The invention provides a method for controlling the width of a plurality
of extruded filaments comprising providing a polymer supply and an
extrusion die comprising a plurality of extrusion capillaries and a
plurality of counterbores allowing fluid communication between the
extrusion capillaries and polymer supply, providing an adjustable insert
for interrupting fluid communication between the polymer supply and at
least one extrusion capillary, providing at least one fluidized polymer,
conveying the polymer through the polymer supply, counterbores and
extrusion capillaries to extrude a plurality of filaments, and
interrupting the fluid communication between the polymer supply and at
least one extrusion capillary by adjusting the insert. An apparatus for
extruding filaments is also provided, comprising an extrusion die,
polymer supply, extrusion capillaries, counterbores allowing fluid
communication between the capillaries and polymer supply, and an
adjustable insert for interrupting fluid communication between the
polymer supply and at least one extrusion capillary.