Importance

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Abstract

Touch fasteners with different portions having different material properties, and methods and apparatus for making such a product. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a cross-linkable polymer, and a first portion of the fastener is cross-linked and a second portion of the fastener is not cross-linked or is cross-linked to a degree less than said first portion. In another embodiment, the fastener is made in a continuous process on a rotating mold roll having a plurality of fastener element mold cavities extending into the mold roll from its outer circumferential surface. The method includes applying a first polymer to the mold roll and forcing some of the first polymer into the mold cavities, with some of the first polymer remaining on the surface of the mold roll in the form of a film having thickness; with a doctoring blade, removing at least some of the first polymer remaining on the surface of the mold roll to at least reduce the thickness of the film of the first polymer on the mold roll surface (in some cases, substantially all of the polymer on the mold roll surface is removed); and applying a second polymer to the mold roll, the second polymer being compatible with, and adhering to, the first polymer.

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First Claim