MASCHINE UND VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG VON POLSTERELEMENTEN

A dunnage conversion machine (10) and corresponding method for converting a supply of sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product includes a conversion assembly (20) that converts sheet stock material into a dunnage product, and a tension-adjusting assembly (26) having a sequence of transversely extending members (28) disposed upstream of the conversion assembly (20). The transversely extending members (28) engage the stock material and help to prevent or to minimize excessive edge tension and/or the tearing associated therewith, while maintaining sufficient tension for proper tracking, especially for the conversion of single ply, lesser quality and/or short fiber paper, and/or otherwise improves or enhances the conversion process. The transversely extending members (28) are generally aligned end-to-end, and define a path for the stock material from a supply thereof, via a stock supply assembly (15) to the conversion assembly (20).