Methods and apparatuses for consolidating elastic substrates

A method for consolidating a discrete length of elastic substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

• rotating a drum about a rotation axis, the drum having an outer circumferential surface;
• positioning a discrete length of elastic substrate on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating drum, wherein the discrete length of elastic substrate is in a stretched state and defines a first length, the discrete length of elastic substrate having a first end region, a second end region, and a central region separating the first and second end regions;
• applying vacuum pressure to the first end region, second end region, and central region of the discrete length of elastic substrate, wherein the vacuum pressures on the first end region, second end region, and central region of the discrete length of elastic substrate are less than atmospheric air pressure;
• and
• changing the vacuum pressure on the first and second end regions such that the discrete length of elastic substrate consolidates to a second length that is less than the first length.