Method and apparatus for maintaining a position of a cutting surface of a cutting apparatus

A method for cutting a substrate, the method comprising steps of:

• providing a support member connected with a frame;
• providing a blade comprising a proximal end region and a distal end region, wherein the proximal end region is releasably connected with the support member and wherein the distal end region comprises a first cutting surface comprising a first distal edge;
• positioning a roll adjacent the support member, the roll adapted to rotate about an axis, the roll comprising a second cutting surface comprising a second distal edge, wherein the first distal edge overlaps the second distal edge by an overlap distance such that the second cutting surface intermittently contacts the first cutting surface as the roll rotates about the axis;
• rotating the roll;
• and
• heating the support member using a heater to change the overlap distance to within a range of values or to maintain the overlap distance within the range of values.

A method for cutting a substrate, the method comprising steps of:

• providing a support member connected with a frame;
• providing a blade comprising a proximal end region and a distal end region, wherein the proximal end region is releasably connected with the support member and wherein the distal end region comprises a first cutting surface comprising a first distal edge;
• providing a dampener member positioned between the support member and the blade;
• positioning a roll adjacent the support member, the roll adapted to rotate about an axis, the roll comprising a second cutting surface comprising a second distal edge, wherein the first distal edge overlaps the second distal edge by an overlap distance such that the second cutting surface intermittently contacts the first cutting surface as the roll rotates about the axis;
• rotating the roll to heat the dampener member to a first temperature;
• stopping rotation of the roll;
• and
• applying heat to the dampener member to maintain the dampener member at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is approximately equal to the first temperature.

A method for cutting a substrate, the method comprising steps of:

• providing a support member connected with a frame;
• providing a blade comprising a proximal end region and a distal end region, wherein the proximal end region is releasably connected with the support member and wherein the distal end region comprises a first cutting surface comprising a first distal edge;
• positioning a roll adjacent the support member, the roll adapted to rotate about an axis, the roll comprising a second cutting surface comprising a second distal edge, wherein the first distal edge overlaps the second distal edge by an overlap distance such that the second cutting surface intermittently contacts the first cutting surface as the roll rotates about the axis;
• rotating the roll;
• and
• using heat from a first heater and a second heater to change the overlap distance or to maintain the overlap distance within the range of values.

A cutting apparatus for cutting a web, the cutting apparatus comprising:

• a frame;
• a support member rotatably or linearly supported by the frame;
• a blade comprising a proximal end region and a distal end region, wherein the proximal end region is releasably connected with the support member and wherein the distal end region comprises a first cutting surface comprising a first distal edge;
• a roll adapted to rotate about an axis, the roll positioned adjacent the support member, the roll comprising a second cutting surface, wherein the second cutting surface intermittently contacts the first cutting surface such that a perforation is formed in the web material as the roll rotates about the axis;
• and
• a heater connected with the support member.

A cutting apparatus for cutting a web, the cutting apparatus comprising:

• a frame;
• a support member supported by the frame;
• a blade comprising a first cutting surface;
• a second cutting surface positioned adjacent the support member, wherein the second cutting surface intermittently contacts the first cutting surface such that a perforation is formed in the web material;
• and
• a heater capable of heating the support member.