Method for sequentially forming can bodies

Abstract

Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal container bodies or end shells from a metal blank in a double-acting press having inner and outer rams which operate in a timed relationship. A plurality of blank and draw dies are mounted on a fixed base in opposed relationship to a plurality of draw horns mounted on the inner ram and movable toward the base. A corresponding member of cutting dies and draw pads are mounted on the outer ram and are movable toward the base, whereby the cutting dies cut blank disks from the sheet and the draw pads clamp the disks against the blank and draw dies, followed by the drawing of the container bodies or end shells by the draw horns. The vertical height of the blank and draw dies above the fixed base vary so that the cutting dies sequentially cut the plurality of disks, followed by the sequential clamping of the disks by the draw pads, followed by the sequential drawing of the container bodies by the draw horns to reduce the total force exerted on the press by the sequential staggering of the cutting, clamping, and drawing in single continuous strokes of the inner and outer rams.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.