Cutter wheel for cutting continuous tow

摘要

A cutting wheel for cutting continuous filamentary tow comprises first and second axially spaced carrier plates which are rotatable about a common axis. An annular row of cutter blades extends between the carrier plates, each blade having a radially outwardly facing cutting edge for cutting the tow. At least four connecting plates have opposite ends affixed to respective carrier plates to prevent mutual separation of the carrier plates in the axial and radial directions. Each connecting plate is aligned with an associated one of the blades and is positioned radially inwardly relative thereto and has a thickness substantially the same as that of the associated blade. The connecting blades as a group provide a substantial portion of the resistance against mutual separation of the carrier plates in the axial and radial directions. The blades as a group transmit a substantial portion of the torque between the carrier plates.