Abstract: A can shaping process in which container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a preform is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). A molding unit (20) includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, with inner surfaces (56) of the respective mold halves shaped to produce a desired container profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform. The air pressure forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the shape of the container to a desired profile. After the shaping operation is complete, the pressurized air is withdrawn from the container, the mold halves are moved apart from each other, opening the mold.

Abstract: A molding unit (20) for use in a can shaping process. Container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a blank is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). The molding unit includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, and an inner surface (56) of each mold half is shaped to produce a desired can profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform and forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the preform into a desired container profile. The height of the preform tries to contract as its sidewall expands, but a force imparted to the preform by the pressurization unit controls the direction of any contraction so to prevent distortion of the container.

Abstract: A molding unit (20) for use in a can shaping process. Container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a blank is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). The molding unit includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, and an inner surface (56) of each mold half is shaped to produce a desired can profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform and forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the preform into a desired container profile. The height of the preform tries to contract as its sidewall expands, but a force imparted to the preform by the pressurization unit controls the direction of any contraction so to prevent distortion of the container.

Abstract: A can shaping process in which container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a preform is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). A molding unit (20) includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, with inner surfaces (56) of the respective mold halves shaped to produce a desired container profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform. The air pressure forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the shape of the container to a desired profile. After the shaping operation is complete, the pressurized air is withdrawn from the container, the mold halves are moved apart from each other, opening the mold.

Abstract: A reject mechanism (10) for use with a slitter (S) which slits a printed metal sheet (B) into segments (s) subsequently used to form containers. The mechanism is mounted at the outlet of the slitter to deflect rejected segments from a collection bin (C) to which acceptable segments are delivered for further use in container manufacture. The mechanism comprises a series of pneumatically actuated reject fingers (14) normally positioned beneath a path over which the segments pass from the slitter to the collection bin. However, when a reject segment approaches the mechanism, a piston (16) is activated to extend the fingers into the path of the segment to deflect the segment off its path into another collection area in which rejected segments are collected. The fingers are then retracted so that succeeding acceptable segments pass freely over the path.