Cutting apparatus

The invention relates to a cutting apparatus comprising an endless chain body (2) having a plurality of plate-like links (1) connected to each other for angular movement in a common plane. Each link (1) has an end face on an inner peripheral side of the chain body (2), and at least a part of the links (1) are provided with a cutting device (4) at the end face thereof. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of sprockets (88,112) supporting the chain body (2) in tension, and defining a common plane of cut effected by the combination of the chain body (2) and the sprockets (88,112). The chain body (2) is supported by a rigid backplate (118), of thickness not greater than the thickness of the links (1). It provides a firm support to the rotating chain body (2) to permit sliding movement of the chain body (2) within the common plane of cut. The apparatus further comprises a means (92) for activating the rotational movement of the sprockets in cooperation with the chain body (2), and a means (58) for moving an object (W) or the chain body (2) toward each other to effect removal of a material disposed within the extended plane of the common plane of cut to effect separation of an object (W) into severed sections.