Method for simultaneous x, y and θ registration of segment of continuous web with a processing station

Web processing method and apparatus is provided for high speed, extremely accurate die cutting or lamination operations. Processing station includes a vacuum hold down plate which receives and holds an image bearing incremental segment of the web. In feed and out feed tension on the web is released while a segment of the web is held by the hold down plate. The hold down plate with a segment of the web thereon is selectively shifted about X, Y, and θ axes as required to bring the image on the web segment into alignment with a web processing component at the processing station.