Distributed drives for a multi-stage can necking machine

A multi-stage can necking machine comprising:

• a first high speed operation stage configured for can necking operations, the first operation stage comprising, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a first support for mounting the first and second shafts;
• a second high speed operation stage comprising, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a second support for mounting the first and second shafts, wherein (i) each shaft comprises a gear and the gears are in meshed communication to form a continuous gear train, and (ii) the gears of the first shafts are made of a composite material and are configured to operate without being disposed in an oil-tight chamber;
• and
• a first motor and a second motor that are mechanically coupled to the gear train such that the second motor is downstream from the first motor, the second motor is configured to operate at a higher speed than the first motor, so as to maintain contact between driving gear teeth and driven gear teeth.