Abstract: A multi-stage can necking machine having distributed drives is provided. The multi-stage can necking machine may include a plural of operation stages, wherein at least some of the operation stages may be configured for can necking operations. Each operation stage may include a main turret shaft, a transfer starwheel shaft, and a support for mounting the main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft. Each main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft may have a gear, and the gears of the operation stages may be in meshed communication to form a continuous gear train. A plural of motors may be distributed among the operation stages and mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein each one of the motors may be capable of transmitting power to the gear train.

Abstract: Systems and methods are employed for monitoring and controlling a can necking process in a multi-stage can necking machine. Sensors are employed that communicate with local controllers. A local controller is used at each stage of the multi-stage can necking machine. The local controllers are used to perform fast processing of information from the sensors located in the stage associated with the local controller. A main controller is then used to determine drop rates. Predefined threshold rates may be used to compare with calculated drop rates. A multi-stage can necking machine may be controlled in part based on drop rates crossing threshold rates.

Abstract: Systems and methods are employed for monitoring and controlling a can necking process in a multi-stage can necking machine. Sensors are employed that communicate with local controllers. A local controller is used at each stage of the multi-stage can necking machine. The local controllers are used to perform fast processing of information from the sensors located in the stage associated with the local controller. A main controller is then used to determine drop rates. Predefined threshold rates may be used to compare with calculated drop rates. A multi-stage can necking machine may be controlled in part based on drop rates crossing threshold rates.

Abstract: A multi-stage can necking machine having distributed drives is provided. The multi-stage can necking machine may include a plural of operation stages, wherein at least some of the operation stages may be configured for can necking operations. Each operation stage may include a main turret shaft, a transfer starwheel shaft, and a support for mounting the main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft. Each main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft may have a gear, and the gears of the operation stages may be in meshed communication to form a continuous gear train. A plural of motors may be distributed among the operation stages and mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein each one of the motors may be capable of transmitting power to the gear train.