by a ball screw drive (46) that can be driven by a drive unit, particularly in the form of an eclectic motor (48), along a punching axis (44) from a starting position to a punching position and back again, the separation can be done at high speed, determined by the screw shaft that can be driven by the electric motor.

Abstract: A cutoff saw assembly incorporates a robot assembly with a compliant cutting apparatus to remove various undesired metal extensions from a casting. The assembly cooperatively and conjunctively controls the position of the casting using the robot assembly and the force exerted by the cutting apparatus on the casting using a compliance control system. The compliance control system includes a compliance actuator that is connected to a compliance regulator. Both the robot assembly and the compliance control system are connected to a system controller. The compliance actuator is connected to the cutoff blade to actively vary the force of the cutting blade with respect to the casting. The compliance regulator, which is connected to the system controller, will measure and regulate the pressure in the compliance actuator, such that the robot assembly and compliance control system can apply the required force to cut the casting.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus includes a base, a ridge portion protruding from the base, a sliding block mounted on the base, a fixing member, and a trimming tool. The base defines a sliding groove. The sliding block is slidably engaged in the sliding groove and defines a holding groove receiving a workpiece to be trimmed. The fixing member is fixes the sliding block in the sliding groove. The trimming tool is arranged over the base. The trimming tool has a main body and a blade facing and aligned with the ridge portion, and moves toward the ridge portion to trim the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for trimming flash from the body of a workpiece. The system uses a laser system and a vision system to determine quickly a cut line for removing flash from the workpiece. The method includes the steps of projecting a line of light onto the workpiece that crosses the flash and the body and determining the profile of the line in an image obtained by a vision system. The system and method are capable of dynamically trimming while determining where to cut the flash from the body of the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device for separating individual container products from a frame assembly made of a plastic material, particularly polypropylene, having at least one stamping device (36) that at least partially separates the respective container product from a frame waste. By the stamping device (36) comprising a free fall body (52), separating the respective frame waste from the associated container product from an initial position during free fall, the separation can be carried out with very high speed (free fall) and additional mechanical components for applying a constraint force on the stamping body during the creating of the separating line can be omitted.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly is provided for removing flash portions and gates from a molded article. The cutting tool assembly includes a holder device including an upper plate, a cylindrical collar, and a bearing disposed between the upper plate and the cylindrical collar to allow movement of the cylindrical collar relative to the upper plate. The cutting tool assembly further includes a cutting member fixedly secured to the cylindrical collar wherein movement of the cylindrical collar relative to the upper plate provides the cutting member with degrees of rotational freedom to float relative to the molded article during trimming of the flash portions and gates.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a billet for cold forging according to the present invention is characterized by the first spheroidizing annealing step of spheroidizing a carbide in a blank, the drawing step of drawing the blank at a predetermined sectional area reduction ratio after the first spheroidizing annealing step, and the second spheroidizing annealing step of promoting the dispersion of the internal carbide for an increased spheroidizing ratio after the drawing step. The drawing step has a drawing ratio of approximately 20%. The blank is cut to a desired dimension between said first spheroidizing annealing step and said second spheroidizing annealing step.

Abstract: A compliance device having a housing, a support block coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing along a linear axis, and a tool holder coupled to the support block and rotatable relative to the support block about a rotational axis. The compliance device is further incorporated into a trimming assembly for trimming flash from a workpiece. The trimming assembly includes a positioning mechanism and the compliance device is coupled to the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A load cell deflasher for the punch and die deflash processing of product from an extrusion includes a load cell pressure transducer interconnected with a punch to sense pressure measurements of the punch against the extrusion at the die and communicate the measurements to a programmable logic controller that controls the extension and retraction of the punch to the die and the structure accommodating pre-punch alignment of the extrusion to the die. The pressure measurements are logged in a trending database of the programmable logic controller. If a pressure measurement exceeds a threshold value, to programmable logic controller can command instruct a positioning actuator of the punch to abort its punch stroke prior to completion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming a container having an open end wherein the container is held during the trimming operation, including a multi-station assembly for holding the container to be trimmed stationary during trimming, ejecting the trimmed portion and ejecting the trimmed container.

