METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAN EXPANSION

摘要

An expansion tool (14) for expanding an article. The expansion tool (14) includes a lead-in portion (37) extending outwardly from a first end (32) of the expansion tool (14) and a first pilot portion (34) extending from the lead-in portion (37). The first pilot portion (34) has a first diameter. The expansion tool (14) further includes a second pilot portion (38) being generally parallel with the first pilot portion (34). The second pilot portion (38) has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The expansion tool (14) further includes a forming portion (42) bridging the first pilot portion (34) and the second pilot portion (38). The forming portion (42) is generally sloped. The expansion tool (14) further includes an expansion portion (44) extending from the second pilot portion (38) toward a second end (45) of the expansion tool (14). The expansion portion (44) has a third diameter larger than the second diameter.