Cutting apparatus for cutting thermoformed plastic sheet

摘要

A cutting apparatus usable in conjunction with a thermoforming machine that produces a thermoformed plastic sheet is designed to cut the thermoformed plastic sheet to separate a portion of the plastic sheet from the remainder of the plastic sheet. The cutting apparatus includes a cutting mechanism that moves across the width of the sheet. The cutting mechanism is in the form of a cylinder actuated sheet cutting knife whose operation is controlled in conjunction with the operation of the thermoforming machine to effect cutting of the plastic sheet at desired intervals. The apparatus also includes a hold down mechanism that is operated in synchronism with the operation of the thermoforming machine and the cylinder actuated cutting knife. The hold down mechanism is designed to hold down the thermoformed plastic sheet to thereby facilitate the cutting of the plastic sheet. The hold down mechanism is also designed to cover the cutting knife as the cutting knife travels across the width of the thermoformed plastic sheet, thereby preventing the cutting knife from being exposed in a manner that would present a safety risk.