Abstract: A tool mounting assembly including a tool support means which includes tool holders adapted for receiving an associated tool and enabling rotation of the associated tool about a rotation axis. The tool mounting assembly further including means for causing relative movement between the tool holders in the direction of the rotation axis so to enable the tool holders to adopt an operative position in which the associated tool is held thereby and the release position in which the associated tool is enabled to be removed from the mounting assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming a container having an open end wherein the container is held during the trimming operation, including a multi-station assembly for holding the container to be trimmed stationary during trimming, ejecting the trimmed portion and ejecting the trimmed container.

Abstract: Cast metal parts are created for use in making machinery. When these parts are formed, unwanted material remains in the openings of the parts. This material, called flash, must be removed. In the method of the present invention, the cast parts are placed on a platen of a trim press that has multi-part punches attached thereto that are configured to self-align with the openings in the cast part and operative to evenly remove the flash. The invention also relates to a punch that initially breaks through the flash with a stationary punch that removes a majority of the flash inside the opening of the cast part. Next, a moving or self-centering punch self-aligns to the opening in the cast part and operates to remove the remaining flash. The inventive punch may also include a mounting base for attachment of the multi-part punches to the plate or platen of the press.

Abstract: Cast metal parts are created for use in making machinery. When these parts are formed, unwanted material remains in the openings of the parts. This material, called flash, must be removed. In the method of the present invention, the cast parts are placed on a platen of a trim press that has multi-part punches attached thereto that are configured to self-align with the openings in the cast part and operative to evenly remove the flash. The invention also relates to a punch that initially breaks through the flash with a stationary punch that removes a majority of the flash inside the opening of the cast part. Next, a moving or self-centering punch self-aligns to the opening in the cast part and operates to remove the remaining flash. The inventive punch may also include a mounting base for attachment of the multi-part punches to the plate or platen of the press.

Abstract: The present invention includes a trim station for trimming the flange of a container, an apparatus for trimming the flange of a container and a method of trimming the flange of a container. The trim station includes a rotating primary knife and a secondary knife mounted on a movable member, wherein the secondary knife is moved into a cutting position by advancing the movable member in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the container. The present invention also includes a spindle assembly and a container by process of trimming the flange of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, conveying tandem thermoplastic containers from a molding machine to a tail removal station, the tandem containers being positioned with their axes extending horizontally but possibly out of parallel with one another and with their ends possibly out of alignment with one another. The apparatus includes a spaced pair of synchronously driven endless conveyors that convey tandem containers to a downwardly inclined ramp, the ramp having a wedge on its tandem supporting surface that engages outwardly projecting beads on each of the containers of the tandem to orient the tandems with their ends parallel, the downwardly inclined ramp also serving to orient the tandems with their axes parallel.

Abstract: A machine for machining and deflashing tire treads, having a frame, a drum for supporting the tire and rotating it about its axis, a cylindrical cutting tool and means for orienting the tool in various directions with respect to the tire, including means allowing rotation of the tire to be reversed and means for arranging the tool to work in two substantially symmetrical positions relative to the tire, a first position for cutting proper and a second position for deflashing, each of said positions corresponding to an opposite direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming and performing a second operation on containers, such as plastic containers. The apparatus comprises modular container processing stations. One modular station is a pretrim station including a starwheel, blade, and rollers for spinning the containers. Another modular station is a trimming station which includes a plurality of trim heads for precisely trimming containers. The trim heads include a C-knife, an inner knife, and a neck control ring assembly. Another modular station is a second station including a plurality of second station heads. The second station heads contact a trimmed container as the container is continuously spun. The integrated apparatus also includes a carousel which conveys the containers from station to station and includes a number of spindles which may spin the containers during processing. The apparatus may also include a scrap removal assembly which collects scrap rings and blows them away to a scrap collector.

