Apparatus for making multilayer optical films

A feedblock for making a multilayer optical film, comprising:

• (a) a gradient plate comprising at least first and second flow channels, wherein at least one of said flow channels has a cross-sectional area that changes from a first position to a second position along said flow channel;
• (b) a feeder tube plate comprising a first plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said first flow channel and a second plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said second flow channel, each conduit feeding its own respective slot die, each conduit having a first end and a second end and, said first end of said conduits being in fluid communication with said flow channels and said second end of said conduits being in fluid communication with said slot die;
• and
• (c) a manifold plate comprising at least first and second supplemental channels having top and bottom portions, said top portion being bounded by said manifold plate, said bottom portion being bounded in said gradient plate and lying opposite of said flow channels.

A feedblock for making a multilayer optical film, comprising:

• (a) a housing having external surfaces;
• (b) a gradient plate inside said housing, said gradient plate comprising at least first and second flow channels, wherein at least one of said flow channels has a cross-sectional area that changes from a first position to a second position along said flow channel;
• (c) a feeder tube plate comprising a first plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said first flow channel and a second plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said second flow channel, each conduit feeding its own respective slot die, each conduit having a first end and a second end, said first end of said conduits being in fluid communication with said flow channels and said second end of said conduits being in fluid communication with said slot die;
• and
• (d) heaters attached to said external surface of said housing.