Multi-nip takeoff

A multi-nip takeoff and cooling section comprising:

• a first smoothing and a second smoothing roll;
• a position, calibration and cooling roll positioned proximate to the second smoothing roll, the position, calibration and cooling roll being movable relative to the second smoothing roll;
• a first fixed calibration and cooling roll positioned proximate the position, calibration and cooling roll, the first fixed calibration and cooling roll being in a fixed position relative to the second smoothing roll;
• a first movable calibration and cooling roll positioned proximate the first fixed calibration and cooling roll, the first movable calibration and cooling roll being movable relative to the first fixed calibration and cooling roll;
• and
• actuators cooperate with the position, calibration and cooling roll and the first movable cooling roll to provide both nip pressure and gap control between the second smoothing roll and the position, calibration and cooling roll, between the position, calibration and cooling roll and the first fixed calibration and cooling roll, and between the first fixed calibration and cooling roll and the first movable calibration.

A method for nipping and cooling plastic sheet material, the method comprising:

• running the plastic sheet material through polishing rolls;
• running the plastic sheet material through calibration and cooling rolls;
• adjustably nipping on each pair of respective calibration and cooling rolls, allowing for a gradual change to the thickness of sheet material until sheet material reaches a final calibration and cooling roll;
• whereby the initial nipping load of the polishing rolls is reduced, allowing the size of the polishing rolls and the power needed to drive them to be reduced.