Abstract: A metal container or component part of a metal container (e.g. a can end or sidewall of a can body) has an aperture defined by a cut edge about the periphery of the aperture, with a cover element sealed to the outward-facing surface of the can end so as to extend over and cover the aperture. A film of lacquer is directly applied (without the presence of an intermediate primer layer) to the inward-facing of the container/component part so as to coat the entirety of the cut edge and all or part of the inward-facing surfaces of both the can end and that part of the cover element located radially inward of the cut edge, thereby inhibiting corrosion of the cut edge. The invention is particularly suitable for can ends. The invention also relates to a method of making a can end to the invention.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing laminated materials comprising a metal sheet laminated on one or both sides to a polymer film or films. The process comprises forming a laminate by a combination of heat and pressure followed by reheating. A heat zone is provided for heating and/or cooling the laminate after the reheat stage and prior to quenching so that the laminate enters the quenching stage at a substantially constant temperature, irrespective of line speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a metal coated with a polymer is achieved through the provision of a reservoir containing a cooling liquid having a relative undisturbed upper surface. A metal coated with a polymer is introduced into the cooling liquid through the upper surface and is subject to quenching liquid at a temperature T.sub.q directed at the polymer coated metal substantially immediately below the cooling liquid upper surface and substantially along the entire predetermined width thereof. This achieves rapid and uniform cooling in the absence of bubble formation and/or quenching liquid surface agitation to assure desired crystalline formation of the polymer absent the polymer blemishes.

Abstract: A process for producing laminated materials in which one or more polymer films are laminated to a metal strip by a combination of heat and pressure. Generally, polymer films are applied to both sides of the metal strip in a lamination nip which exerts a force of at least 15 kN/m. The nip rolls may also be at different temperatures, either by one nip roll being of conducting material such as steel and the other nip roll being of insulating material, or by actively cooling one of the rolls. This enables films having different softening temperatures to be laminated without risk of micro-blistering or of pick-up on the rolls.