APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEFORMING A SHEET MATERIAL

摘要

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for deforming a sheet material. The apparatus includes a deforming roller (20) having a plurality of circumferential depressions (22) and at least one cord (26) in rotational engagement with the roller and adapted to press the material into the depressions. The method includes the steps of providing a rotating deforming roller (20) having circumferential depressions (22), at least one cord (26) aligned to fit within the depressions and at least one sheet material, and feeding the material in a first direction between the roller and cord and deforming the material by pressing it at least partially into the depressions with the cord. The deformation may include stretching or extending the material, and/or aperturing the material, and/or producing topographical shapes or surface features in the material.