Abstract: A method for forming a component that transmits torque in an automatic transmission includes forming a workpiece with a hub concentric with and extending along an axis and forming the workpiece with a disc that is integral with the hub and extends radially outward from the hub. A hollow perform cylinder is formed integrally with the disc, located at a radial end of the disc distant from the hub, concentric with the axis, and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A hollow perform cylinder is flow-formed using a flow-forming mandrel located within the cylinder and having an outer surface formed with gear teeth such that the inner surface of the cylinder conforms to at least a portion of the gear teeth on the flow-forming mandrel.

Abstract: A press forming method for a metal sheet is provided. The method is capable of improving a forming limit at which a crack appears in a metal sheet and being easily applied to a large press machine for mass production with a low cost, without correcting the shape of dies, such as a punch and an upper die, or changing the shape or material of a blank to a special shape or material. Dies, a surface roughness of which is an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of 7.5 ?m or smaller, are used as a punch, an upper die, and a blank holder. Fluid with a kinematic viscosity of 500 mm2/s of lower (40° C.) is used as a lubricant, and is supplied to a space between a metal sheet and the blank holder, a space between the metal sheet and the punch, and a space between the metal sheet and the upper die. A die is detached from a workpiece in the middle of forming, and resuming the forming, thereby improving formability.

Abstract: A bodymaker ram attachment has a screwed locator (60), which is fastened to a slide block (70) of the bodymaker and can be aligned to the machine. A new ram with an internal thread and location diameter is screwed onto the locator. A clamp ring (65) tightens a locking element (80) so as to fix the ram (50) to the locator (60) when screws (68), which fasten the clamp ring to the locator, are tightened. The advantage of this new attachment is that the ram can be removed quickly by loosening the clamp ring and locking element then unscrewing the ram from the locator. The ram can then be removed and replaced by sliding through the front of the machine without the need for further disassembly.

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a radially outer stator (4) that can be driven by the crankshaft, a radially inner rotor (5) connected locked in rotation with the camshaft (2), working chambers (6) that are arranged between the rotor (5) and the stator (4) and that can be pressurized with a pressure such that the relative rotational position of the rotor (5) to the stator (4) is adjustable, at least one seal cover (7) bordering the working chambers (6) on the sides and contacting the rotor (5) and the stator (4) in a sealing way, with an annular disk-shaped base body (13) and an annular projection (9) encompassing the camshaft (2) and adjacent to the radial inside of the base body (13). The base body (13) contacts, with a seal surface (D), the rotor (5) and transitions via a radius (10) into the annular projection (9).

Abstract: A method and a deep-drawing apparatus for the deep drawing of metal sheet (8) by means of a press (6), a table (2), a drawing punch (3), and also a drawing die (5) and a counterpressure plate (4) interacting with the drawing die (5), which together form a flow path (F) for the metal sheet (8), wherein at least one drawing strip (7) movable relative to the counterpressure plate (4) is pushed transversely through the flow path (F) of the metal sheet (8) in order to deflect the metal sheet (8) during a drawing phase (first deflection phase) and the drawing strip (7), for a stop phase, is pushed by a further short distance transversely through the flow path (F) (second deflection stage), wherein a deflection increased once again inhibits the flow of the metal sheet (8) during the second deflection stage, and wherein the metal sheet (8) is essentially plastically formed at the end of the deep-drawing operation, wherein the degree of deflection required during the first deflection state is set by means of an interc

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel design of hydraulic processing pincers for processing workpieces, with a tool which, in a first tool part has an axially displaceable tool plunger which, with a first end or with a tool provided there and an opposite work rest, forms a working region or a working gap and can be moved with the first end towards and away from the work rest, and made up of a hydraulic actuating device for applying a force to the tool plunger via a movable pressure-transmitting element, said force moving said tool plunger in the direction of the work rest. The piston and/or the piston rod are/is designed with a cavity in which the tool plunger is accommodated in its initial position at least over part of its length.

