The disclosure concerns a rotary cutting apparatus having a frame and a die roll defining a first longitudinal axis and having a cutting member. The die roll is rotatably connected with the frame and configured to rotate about the first longitudinal axis. The rotary cutting apparatus further has a bearer ring connected with the die roll and an anvil roll defining a second longitudinal axis and having an outer radial surface. The anvil roll is rotatably connected with the frame and is configured to rotate about the second longitudinal axis. The bearer ring of the die roll is in contact with the outer radial surface. The anvil roll may be supported by at least one cam follower. The anvil roll may be axially removable from the frame via lateral translation along the second longitudinal axis.