AN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SEPARATED PIECES FROM AN EXTRUDATE ROPE

摘要

A die (2) is used having a predetermined shape with indentations therein to press the extrudate rope (10) against a support at predetermined locations to form individual elements of predetermined size and shape. A conveyor belt (62) is used to carry the extrudate rope (10) in one direction, and the die is supported such that during the pressing operation the die forward speed matches the extrudate rope forward speed. A supporting table (96) underlies the conveyor belt. The die formed of a non-stick material has a pair of generally spherical indentations (7) for shaping pieces from the extrudate rope. Bore connects fluid chambers to respective indentations, the fluid pressure in each indentation assists seperation of a shaped piece of the extrudate rope from respective indentation.