An extrusion die for extruding biodegradable material, the extrusion die comprising:
a mandrel; a nozzle extending from the mandrel; an outer member positioned near
the mandrel; an extrusion orifice between the mandrel and the outer member; a member
in communication with at least one defining member of the extrusion orifice, wherein
the member is capable of producing relative movement between the outer member and
the mandrel, wherein the relative movement has a component transverse to an extrusion
direction of biodegradable material through the extrusion orifice; a flow control
device which controls flow of biodegradable material through the extrusion die;
and a positioning device which positions the outer member and the mandrel relative
to each other.