Abstract: A method of removing waste material from an annular, elastomeric article 10. The method includes the steps of: securing at least a portion of the annular, elastomeric article 10; securing at least a portion of the waste material; penetrating the waste material with a cutting tool 52; and guiding the cutting tool 52 through the waste material. The method is characterized by the step of stretching the waste material prior to guiding the cutting tool 52. In the preferred method, the waste material is stretched a distance sufficient to simultaneously apply some degree of tension to the unsecured portions of the waste material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing pasted positive and negative electrode plates from pasted lead or lead alloy expanded, punched or cast metal mesh strip for use in lead-acid batteries without the use of paper barriers. The heating of cutting devices such as roll-mounted die-cutters to a predetermined temperature range of at least about 150° C., preferably about 160 to 300° C., and more preferably about 180 to 210° C., eliminates sticking of the paste on the pasted metal mesh strip to the cutting devices and obviates the need for the paper barriers.

Abstract: A formed element trimming apparatus includes a base member, a nesting member connected to a ram cylinder mounted on one end of the base member, a clamping member connected to a clamping cylinder mounted to a second end of the base member, and a cutting plate attached to the base member between the nesting member and the clamping member. The cutting plate has a cutting aperture to engage any undesired attachments on the periphery of the formed element. The formed element is securely placed in the nesting member, which is designed to integrally receive the formed element. The clamping member, propelled by the clamping cylinder, traverses the cutting aperture to engage the nesting member and secure the position of the formed element between the nesting member and the clamping member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of trimming a thermoformed film comprising the following steps. A Thermoplastic flexible film is placed within a frame. The film and frame are heated sufficiently to make the film pliable. The film and frame are moved to a position adjacent a forming mandrel. The forming mandrel is moved against the film and causes the film to conform to the shape of the mandrel. After the film has fully conformed to the shape of the mandrel, the mandrel and film are moved to a trimming station. Knives on the trimming station contact and cut the film. It is also desirable that the knives be mounted on actuators to move them from extended to retracted positions. A plurality of knives are used to trim around a three-dimensional article.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for trimming a blow molding (12) includes a rotary trimming assembly (16) rotatively mounted and driven on a trimmer head (14). The trimming assembly (16) includes a tube (18) of a rotary member (46) aligned with the blow molding such that operation of an actuating mechanism (20) provides cam actuated movement of a knife holder (48) to perform the trimming which allows the trimmed off blow molding portion to move through the tube (18) away from the trimmed blow molding in preparation for the next trimming cycle. A vacuum source (36) draws a vacuum within a conduit (34) connected to the tube (18) to provide the movement of the trimmed off blow molding portion away from the trimmer head.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflashing plastic blow molded articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes feed screw which engage one side of the container to move the container. A nesting wheel and a trim wheel are rotated in opposite directions to bring trim tools and nest tools together. The screw moves the container so that the nest tool engages the container and carries the container so that it is between the nest tool and trim tool as they intermesh. As a result, the container is nested, trimmed and released in one continuous motion.

Abstract: A flash removing apparatus is provided which has a pair of blades driven by an actuator through a linkage assembly, simultaneously and in opposite directions, between a bottle receiving position and a closed position to aid in removing flash from a plastic product disposed on the blades. Preferably, the blades can also be moved to a fully open position to permit a bottle to pass between the blades and increase manufacturing flexibility and efficiency of the apparatus. The linkage assembly has a center link rotatable about a fixed pivot and at least one link arm connected to the center link and operably connected to the actuator to unfold and fold the linkage assembly in response to movement of the actuator between its advanced and retracted positions. The folding and unfolding of the linkage assembly moves the blades between their open and closed positions in cycles to remove flash from consecutive plastic products.

