(57) A rotary die cutter (10) includes an anvil roll (18) and at least one die roll (20).
One or more sheet metal dies (31) with raised cutting edges (31a) are carried on the die roll (20) to cut patterns in a web of material (W) passing
between the die (31) and the anvil roll (18). The die cutter (10) has a pair of rigid
side frames (14) spanned by a very rigid spreader (16). While the anvil roll (18)
is end-mounted (20) between the side frames (14), the die roll is end mounted (22,
24) from the spreader (16). A drive shaft (26) rotatable in the side frames (14) and
driven from a lineshaft (70) by a gear system (73, 72, 74, 75, 77) transmits rotation
to the die roll (20), while allowing the die roll (20) freedom of movement for independent
vertical, axial and circumferential adjustments. This mounting (22) and drive of the
die roll (20) can accommodate a full width press web (W) using die rolls (20) having
a small diameter, typically a single repeat roll (20), and one whose length is comparable
to its circumference. A pair of mutually slidable wedges (36a, 36b) acting against a spring clamping force (54, 54b, 59, 58, 56a) adjusts the vertical position of bearing blocks (44) that rotatably mount the die
roll (20). The mounting structure also preferably includes slide rails (48) that extend
parallel to the die roll (20) and a threaded shaft (50) to adjust the axial position
of the die roll (20). Adjustably rotating only the gear system, or a portion of the
gear system directly asociated with the die roll (20), adjusts the circumferential
position of the die roll (20).
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