METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING ELASTOMER SHEET MATERIAL

摘要

A method and apparatus for making elastomer sheet utilizing an extruder in combination with a calendering apparatus. Elastomer material is extruded in tubular form from the extruder and longitudinally slit as it is discharged therefrom. The slit tubular elastomer is opened to a planar form. Calendering mechanism is provided having a pair of spaced rollers which provide a constant force for holding one of the rollers in position relative to the other. Nip adjustment is provided between a bearing element of the calendering mechanism to limit the nip between the rollers and to load the bearing element by the constant force. The planar elastomer material is introduced to the nip between the pair of rollers. The planar elastomer material is calendered with the pair of rollers thereby reducing the material to a desired thickness.