Lubrication-free sealing device for necking machinery

A forming apparatus for modifying a shape of a container, the forming apparatus comprising:

• a frame with a first base and a second base;
• a drive shaft extending from the first base to the second base;
• a turret starwheel coaxially mounted with the drive shaft and configured to receive and move the container;
• a turret assembly coaxially mounted with the drive shaft, the turret assembly including an elongated cam rail;
• and
• a forming ram assembly connected to the turret assembly, the forming ram assembly including:
• a cam follower movably seated against the elongated cam rail;
• a forming die connected to the cam follower such that the forming die moves in a reciprocating manner as the cam follower traverses the elongated cam rail;
• a knockout tool movably mounted inside the forming die, the knockout tool including an outer surface with a stepped segment;
• a drive cylinder connected to the knockout tool and configured to move the knockout tool in a reciprocating manner relative to the forming die;
• an O-ring seated inside a complementary channel defined in the stepped segment of the knockout tool;
• and
• a knockout guide seated on the stepped segment of the knockout tool, abutting the O-ring and the forming die.