A debinding apparatus for inclusion in a machine adapted to bind together sheets formed with first apertures spaced longitudinally on one edge thereof. The machine uses a first narrow thermoplastic strip which has studs projecting therefrom and spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets and a second narrow strip formed with second apertures spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets. The machine has a frame and a platen for supporting the second strip with the sheets superimposed on the second strip and the studs of the first strip extending through the first and second apertures and protruding below the second strip. In addition, the machine includes a plurality of cutting elements, heating elements for heating the cutting elements, and a mechanism for moving the cutting elements to cut off excess stud length and to initiate the formation of heads on the ends of the studs. The machine also has an assembly for forming heads on the ends of the studs which includes a plurality of fingers for engaging the ends of the stud and a mechanism for actuating the fingers from an inoperative to an operative position. The improvement to the machine comprises a debinding apparatus which disengages the mechanism for actuating the fingers so that after the cutting elements soften the heads the fingers do not cool the heads, thereby facilitating separation of the strips and sheets. A switch initiates the debinding apparatus.
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