Abstract: An arrangement for cutting off the projection of a cover layer comprises a transport device which moves an object with cover layers projecting on the sides past the edges of the object relative to a cutting device. A cutting device has a rotating cutting edge which is guided along the edge. The cutting device has a rotating cutting wheel which is biased toward the edge. Such a cutting arrangement is used on a coating system for plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the neck of a blow molded plastic bottle in which a reverse punch is mounted on an end of a shaft. A knife is also mounted to the shaft adjacent to the reverse punch and includes a cutting edge recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. A stripper arm is mounted on the shaft and axially moves with the shaft. The stripper arm's distal end is adjacent to the reverse punch and recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. An actuator causes the distal end of the stripper arm to move to a position located radially outward from the cutting surface when a trimmer ring from the neck of a bottle is to be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A separable laminated container (A) of the present invention comprises an outer layer (1) made of synthetic resin and having an air suction hole (10) and an inner layer (2) made of synthetic resin and separably laminated on the inside of the outer layer, the inner layer having a portion previously separated from the outer layer just around the air suction hole. The air suction hole can be formed by driving a punch into the outer layer at a neck (4) of the separable laminated container from the outside, and punching just the outer layer leaving the inner layer behind. The portion of the inner layer previously separated from the outer layer may be left in the inwardly extended state. The inner layer is preferably made of synthetic resin having flexural modules of less than 10,000 kg/cm2.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the neck of a blow molded plastic bottle in which a reverse punch is mounted on an end of a shaft. A knife is also mounted to the shaft adjacent to the reverse punch and includes a cutting edge recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. A stripper arm is mounted on the shaft and axially moves with the shaft. The stripper arm's distal end is adjacent to the reverse punch and recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. An actuator causes the distal end of the stripper arm to move to a position located radially outward from the cutting surface when a trimmer ring from the neck of a bottle is to be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for the mechanical separation of work pieces having plastic material in the area of separation, in particular, packages for flowable media joined together in pairs in the top wall is provided with feed and discharge means with guide rails and drivers and with separating blades arranged on a conveyor belt, with a first linear cutter with cutters arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, each with straight cutting blades followed by a round cutter with rotatable circular cutters arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry, the cutters with the straight cutting blade being located in the cutting plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, and the straight cutting blades being disposed at an angle to the plane of symmetry such that the straight cutting blades get closer together in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A method for cutting openings in a sheet of thermoformed containers. The sheet of containers is indexed into a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a shear plate having a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and having an upper surface which defines a cutting plane. A locating means including a plurality of anvils is raised so that the anvils enter the containers and raise the sheet toward the shear plate. The end portions of the containers are located within the openings of the shear plate, and a portion of the containers is positioned in the cutting plane. The cutting assembly includes a blade mounted on piston/cylinder assembly for sliding movement along the upper surface of the shear plate. The cylinder is actuated to move the blade along the cutting plane. The blade cuts off the portion of the containers and creates an opening in the containers.

Abstract: This invention is of an automated flash removal apparatus which features counter-rotating trimming wheels which are positioned against the molded flexible urethane part or the molded flexible polyvinyl chloride part. The force of the trimming wheels against the part undergoing the flash removal process is adjustable and is controlled by opposing tension springs. The trimming wheels may by set at any angle to the part so as to enhance the flash removal characteristics. The trimming wheels are guided along the sides of the part by interchangeable guide bars which may be profiled to accommodate parts which present surfaces that are not substantially straight. The trimming wheels utilize a textured pattern which operate to abrade the flash from the part, thereafter polishing the part on the return pass.

