Production of net or net-like products

Apparatus for the production of thermoplastic structures comprising:

• a. an annular extrusion die of a stated diameter and including a pair of spaced members, said die members defining a single, continuous annular extrusion orifice on the periphery of the extrusion die through which a unitary tube of molten polymer can be extruded substantially radially outward from the extrusion die;
• b. a pair of annular perforating members having a plurality of spaced teeth rigidly affixed to each other with one disposed below the extrusion orifice and the other disposed above the extrusion orifice with the teeth in each perforating member being axially positioned adjacent the extrusion orifice and operative upon reciprocating motion to alternately completely block off selected areas of the said continuous extrusion orifice corresponding to said teeth thereby interrupting the flow of polymer at said selected areas;
• c. said perforating members being substantially in axial sliding contact with said die members at the extrusion orifice;
• and
• d. an annular mandrel disposed below said extrusion die said mandrel having a diameter greater than the said stated diameter whereby the extruded molten polymer tube will be at least partially oriented when it is drawn over said mandrel.