Apparatus for producing perforated plastic film

An appratus for the manufacture of selectively apertured thermoplastic sheet or film, comprising a rotatable a predetermined pattern therein wherein as the film is contacted with the rotatable molding element means and a fluid pressure differential is applied to the surface of the film, a desired pattern of perforated areas and non-perforated areas is imparted to the film with each of said areas being continuous across the web of the film and alternating in the machine direction, said rotatable molding element means comprising a cylindrically shaped base pattern screen having a plurality of openings therein arranged in a predetermined pattern, an airflow restrictor means mounted over the outer surface of a portion of said base pattern screen for providing localized restriction of airflow through the screen whereby the pressure differential applied to the surface of the film is changed resulting in a continuously patterned, selectively apertured film of a desired repetitive pattern, said airflow restrictor means being a spunbonded-nonwoven breathable thermally resistant sheet material and an overlay screen mounted over said airflow restrictor means and secured on said base pattern screen.