Apparatus and process for cutting extruded material

[0019]Typically, as shown in FIG. 1, cutting blades 60 are inclined at an angle with respect to a plane defined by the end of the cup 80, and the blades extend past such plane by a selected distance. Accordingly, when the cutting blade assembly is placed on a planar surface, such as a flat table, it is supported on the cutting blades 60. For precise, repeatable cuts, the edge 60a of each blade 60 as shown in FIG. 2 must be a repeatable distance from the face of the extruder die when attached for use. To achieve this result, each blade 60 and its edge 60a, upon assembly, is measured for deviation from a common plane. Typically, the maximum deviation from a common plane between blades is less than 0.005 inches, preferably less than 0.002 inches, and more preferably less than 0.001 inches. Thus, in use, the initial cutting edges of the blades rotate in a planar space not wider than 0.005 inches, preferably not wider than 0.002 inches, and most preferably not wider than 0.001 inches.

[0020]