Containers

A single action cam operated press comprising two end frames in spaced relationship to each other, an axle spanning the distance between said end frames, means for rotating said axle, said axle having fixed thereto a tool bolster and a turret in axial spaced relationship to each other, said tool bolster carrying a plurality of first tools, a plurality of rams disposed for reciprocal motion parallel to said axle, a plurality of guide ways defined by said turret for guiding the reciprocal motion of said rams, a drum cam means fixed to a first of said end frames remote from said tool bolster, each ram having at an end thereof adjacent said first end frame a follower in contact with said drum cam means, each ram having at an end thereof adjacent said tool bolster a second tool with pairs of said first and second tools being in axial alignment, preloaded tie bars extending between said end frames to maintain said end frames in spaced relationship and said drum cam means in spaced axial relationship to said tool bolster and said turret, said drum cam means being operative during rotation of said tool bolster, turret and rams to move said rams in a sequence of motion including

• a. impact free engagement of a workpiece between said first and second tools followed by
• b. a workpiece forming operation beginning at zero velocity of said rams at controlled acceleration and terminates with controlled deceleration followed by
• c. a return stroke of said rams of greater linear velocity than the forming operation, and
• d. said return stroke includes at least one period of deceleration during which the formed article is stripped from the punch.