Sensing arrangement and system for dynamic measurements of can on punch and can bodymaker including same

A system for sensing characteristics of a can body in a can bodymaker, the system comprising:

• a sensing arrangement comprising:
• a plurality of sensors positioned around and spaced a radial distance from a sensing axis, wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is structured to determine a number of characteristics of one or more of a can body positioned on a punch of the can bodymaker and/or the punch as the punch passes along the sensing axis during normal operation of the bodymaker producing can bodies;
• and
• a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors.

A can bodymaker for forming a plurality of can bodies, the can bodymaker comprising:

• a tool pack having a forming passage defined therethrough about a central forming axis by a plurality of forming dies structured to form a can body from a cup;
• a ram body having a punch positioned on and end of the ram body and structured to move back and forth through the forming passage in a reciprocating manner, the ram body punch structured to receive the cup and pass the cup through the plurality of forming dies of the tool pack to form the can body;
• a stripper mechanism structured to remove the can body from the punch after passing through the tool pack;
• and
• a sensing arrangement positioned between the tool pack and the stripper mechanism, the sensing arrangement comprising:
• a plurality of sensors positioned around, and spaced a radial distance from, a sensing axis positioned generally along the forming axis, wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is structured to determine a number of characteristics of the can body positioned on the ram as the can body passes therethrough on the ram body prior to the stripper mechanism.