Method and apparatus for working on sheet material

摘要

A method and apparatus for working on sheet material utilizes a table having two spaced coplanar lips across which sheet material is stretched to be worked on by a tool supported from a movable carriage spanning the table. Clamping units attached to the table hold the sheet material in a taut condition between the coplanar lips of the table by clamping the material against the lips. A platen is suspended from the carriage on the side of the material opposite from the work tool for movement with the carriage and provides a backing for the material as the work tool performs a work operation on the material. The apparatus is particularly suited for applications in which the sheet material in an elongated strip is indexed in segments across the work area of the table.