Abstract: A reverse acting rupture disc and methods of forming the same are provided. Generally, the rupture disc comprises a bulged portion and a circumscribing flange area surrounding the bulged portion. The bulged portion includes a mechanically formed line-of-opening recess comprising a singular channel. In certain embodiments, the mechanical process by which the recess is formed utilizes a high-speed mill which removes a portion of metal from the bulged portion of the disc without disrupting the substantially uniform metallic grain structure of the metal adjacent the channel.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for venting an internally pressurized container such as an aerosol can has three sections, a concave annular outer area, a circular central area and an annular intermediate area connecting the concave annular area to the circular area. The three sections all have the same thickness. The central area has a center point and an arc shaped score line extending through 132° to 138°, preferably 135°, about an arc center. The arc center is offset from the center point of the circular area by a distance of from about 0.290 inches. The score line has a depth of from 0.010 to 0.012 inches and is trapezoidal in transverse cross section. The intermediate area meets the circular area at an angle greater than 90° and the intermediate area meets the concave annular outer area at an angle greater than 90°.

Abstract: A method of forming a part and a method of designing a part to be formed from a sheet metal blank is disclosed. The part may be formed from lightweight high-strength material to an extent that would normally exceed the forming limits of the material if the part were attempted to be formed in one step in a multi-part die set. Critical areas including deep pockets and sharp radius areas of the final part are formed from a preform or intermediate shape part. The preform is further formed in a fluid pressure forming process to a final part shape wherein broad radius areas of the preform are formed into deep pockets and sharp corners.

Abstract: A forging machine includes a support having two sidewalls, and two track plates attached respectively to the sidewalls. A slide body of a die assembly is mounted slidably inside the support between the sidewalls. Two first rolling devices are respectively mounted on the track plates near the front of the support to contact the slide body. Two second rolling devices are mounted respectively on the sidewalls above the track plates and near the rear of the support to contact the slide body. Due to the first and second rolling devices contacting the slide body near the front and rear of the support, the slide body can slide stably in the support without positional deviation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece rectangular can which can overcome drawbacks (joint defect) of a can body joint portion of a three-piece can, and is of a new type which overcomes shortage of a can body strength which a two-piece can possesses, and exhibits excellent liquid leakage resistance, excellent can body strength and excellent heat radiation property or the like even when the can is used as a casing of a battery or electric equipment.

Abstract: A thermoforming press for forming and hardening metal sheets includes an upper die and a lower die. At least one of the upper and lower dies has a mold jaw and a support jaw which are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the support jaw rests against the mold jaw to block a flow of coolant between the mold jaw and the support jaw, and a second position in which the support jaw is spaced from the mold jaw by a distance to define a cooling gap for coolant to flow between the mold jaw and the support jaw.

Abstract: A method of drawing and ironing a resin film laminated metal sheet for forming a can body having a bottom portion, a can wall portion and a flange-forming portion by drawing the resin film laminated metal sheet obtained by laminating at least one surface of a metal sheet with an organic resin film, followed by ironing by using a punch and a plurality of dies neighboring each other. The can wall is effectively prevented from being broken by a decrease in the thickness of the can wall, and drawn and ironed cans are efficiently formed having a thickness which is decreased as designed.

Abstract: A can bottom forming assembly for use in forming the bottom of metal cans, such as steel and aluminum two piece cans. The bottom forming assembly is lightweight, compact and comprises outer and cylinder housing assemblies which house a clamp ring retainer assembly, a transfer piston assembly and an annular spring member. The clamp ring retainer assembly includes biasing members to float a clamp ring thereby centering the clamp ring and domer die plug with respect to the ram of a bodymaker. Increased piston size, spring position and size are provided to permit increased clamp ring pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus attaches together stacked upper and lower metal sheets and provides a reinforced aperture. A lower die has a die groove and an opening in the center of the die groove. An upper die has an annular end face that registers with the die groove and a spring-loaded reciprocable punch button that registers with the opening. A hollow ring-shaped grommet has an annular upper end flange engaged by the annular end face of the upper die and an axially extending tubular wall longer than the stacked thickness of the sheets. A metal piercing point at the terminal end of the axially extending wall pierces through the stacked upper and lower sheets and into engagement with the die groove of the lower die to progressively bend the axially extending wall radially outward and upward into engagement with the lower sheet, thereby attaching the sheet together and providing a reinforced aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a two-piece can comprising: a cylindrical housing, the cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end; a first round bushing having a longitudinal rectangular bore and received in the first end; a second round bushing having a longitudinal rectangular bore and received in the second end; a substantially rectangular ram which slides in the longitudinal rectangular bore of the first round bushing and the longitudinal rectangular bore of the second round bushing; a spring interposed between the first round bushing and the second round bushing and surrounding the substantially rectangular ram.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for producing untrimmed container bodies from pre-cut metal blanks. The method involves cupping a pre-cut metal blank by positioning the blank against an immovable draw punch comprising an annular body having an inner surface adapted to form a redraw die and an outer surface, and drawing a periphery of the blank over the outer surface of the draw punch with an encircling draw die to form a cup having an open end, a closed end and an interior. The cup is then inverted and redrawn by forcing a redraw punch into the closed end of the cup to draw the closed end through the redraw die until the cup is inverted to form an inverted cup with a closed end supported on the punch. The inverted cup while supported on the redraw punch is passed through one or more ironing rings to lengthen the inverted cup to form an untrimmed container body having a closed end.

