Punch surface texturing for use in the manufacturing of metallic containers
AssigneeBall Corporation
InventorJames A. Sines
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A punch sleeve utilized in forming metallic containers, including food and beverage containers, is provided. The punch sleeve comprises two or more different surface textures. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the punch sleeve comprises three regions and each region has a different surface texture. Additionally, a method of texturing two or more different surface textures on an exterior surface of a punch sleeve used in a metallic container manufacturing process is provided. An apparatus for providing two or more surface textures on a punch sleeve used in a metal container manufacturing process is also provided.
Claims20
A punch used in a manufacturing process to form metal containers, comprising:
- a nose positioned on one end of the punch;
- a trailing edge positioned opposite the nose on a second end of the punch;
- a cylindrical portion positioned between the nose and the trailing edge;
- and
- an outer surface comprising:
- a first region positioned proximate to the nose and having a first length and a first surface finish;
- a second region positioned proximate to the trailing edge and having a second length and a second surface finish, wherein the second surface finish is different than the first surface finish;
- and
- a third region positioned proximate to at least one of the first region and the second region and having a third length and a third surface finish, wherein the third surface finish is different than the second surface finish.
A method of texturing an exterior surface of a punch sleeve used in a metallic container manufacturing process, comprising:
- providing the punch sleeve, comprising:
- a nose positioned on one end of the punch sleeve;
- a trailing edge positioned opposite the nose on a second end;
- a cylindrical portion positioned between the nose and the trailing edge;
- and
- an outer surface comprising:
- a first region proximate the nose;
- a second region positioned proximate to the trailing edge;
- and
- a third region positioned between the first region and the second region;
- applying a first textured pattern to at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region using a first etching tool with a first micron finish;
- applying a second textured pattern to at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region using a second etching tool with a second micron finish, wherein the second textured pattern is applied to a different region than the first textured pattern;
- and
- polishing at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region.
An apparatus for providing surface texturing on a punch sleeve used in a metal container manufacturing process, comprising:
- a connection mechanism positioned proximate to a first end of the machine, the connection mechanism configured to interconnect to one end of the punch sleeve, and wherein the connection mechanism rotates the punch sleeve around a longitudinal axis of the punch sleeve;
- an arm positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the punch sleeve;
- and
- an etching tool for applying a first surface texture to a first region of an outer surface of the punch sleeve, said etching tool moveably interconnected to the arm such that the etching tool can be selectively positioned along the longitudinal axis of the punch sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.