Abstract: A work station between an active spindle adaptor and a passive spindle adaptor having a common rotational axis, receives a workpiece ring supplied from a loader shuttle. The ring has circular outer edges in parallel spaced planes perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the ring. Chamfered centering crescents on oppositely facing ring positioners engage opposite edges of the ring and simultaneously clamp and center the ring on the spindle axis. The active spindle then moves the clamped ring to position abutting the passive spindle adaptor and clamps the ring between the spindles. The crescents retract, the active spindle rotates the ring and the ring is machined outside and inside simultaneously. External turning tools are fixed to one toolholder slide, and an additional external tool is movably mounted to the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting the peripheral portion of a film projecting from the peripheral edge of a laminated glass plate having the film sandwiched between a pair of glass plates has a robot arm and a robot hand connected to the the robot arm. The robot hand has a releasable cutting blade, a device for biasing the cutting blade against the peripheral edge of a laminated glass plate, a device for biasing the cutting blade away from the peripheral edge of the laminated glass plate when the resistance force acting on the cutting edge of the cutting blade becomes larger than a predetermined level, and a device for biasing the cutting blade close to the peripheral edge of the laminated glass plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming sharp edges from a non-round workpiece having a contour includes a member for trimming the workpiece by impinging a stream of heated gaseous medium on the workpiece; a member for holding the workpiece, the member for holding being rotatably mounted relative to the member for trimming relative to the member for holding; and a cam for guiding the member for trimming, the cam cooperating the member for holding with the member for trimming so that the member for trimming follows the contour of the workpiece when the member for holding is rotated relative to the member for trimming.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing an edge fin produced on a workpiece surface during the production of metal rim reinforcement strips. The edge fin is removed after the rim is clamped in the longitudinal direction by cutting a lateral incision into the edge fin along the longitudinal direction just above the workpiece surface. The cutting tool may be stationary blades or roll blades, the latter blades cooperating with a support for the edge fin during lateral cutting.

Abstract: A head trimmer machine for cutting off excess material from a cylindrical portion of a blow molded bottle includes a fixture, a spindle rotatably mounted in the fixture, a cutting head attached to the spindle for rotation therewith, a cutter mounted to the cutting head, and a vacuum source for collecting the trimmed material by suction. The cutting head has a central passage so that it can fit down over the head of the blow molded bottle. The cutter is supported in the cutting head for movement between retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, the cutter extends into the central passage of the cutting head to cut the head or other excess material from the neck of the bottle as the cutting head turns. The spindle includes a central passage aligned with the central passage of the cutting head and the excess material is removed by being drawn through these passages by a gaseous flow created by the vacuum source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming an inner ring from the neck flange of a blow-molded plastic bottle by extending a reverse punch having a lead end and a trailing end larger than the lead end into the bottle through the flange opening, elastically bending the flange into the interior of the bottle as the punch passes and withdrawing the reverse punch from the bottle and trimming a ring from the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming a ring from the neck of a blow molded plastic bottle includes a reverse punch for cutting a ring from the neck and positioning the ring on the punch shaft and a ring stripper for cutting one side of the ring on the punch shaft and stripping the ring from the shaft. The ring stripper travels transversely of the punch shaft. As the reverse punch is retracted with the cut ring on the punch shaft, the ring stripper is moved transversely across the path of the punch shaft. The ring stripper engages an edge of the cut ring and subsequently moves the cut ring away and severs one side to strip the ring from the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming a ring from the neck of a blow molded plastic bottle includes a reverse punch for cutting a ring from the neck and positioning the ring on the punch shaft and a ring stripper for cutting one side of the ring on the punch shaft and pulling the other side of ring from the shaft. The ring stripper includes a hook for engaging the ring and pulling the ring against a blade. The blade severs the ring and the hook then strips the severed ring from the shaft for disposal.

Abstract: A head trimmer machine for cutting off excess material from a cylindrical portion of a blow molded bottle includes a fixture, a spindle rotatably mounted in the fixture, a cutting head attached to the spindle for rotation therewith, a cutter mounted to the cutting head, and a vacuum source for collecting the trimmed material by suction. The cutting head has a central passage so that it can fit down over the head of the blow molded bottle. The cutter is supported in the cutting head for movement between retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, the cutter extends into the central passage of the cutting head to cut the head or other excess material from the neck of the bottle as the cutting head turns. The spindle includes a central passage aligned with the central passage of the cutting head and the excess material is removed by being drawn through these passages by a gaseous flow created by the vacuum source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming and inspecting hollow plastic containers having a neck which has an opening that forms an angle with the vertical axis of the hollow container wherein as the hollow container is moved by a conveyor intermittently past a succession of stations of a trimming and inspection apparatus, the neck of the container is clamped and oriented so that the axis of the opening is vertical and the trimming or inspecting tooling is moved downwardly to engage and perform the trimming or inspecting. In one form two containers are simultaneously clamped and oriented.