Abstract: A cemented carbide tool containing tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, niobium carbide, possibly TaC, cobalt, chromium and possibly nickel, iron, molybdenum is disclosed. The composition of the materials provides a lighter material than usual, combined with a good resistance to corrosion as well as high hardness and wear resistance. These properties are particularly interesting for the manufacture of punch tools for cold forming operations. Cold forming tools made with these materials will have much better performance, particularly more steady performance and much longer lifetime. A method of cold forming and drawing, particularly deep drawing and ironing process of aluminum and steel beverage can manufacturing, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus for forming a shell. The apparatus has a die center and a panel punch located in opposed relation to the die center. A panel punch piston is coupled to the panel punch. The panel punch piston has an upper end and a spacer member is disposed concentrically around an outside surface of the panel punch piston at or proximate to the upper end of the panel punch piston. The upper end of the spacer member is in contact with a lower end of the panel punch and the spacer member is located proximate to a peripheral surface of the lower end of the panel punch. A method for manufacturing a shell is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are a coupling boss and a method for fabricating a coupling boss, that a collar part is formed through a collar drawing process using a metal plate material, and then, a body part of the coupling boss is firmly combined to a substrate plate through processes of deep drawing, tapping, cleansing, plating and iron coining in order, thereby maximizing competitive power in price, miniaturizing the coupling boss in size, and maximizing tensile strength, compression strength, and surface roughness. In this instance, a more stable material thickness can be kept by performing a collar drawing process or a curling process when a screw part of the coupling boss is formed.

Abstract: In a deep drawing method, a sheet metal blank is positioned between two dies of a deep drawing machine and then shaped into a hollow article, whereby the dies, at least during a partial stroke phase, undergo a controlled non-rectilinear relative movement and one of the dies is shifted by a transverse displacement mechanism in a direction transversely to a stroke direction.

Abstract: The drive housing (26) of a bodymaker (20) carries a major ring (32) in stationary position and a planetary ring carrier (36, 46) for rotation on the central axis of the major ring. The planetary ring carrier (36, 46) carries a minor planetary ring (34) in internal engagement with the major ring (32) for rotation on its own axis in rolling orbit against the inside circumference of the major ring (32). A crank (54) is connected to rotate with the planetary ring and provides a journal (56) positioned at the circumference of the planetary ring (34) for drivingly engaging a ram (60). The diameter of the planetary ring (34) is one-half the diameter of the major ring (32), establishing a straight-line path of movement for the journal (56) along an axis (X-X) parallel to a selected diameter of the major ring (32). A frame (22, 72) supports ram (60) in suitable position with respect to drive housing (26) for straight-line reciprocation on the axis (X-X) parallel to the selected diameter.

Abstract: An assembly for can manufacture includes a toolpack having coolant dies (3,4,5,6) adjacent and either side of ironing dies (1,2) so that coolant may be circulated around cavities in the coolant dies so as to cool the ironing die inserts (12). Generally, the toolpack is used in conjunction with a ram (20), coolant tube assembly (30) and ram guidance assembly (60) which together ensure that the ram is cooled along its entire length, up to and including the punch nose (21).

