Tire component cutter apparatus and method of cutting

Abstract

A method of cutting an elastomeric strip of material is described. The method includes the step of advancing a strip of materiala predetermined distance by a conveyor means. Resisting reverse movement of the strip; tensioning the strip; and cutting simultaneously across the entire width of the stripthrough the thickness of the stripon a skive angle of 45 degrees or less preferably about 28 degrees to form a cut length of material thereby relaxing the tension in the strip as the skive cut endsandmove apart. This method of cutting can be accomplished by providing an apparatusfor cutting an elastomeric strip of materialwhich has a frame assembly, a motorized feed conveyormounted onto the framefor advancing the strip material, a cutter assemblymounted on the frame assemblyincluding a guillotine cutteroriented to move along a skive angle α, a second conveyor meansfor supporting the strip, the second conveyor meanshaving rollershaving a one way directional movement in the forward direction resistant to movement in the reverse direction; a motorconnected to the feed conveyorto drive the conveyorin an advancing direction and having a reverse tensioning direction; and wherein the cutter assemblyis positioned between the second conveyor meansand the feed conveyorto cut the stripafter a tension is applied to the strip by reverse motion of the feed conveyor