Abstract: A device for guiding a continuous strip past a marking unit, which is arranged to non-mechanically provide markings on at least one strip surface, includes a longitudinal channel for receiving the strip. The channel is at least partly defined by guiding elements that are arranged for abutment against the strip from opposite sides of the channel. At least one of the guiding elements is displaceable and biased towards the channel. In this device, the strip can be positioned with high-precision without being subjected to excessive frictional forces during the marking operation, to minimize interference with the motion of the strip.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing articles (e.g., opening tabs) to be included in cans, a metal strip is fed into an article forming unit in which the metal strip is punched and stamped to form the articles. Before the article forming operation, the strip is provided with laser engravings on at least one of its upper and lower surfaces. The laser engravings are provided on the strip when the strip is in an immobilized condition.

Abstract: A laser unit, which provides markings on a surface of a continuous strip of metal, includes a laser for generating a beam of laser radiation. The laser unit further includes a lens arrangement for focusing the laser beam onto the surface of the strip, and a beam scanner that effects a controlled deflection of the laser beam in two mutually perpendicular directions. The beam scanner is arranged intermediate the laser and the lens arrangement. The laser unit is operable to provide laser engraved markings at exact locations on the surface when the strip intermittently is in an immobilized condition before being fed into a subsequent processing apparatus, which mechanically shapes the thus-marked strip into marked articles to be included in cans.

Abstract: A method of protecting a laser unit from dust during laser processing of a target in a processing area includes establishing an essentially ambient pressure at the processing area, and directing a longitudinal gas flow towards the processing area to establish in a first region intermediate the processing area and the laser unit, thereby effectively preventing dust from moving towards the laser unit and at the same time minimizing the forces acting on the target. A corresponding dust protection device defines a channel extending from a radiation inlet opening, facing the laser unit, to a radiation outlet opening, facing the target. A gas control unit communicates with the channel to feed gas thereto through at least one gas inlet aperture spaced from the radiation outlet opening. Simultaneously, the gas control unit removes gas from the channel through at least one gas outlet aperture adjacent to the radiation outlet opening.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing articles to be included in cans, a metal strip (1) is fed to an article forming unit (11), in which it is punched and stamped to form the articles. Before the article forming operations, the strip (1) is provided with laser engravings on one of its upper and lower surfaces, or on both these surfaces. The laser engravings form indicative marks on the articles. In addition to the article forming unit (11), an apparatus for manufacturing such articles has a metal strip supply (8), means (13) for feeding the strip (1) and a laser unit (9) for providing the indicative laser engraved marks on the articles.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing articles to be included in cans, a metal strip (1) is fed to an article forming unit (11), in which it is punched and stamped to form the articles. Before the article forming operations, the strip (1) is provided with laser engravings on one of its upper and lower surfaces, or on both these surfaces. The laser engravings form indicative marks on the articles. In addition to the article forming unit (11), an apparatus for manufacturing such articles has a metal strip supply (8), means (13) for feeding the strip (1) and a laser unit (9) for providing the indicative laser engraved marks on the articles.

Abstract: An arrangement for shaping and marking a target includes a processing apparatus that is configured to mechanically shape the target, a marking unit that is arranged to non-mechanically provide markings on the target in a marking area adjacent to the processing apparatus, and a supporting unit that supports the marking unit. The supporting unit is slidable between a first position in which the marking unit is aligned with the marking area for effecting a high-precision marking operation and a second position in which the marking and supporting units are spaced from the marking area and the processing apparatus to provide immediate and complete access to the marking unit and processing apparatus for maintenance or the like.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for monitoring lacquer consumption per can in a lacquer application unit. The device includes a counter providing can number data on the number of cans being applied with lacquer in the application unit; a tank for intermediate storage of lacquer; a lacquer feeder for feeding lacquer from a lacquer reservoir to the tank through an inlet pipe; and a lacquer feeder for feeding lacquer from the tank to the application unit. A valve is provided in the inlet pipe for intermittent movement between a closed position and an open position, in which lacquer is admitted into the tank. A flow meter is arranged to provide flow rate data on the amount of lacquer flowing into the tank.