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the panel installation portion 12a allows the portions of the upper block and the lower block for forming the panel installation portion to be exchanged as the nesting blocks upon press working so as to change the protruding amount of the panel installation portion from the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: Methods for forming a tube that includes a feature extending from an inner surface of the tube are provided. The methods can include using a die and stamper, single impact extrusion, double impact extrusion, and progressive deep draw process.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing the presence of a blank or part in the sheet metal forming tool. A blank holder assembly has a fixed bracket that is fixed to a lower die of the tool and a movable bracket that is moved with the upper die of the tool. A proximity sensor is attached to the movable bracket and senses the presence or absence of an edge of a blank or part during the course of a sheet metal forming operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draw forming a flat sheet blank into a 3-dimensional-nacelle nose cap for an aircraft engine in two stages; the blank having an outer annular portion and an inner annular portion. Draw forming the inner annular portion into a shape of an arcuate circular inner wall and then draw forming the outer annular portion into an arcuate outer wall adjacent the inner wall with the combination of walls being U-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A cupping press includes at least one blanking die that operates between a rest position and a forming position through the action of a first servomotor. At least one forming punch operates between a retracted position and an extended position. The forming punch in the extended position is at least partially disposed in a forming cavity defined in a lower die of the press. The operation of the cupping press is controlled by a control circuit that is electrically connected to the first servomotor. The control circuit operates to generate a synchronization pulse based on a parameter, and functions to coordinate the operation of the first servomotor with the synchronization pulse.

Abstract: In a press installation including a number of presses with servo-drives for operating the presses and auxiliary equipment such as workpiece handling devices wherein an energy management system is provided including a DC voltage intermediate circuit connected to a power supply grid via an AC/DC converter and to the servo-drives via servo-converters, a fly-wheel storage device is connected to the intermediate circuit for supplying energy thereto and recapturing energy therefrom under the control of a control arrangement which controls the flow of power between the intermediate circuit, the servo-drives, the fly-wheel storage device and the power supply grid.

Abstract: A single action press for forming a shell used to make a can end includes a first tool and an opposed second tool. The first tool includes a die center insert that performs a forming operation on disc cut from a sheet of end material. The first tool is configured and arranged wherein force is supplied to the die center insert during the downstroke and force is removed from the die center insert at the bottom of the downstroke and at the start of the upstroke, to thereby enable the die center insert to disengage from the shell. One specific embodiment uses a die center piston and compressed air to apply force to the die center insert. Another embodiment uses a cam and cam follower arrangement to remove axial forces at the bottom of the downstroke and either springs or gas pressure to apply force to the die center insert during the downstroke.

Abstract: A press for forming a container with a bottom profile is provided. The press may have a profile pad that is secured within a base of the press or is secured to a die core riser that is axially movable up and down. The press may have one or more biasing members that accommodate expansion in certain tooling components during operation of the press. The press may have a tool pack of tool components located within a part of the fixed base wherein the tool pack is removable from a top surface of the base. The press may have a punch and a profile pad with an annular projection or an annular shoulder wherein the projection and the shoulder clamp material between the projection and the shoulder and allow the material to roll up a preselected height into the container to form the bottom profile of the container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a thin walled tubular product with thickened flange. A first stage metalworking (drawing) of a circular plate material A is done by using a first die set 22 having a conical die 24 and a drawing punch 26 is done in a manner that the end of the blank plate is remained on the conical surface 24-1 of the die, so that a semi-finished tubular product A1 with a inclined flange A1-1 is obtained. Then, a second stage metalworking (drawing) of the semi-finished tubular product A1 is done by a second die set 32 having a shaping punch 34 and a restraint die 36. The semi-finished tubular product A1 is held by the restraint die 36 and the shaping punch 34 is introduced into the semi-finished tubular product A1 for effecting a wall thickness reduction under ironing principle while forming a stepped portion.

