Three-dimensional polymeric strand netting, dies, and methods of making the same

A method of making a three-dimensional polymeric strand netting, wherein a plurality of the polymeric strands are periodically joined together in a regular pattern at bond regions throughout the netting, wherein at least some of the polymeric strands are periodically bonded to at least three adjacent polymeric strands, and wherein no polymeric strands are continuously bonded to another polymeric strand, the method comprising:

• providing an extrusion die comprising a plurality of shims positioned adjacent to one another, the shims together defining at least a first and a dispensing surface, wherein the dispensing surface has a first array of first dispensing orifices and a second array of second dispensing orifices positioned adjacent to each other, alternating with a third array of third dispensing orifices, wherein the plurality of shims comprises a plurality of a repeating sequence of shims, wherein the repeating sequence comprises a shim that provides a fluid passageway between a cavity and one of the first dispensing orifices, a shim that provides a fluid passageway between a cavity and one of the second dispensing orifices, and a shim that provides a fluid passageway between a cavity and one of the third dispensing orifices;
• and
• dispensing polymeric strands from at least one of the first, second, or third arrays of dispensing orifices at a first strand speed while simultaneously dispensing polymeric strands from at least one of the other arrays at a second strand speed, wherein the first strand speed is at least 2 times the second strand speed to provide the three-dimensional netting dispensing polymeric strands from at least one of the first, second, or third arrays of dispensing orifices at a first strand speed while simultaneously dispensing polymeric strands from at least one of the other arrays at a second strand speed, wherein the first strand speed is at least 2 times the second strand speed to provide the three-dimensional netting.