Abstract: Beverage can manufacturing apparatus is provided in the form of a set of N necking stations S1, S2 . . . SN for progressively necking a beverage can body having a diameter greater than or equal to 2.8 inches to result in an open end designed to receive a first standard end. The necking stations are constructed such that a subset of the necking stations Si . . . Sj, where 1?i<j<N, progressively neck the beverage can body to result in an open end designed to receive a second standard end for the beverage can. The diameter of the first standard end is less than the diameter of the second standard end. For example, the first standard end is say a 202 standard end and the second standard end is a 209, 204, or a 206 standard end. Alternatively, for example, the first standard end could be a 206 end and the second standard end could be a 209 standard end.

Abstract: Beverage can manufacturing apparatus is provided in the form of a set of N necking stations S1, S2 . . . SN for progressively necking a beverage can body having a diameter greater than or equal to 2.8 inches to result in an open end designed to receive a first standard end. The necking stations are constructed such that a subset of the necking stations Si . . . Sj, where 1?i<j<N, progressively neck the beverage can body to result in an open end designed to receive a second standard end for the beverage can. The diameter of the first standard end is less than the diameter of the second standard end. For example, the first standard end is say a 202 standard end and the second standard end is a 209, 204, or a 206 standard end. Alternatively, for example, the first standard end could be a 206 end and the second standard end could be a 209 standard end.

Abstract: A necking apparatus for producing a smooth, inwardly tapered necked-in portion on a cylindrical container includes a plurality of necking modules and a turret which is rotatably mounted in each module about an axis of rotation. Each turret includes an upper turret frame which is mounted on the axis of rotation and which can be moved axially relative to the turret and a lower turret frame. A plurality of necking dies are mounted on the upper turret frame, and a plurality of container supports are axially aligned with the necking dies and are mounted on the lower turret frame for axial movement. Each necking die includes a necking portion for engaging and necking a side wall of a container as the aligned container support moves a container toward the necking die. The positions of the necking dies are adjusted by spacers so that the necking portion of each die does not engage the tapered necked-in portion of the container as the container support is moved toward the die.