Abstract: An article, such as a card of thermoplastic material containing vials, is molded by a method and apparatus which deforms a portion of the mold flash so as to form a reference surface. In a preferred embodiment, the article has a pair of lower walls extending from a central wall in a generally inverted V-shape configuration diverging from an apex which defines a downwardly facing reference surface from which a predetermined reference position can be established for subsequent operations. A conveyor belt can be employed to engage the reference surface and support the article at the reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the burr from the seam of a golf ball made using a pair of semispherical molds each having dimple-forming projections on a connecting portion to shape resin into a golf ball having dimples on a seam corresponding to the connecting portion. A ball fixing mechanism holds the golf ball thereto with the seam uncovered. A cutting member having a cutting member, disposed at an end of a rotary shaft, having a radius of curvature smaller than a sectional radius of curvature of each of the dimples. The rotary shaft rotates on its axis and moves forward when the cutting member is brought into contact with each of the dimples on the seam and backward when the cutting member is brought into contact with a convex land thereon. Thereafter, the cutting member is pressed against the seam successively removing the burr while maintaining the integrity of each of the dimples.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing flash from a flexible molded part includes a support for supporting the part being deflashed in underlying relation with first and second pinch rollers which are located at opposite ends of the part, and first and second conveyor assemblies associated with the first and second pinch rollers, respectively, are adapted to move the flash at both ends of the part into engagement with the pinch rollers which are driven in opposite directions and have knurled surfaces, causing the flash to be pinched between the pinch rollers and the associated conveyor assemblies, pulling the flash from said part, the conveyor assemblies conveying the flash away from part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming a contoured non-round workpiece includes a torch for flame treating or trimming the workpiece by impinging a flame on the workpiece, a holding member for supporting the workpiece, the holding member being rotatably mounted relative to the torch, and a control member for cooperating the holding member with the torch so that the torch follows the contour of the workpiece when the holding member is rotated relative to the torch. The control member generates an electronic image of the workpiece and guides the torch along the contour of the workpiece in accordance with the image.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing semiconductor lead frames is described which comprises a plurality of stations arranged in a substantially circular path for processing the lead frames. The apparatus further includes processing means located at each station for processing the lead frames and transferring means for transferring the lead frames between stations for processing. The processing means includes a removable die module for housing tool kits which work the lead frames and which can be replaced to process different types of lead frames or to produce a different product from the lead frames.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a frame-supported pellicle membrane used for dust-proof protection of a photomask in the photolithographic patterning work of, for example, semiconductor devices. An improvement is proposed for trimming of a pellicle membrane formed on a base plate and adhesively bonded to a pellicle frame to remove the extraneous portion of the membrane protruded out of the pellicle frame. Instead of the mechanical punching method for trimming, the trimming work according to the invention is performed by using a cutting device having a cutter element heated at a temperature higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin forming the membrane so that the membrane is trimmed by melting of the resin. Different from the conventional mechanical punching method, the trimming process of the invention is free from the problem of occurrence of dust particles deposited on the membrane to adversely affect the quality of the pattern reproduction.

Abstract: As a cutter having first and second cutter blades is driven toward a molded ceiling consisting of a base material and a surface material which is attached to the base material in a stretched state, the surface material is first cut by the first cutter blade which is adapted to cut the molded ceiling at a position outside of a predetermined trimming or cutting position such that the trimmed or cut end of the surface material is inclined to have a flat triangular sectional shape. Then, the inclined end of the surface material is cut off together with an excess portion of the base material by means of the second cutter blade which is adapted to cut the molded ceiling at the predetermined trimming or cutting position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a three-dimensionally shaped work-piece includes a frame, a first surface movably mounted on the frame, a mold mounted on the first surface for receiving the work piece and having an approximate shape which conforms to the final desired shape of the work piece, a second surface mounted on the frame above the first surface, and dies mounted on the underside of the second surface. An inflatable bladder is positioned beneath the first surface to raise and lower the first surface between an elevated position in which a workpiece may be cut and a lowered position in which a cut workpiece may be removed or a workpiece may be positioned for cutting.