Abstract: A die set for press forming a metal sheet is provided, which comprises: at least a punch; and a die, wherein a punch-die clearance CL2 corresponding to a site to be formed immediately after the initial stage of press forming and a punch-die clearance CL1 corresponding to a site to be formed in the initial stage of press forming are set so as to satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2), respectively: 0.8×t?CL1?1.2×t ??(1) CL2?CL1+t ??(2) where t denotes the thickness of the metal sheet to be formed. This configuration implements a die set for press forming capable of stably generating the reverse bending deformed portion due to overrun even when the die radius is large, minimizing the phenomenon such as wall warp, and enhancing the dimensional accuracy in press forming of a metal sheet, and a press forming method using the die set.

Abstract: A metal forming press has an oscillating beam driven at its center by a connecting rod connected to a throw on a crankshaft. The upper end of the beam is pivoted to a link which drives a ram. The lower end of the beam pivots about a rotating eccentric shaft having an eccentric lobe. As the beam oscillates, these eccentricities cause the lower pivot to move toward and away from the ram so that the arc of the upper pivot approximates a straight line.

Abstract: A mounting part of a windshield wiper, having a receiving opening for a wiper shaft at one end, and forming a part of a fold-away hinge at the other end, and being formed from a flat sheet metal by deep-drawing, punching and bending and having a u-shaped cross-section profile and a spring mount. The spring mount is formed by deep-drawing from a sidewall of the u-shaped cross-section profile.

Abstract: A method of producing a torque transmission between a driving member and a driven member including the steps of capturing an annular gear within the interior of a hollow cylindrical shell formed of a formable material which is caused to be flow formed around a portion of the exterior of the gear to militate against any relative longitudinal and axial movement between the shell and the gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning opposed telescopically engageable cut ring and blank and draw die when mounted in a can body forming press to form non-round disc-shaped blanks which are subsequently formed into container bodies. A pair of opposed precision formed notches are formed in the peripheries of the spaced press components and a precision formed key is inserted into the notches. The key is then slidably removed from the notches. The notches are precisely located with respect to each other and to major and minor axes of the press components so that said major and minor axes align with each other when the key is seated in the notches.

Abstract: A system for forming a cup used in forming an elongated container including a draw-redraw station including a movable platen carrying a punch shell; a punch core riser, a punch core mounted on the punch core riser; and a first, fluidly actuated pressure sleeve; and a fixed base carrying a pressure pad; a die core ring; and a die core; the punch shell being movable toward the die core ring to wipe the blank over the die core ring to form an inverted cup; the punch core being movable toward the die core to reverse draw the inverted cup and form the cup; and the die core ring engaging the material against the punch core during the reverse draw to control metal thickness; and a cooling assembly including a chiller, a coolant passage formed in the punch core and fluidly connected to the chiller.

Abstract: A prismatic battery case with high dimensional precision is manufactured, while pursuing an improvement in productivity, with a manufacturing method of a prismatic battery case that includes a first step for molding an intermediate cup body (8) by impact molding a pellet (7) of prescribed shape, and a second step for molding a prismatic battery case (9) with a cross section of substantially rectangular shape by DI processing the intermediate cup body (8). The DI processing conducts drawing and ironing continuously, in one action.

Abstract: In press forming including ironing, an elastically deformable material is used for a part of ironing die contacting to the work material under a higher pressure than designed, for taking the formed product out from the die easily in a case that the ironing die and the formed product are very close in size to each other, and thereby improving the efficiency of production.

Abstract: A lightened disk for a wheel has a flange having an axially inboard edge. The inboard edge includes a general portion which is located in a plane perpendicular to an axis of the disk. The flange portion has a thickness less than 90% of a thickness of a disk material at at least the general portion of the inboard edge. A method for manufacturing a lightened disk for a wheel includes a drawing step during which the flange portion is drawn such than the flange portion has a thickness less than 90% of a thickness of a disk material at at least the general portion of the inboard edge.

