Forming structure for making three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded webs

摘要

A forming structure for use in making macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, apertured polymeric webs. The forming structure comprises a plurality of forming structure interconnecting members that define a plurality of forming structure apertures and a plurality of protrusions extending from a first surface of the forming structure. The protrusions are generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1 and have an amplitude measured from the first surface of said forming structure to a distal end of the protrusion. The protrusions are shaped such that a maximum dimension of any lateral cross-section is greater than a similar dimension of a lateral cross-section at a greater amplitude.