Method and system for cutting puzzle cut petals in belts

This invention relates to electrophotographic printing machines. Specifically, this invention relates to electrophotographic printing machines having seamed intermediate transfer belts. These belts are made from flat sheets formed as a continuous belt using a puzzle cut joint. An apparatus and method for cutting belt material to accurate dimensions and for forming the mating edges of a puzzle cut joint for joining the ends of the belt material to form a continuous belt for use in a document processing application. The workpiece is maintained in accurate registration a punch press by optical sensors at each station. A vacuum pickup is constructed to move the belt material from a precision cutter to a punch press and maintains the material in tensioned condition to facilitate accurate operation of the punch press.