Abstract: A press die composed of an upper die having a concave part (with the peripheral surface of the opening of said concave part functioning as a first blank pressing face), a lower die having a convex part (to form the blank into a desired form in cooperation with said concave part), and a blank holder (which has a second blank pressing face), said press die working in such a way that said first blank pressing face and said second blank pressing face hold a blank between them while permitting it to flow into said concave part during pressing, characterized in that at least either of said first blank pressing face and said second blank pressing face has a roughened surface with a plurality of striated projections which are formed in the direction inclined in a range of −25° to +25° (preferably approximately parallel) toward the circumferential direction of the edge of the opening of said concave part.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a metal shell to be installed on a park plug is provided which is made up of a small-diameter portion, a large-diameter portion, and a wrapping portion. The wrapping portion is to be wrapped by staking about the spark plug to achieve installation of the metal shell on the spark plug. The method comprises pressing a workpiece with a punch to shape the wrapping portion of the metal shell in a first cold forging process and processing the workpiece to shape the small-diameter portion of the metal shell in a second cold forging process different from the first cold forging process. This produces the metal shell which is less susceptible to cracks when installed on the spark plug and has an increased service life.

Abstract: A method and system for providing real time measurements of draw-in for closed loop control of a metal forming process including an elongated sensor on one of the tools positioned in the proximity of the deformation zone and adjacent to an edge of a sheet metal blank being formed. The sensor includes coils disposed in a signal coupling relationship and during the forming process, a signal applied to one of the coils induces a signal in the coil, producing a response signal that varies linearly as a function of the amount of overlap between the sensor and the sheet metal blank as the sheet metal blank is drawn into the deformation zone. A feedback signal produced from the response signal is used to control a parameter of the forming process as a function of retreat of the edge of the sheet metal blank into the deformation zone.

Abstract: A drive for use in the manufacture of cans comprises a hydraulically powered guide pod to which a hold down assembly is attached. The guide pod slides along a guide rod which is fixed in the bodymaker. Forward and rear hydraulic chambers are defined between the pod and the guide rod by means of bushings and a seal. Passage of fluid through ports to and from the hydraulic chambers causes the pod and hold down assembly to move forward and backward. The length of the stroke can be set by the distance between the ports. A rotary valve is used to control the timing of the drive and control flow of hydraulic fluid, which is typically obtained from the bodymaker coolant supply.

Abstract: A method for reducing the part-to-part cycle time of quick plastic forming and superplastic forming of a metallic sheet alloy into an automotive sheet metal component by locally modifying a die surface to control friction which militates against undesirable necking and thinning.

Abstract: A simultaneous two-sided iron-deep drawing process for producing vessels such as metal cans. After being used, the cans can easily be squashed. A difference in height between the inner die and the outer die or the profile radii of the two dies are varied so as to change the longitudinal wall strength of the vessel. The work material is held between the two dies so that both sides are simultaneously ironed and thereby a tubular structure is obtained.

Abstract: An improved stamping die assembly is provided for controlling the flow of sheet metal during the draw forming process. The die assembly includes a textured die surface on the one or both sides of the binder mating surfaces that replaces conventional draw and lock beads. The textured die surface can be formed using direct metal deposition of a hard material, harder than the existing die surfaces, on the existing die base material to achieve an engineered textured surface. The textured die surface optimizes the performance of the die by enabling longer die life, higher coefficients of friction between the mating binder surfaces and reduction of wrinkles and stringers typically caused by draw and lock beads in the draw forming process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tool for regulating the surface pressure on a blank constituting a metal plate which forms the starting item for shaping a finished item in a press. The blank is placed between a draw ring (23) and a blank holder ring (24). Besides, the tool comprises a shimming plate (1, 5, 10) provided with chambers (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) which are delimited by the shimming plate itself and by a flexible membrane (27). The shimming plate is placed between a tool bottom part (17), alternatively a tool top part (16), and the blank holder ring, alternatively the draw ring. A pressure medium like hydraulic oil may be led to the chambers. Thereby it is possible locally and individually to increase the surface pressure on the blank depending on the number of chambers, the design of chambers and the location of the chambers in the shimming plate. Furthermore, it is possible to regulate the pressure during the shaping process itself.

Abstract: The invention includes an air manifold comprising at least one port adapted for receiving high pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for receiving low pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for bleeding high pressure air from a container, at least one port adapted for reusing high pressure bleed air. The port for reusing high pressure air receiving high pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding high pressure air. The air manifold also includes at least one port adapted for bleeding low pressure air from a container and at least one port adapted for reusing low pressure bleed air. The port for reusing low pressure air receiving low pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding low pressure air. The present invention also includes an air distribution system and a necking machine which include the manifold as well as a method of necking a can.