Abstract: A die post assembly that supports a metal panel in a position to allow an implement such as a roller or die steel to flange, pre-hem or hem an edge of the panel. A die post support surface is disposed on a panel support element and an edge member of the assembly. The die post support surface is shaped to support the panel and includes a bearing surface that supports an overlying portion of the panel against deformation as the marginal edge portion of the panel is bent in a flanging or hemming operation. The edge member includes the bearing surface and is supported on the panel support element. The edge member comprises a material more durable than the material of the panel support element. This material is sufficiently durable to allow the edge member to support a series of metal panels over a large number of hemming or flanging cycles without flowing or otherwise deforming due to heat and pressures typically generated in such operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a metal lid to a metal body of a container to seal any product held by the container. The container is formed from a generally cylindrical metal body having an upper edge and a metal lid having a peripheral edge. The metal lid is held in position on the metal body so that the upper edge portion of the metal body and the peripheral edge of the metal lid form a contiguous junction. A beam of laser energy is directed toward the contiguous junction for sufficient time to hermetically seal the lid to the body. A single roll-formed lip provides a smooth finish to the combined body and lid. The lid includes a circumferentially continuous recess surrounding a central planar portion of the lid. The recess is located adjacent the peripheral edge while the peripheral edge is situated at or below the plane defined by the central planar portion, thereby reducing the material required to form a sealed container of any given volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a panel to a predetermined cross dimension by flangers which form flanges on the opposite side edges of the panel. The flangers are movable toward and away from advanced positions in which to form the flanges. The advanced positions can be adjusted depending on the cross dimension desired. The flangers can be retracted to permit loading and unloading of panels. Forming units are also provided to form tabs on an end of the panel.