Matrix assembly

Abstract

A method of forming a matrix assembly for use in forming creases or score lines in card-like material. The method comprises providing a steel strip, treating an upper surface of the steel strip with a resin adhesive, extruding one or more plastic material strips onto the metal strip to define a longitudinal channel and heating the assembly so formed to cure the resin adhesive and adhere the plastic material to the metal strip. The present method obviates the need to perforate the metal strip and therefore a thinner steel strip is obtained.

1 . A method of making a matrix assembly which comprises providing a steel strip ( 10 ), treating the upper surface of the steel strip with a resin adhesive, extruding one or more plastic material strips ( 24 ,  26 ) onto the metal strip ( 10 ) to define a longitudinal channel ( 28 ) and heating the assembly so formed to cure the resin adhesive and adhere the plastic material ( 22 ) to the metal strip.  
   
   
       2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the adhesive resin employed is a polyurethane or polyolefin resin.  
   
   
       3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the resin is applied to the surface of the steel strip ( 10 ) in a continuous manner immediately before the latter passes into an extrusion die ( 18 ) where the plastics material ( 22 ) is attached thereto by extruding the plastic material profile onto the resin treated steel strip downstream of the extrusion die.  
   
   
       4 . A method as claim in  claim 1  wherein the plastic extrusions ( 22 ) are controlled and guided into position externally of the extrusion die by a series of horizontally and vertically micrometer adjustable heated precision rollers ( 29 ).  
   
   
       5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein after the plastics material is attached the assembly passes to a heating zone ( 30 ) to cure the adhesive resin and effect bonding of the matrix.  
   
   
       6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein after curing the resin the assembly is cooled ( 32 ), pulled off ( 12 ) and further assembly in-line ( 34 ) with a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape to the bottom of the matrix, and thereafter cut into suitable lengths for packaging and onward transmission.  
   
   
       7 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the plastic material ( 22 ) adhered to the steel strip is polypropylene.  
   
   
       8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the metallic material is steel.  
   
   
       9 . A method is claimed in  claim 8  wherein the strip ( 10 ) is conditioned and degreased before use.  
   
   
       10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the resin is applied to the surface of the steel strip ( 10 ) in a continuous manner immediately before the latter passes into an extrusion die ( 18 ) where the plastics material ( 22 ) is attached thereto by extruding the plastic material profile onto the resin treated steel strip downstream of the extrusion die.  
   
   
       12 . A method as claim in  claim 11  wherein the plastic extrusions ( 22 ) are controlled and guided into position externally of the extrusion die by a series of horizontally and vertically micrometer adjustable heated precision rollers ( 29 ).  
   
   
       13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12  wherein after the plastics material is attached the assembly passes to a heating zone ( 30 ) to cure the adhesive resin and effect bonding of the matrix.  
   
   
       14 . A method as claimed in  claim 13  wherein after curing the resin the assembly is cooled ( 32 ), pulled off ( 12 ) and further assembly in-line ( 34 ) with a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape to the bottom of the matrix, and thereafter cut into suitable lengths for packaging and onward transmission.  
   
   
       15 . A method as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the plastic material ( 22 ) adhered to the steel strip is polypropylene.  
   
   
       16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the metallic material is steel.  
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the adhesive resin employed is a polyurethane or polyolefin resin.  
   
   
       18 . A method is claimed in  claim 17  wherein the strip ( 10 ) is conditioned and degreased before use.