Abstract: A can bodymaker and a method of forming different sizes of drawn and wall ironed cans from the same bodymaker, in which the bodymaker includes a ram (4), a crank (22), first and second connecting rods (21, 23) and a swing lever (20) connecting the crankshaft (22) to the ram (4). Different locking positions (X, Z) are provided on the swing lever so that the first (primary) connecting rod is connected to alternative positions on the swing lever. The primary connecting rod (21) then rotates about an axis between the selected locking position and position (Y) of pivot pin 30 on the swing lever (20). The primary connecting rod drives the swing lever to rotate by a corresponding degree, and thereby converts the swing lever rotation into axial movement of the ram (4) so as to move the ram by a specific stroke length. By altering the locking pin (25) position and therefore the pivot point for the primary connecting rod, the stroke of the ram is changed.

Abstract: A can bodymaker, which includes a disc feed (1) for feeding a disc (5) directly to the bodymaker itself. A locator (9) positions the disc (5) centrally to a blankholder (12) and a draw pad (10) clamps the disc (5) against a draw die (11). The blankholder (12) then forms the disc into a cup (20) and clamps the cup against a redraw die (14) ready to be picked up by a punch and carried through dies for forming a can body.

Abstract: A transfer turret assembly is provided for transferring can bodies between process stations in a can necking machine. The transfer turret assembly includes a rotatable transfer starwheel. A plurality of pockets is formed in the starwheel that can each receive a can body. The turret assembly includes a vacuum assembly having a first zone that is under vacuum and a second zone separated from the first region by a boundary. The first zone vacuum retention force to vacuum ports formed in the pockets to retain the can bodies within the pockets. The boundary between the first zone and the second zone is adjustable to correspondingly adjust the vacuum retention force according to desired starwheel rotation speed.

Abstract: A transfer turret assembly is provided for transferring can bodies between process stations in a can necking machine. The transfer turret assembly includes a rotatable transfer starwheel. A plurality of pockets is formed in the starwheel that can each receive a can body. The turret assembly includes a vacuum assembly having a first zone that is under vacuum and a second zone separated from the first region by a boundary. The first zone vacuum retention force to vacuum ports formed in the pockets to retain the can bodies within the pockets. The boundary between the first zone and the second zone is adjustable to correspondingly adjust the vacuum retention force according to desired starwheel rotation speed.

Abstract: A can bodymaker and a method of forming different sizes of drawn and wall ironed cans from the same bodymaker, in which the bodymaker includes a ram (4), a crank (22), first and second connecting rods (21, 23) and a swing lever (20) connecting the crankshaft (22) to the ram (4). Different locking positions (X, Z) are provided on the swing lever so that the first (primary) connecting rod is connected to alternative positions on the swing lever. The primary connecting rod (21) then rotates about an axis between the selected locking position and position (Y) of pivot pin 30 on the swing lever (20). The primary connecting rod drives the swing lever to rotate by a corresponding degree, and thereby converts the swing lever rotation into axial movement of the ram (4) so as to move the ram by a specific stroke length. By altering the locking pin (25) position and therefore the pivot point for the primary connecting rod, the stroke of the ram is changed.

Abstract: A winder assembly is provided for rotating a component of a can necking machine to a desired angular position suitable for performing maintenance on the component. The winder assembly includes a shaft coupled to a motor of that drives the components of the can necking machine during operation. A handle can be removably connected to the shaft, such that rotation of the handle in a rotational direction correspondingly causes the shaft to rotate. The shaft causes the motor to rotate, which drives a gear train that rotates the components of the necking machine that are coupled to the gear train.

Abstract: A winder assembly is provided for rotating a component of a can necking machine to a desired angular position suitable for performing maintenance on the component. The winder assembly includes a shaft coupled to a motor of that drives the components of the can necking machine during operation. A handle can be removably connected to the shaft, such that rotation of the handle in a rotational direction correspondingly causes the shaft to rotate. The shaft causes the motor to rotate, which drives a gear train that rotates the components of the necking machine that are coupled to the gear train.

Abstract: A transfer turret assembly is provided for transferring can bodies between process stations in a can necking machine. The transfer turret assembly includes a rotatable transfer starwheel. A plurality of pockets is formed in the starwheel that can each receive a can body. The turret assembly includes a vacuum assembly having a first zone that is under vacuum and a second zone separated from the first region by a boundary. The first zone vacuum retention force to vacuum ports formed in the pockets to retain the can bodies within the pockets. The boundary between the first zone and the second zone is adjustable to correspondingly adjust the vacuum retention force according to desired starwheel rotation speed.

Abstract: A seam adjuster for ensuring that a tight seam is formed between a can end and a can body. The seam tool (32) is mounted via bearing (34) on the seam lever (31), the centre of the bearing being eccentric to its outside diameter. The bearing has an-external thread (35) which mates with a complementary worm mechanism (36). By virtue of the eccentricity, rotation of the worm mechanism rotates the bearing and moves the seam tool radially for adjusting seam tightness. Seam tool height is set by a spacer (33) or shim which is readily interchangeable for varying the seam tool height without affecting seam tool tightness.

Abstract: A seam adjuster for ensuring that a tight seam is formed between a can end and a can body. The seam tool (32) is mounted via bearing (34) on the seam lever (31), the centre of the bearing being eccentric to its outside diameter. The bearing has an-external thread (35) which mates with a complementary worm mechanism (36). By virtue of the eccentricity, rotation of the worm mechanism rotates the bearing and moves the seam tool radially for adjusting seam tightness. Seam tool height is set by a spacer (33) or shim which is readily interchangeable for varying the seam tool height without affecting seam tool tightness.