Apparatus for use in forming can bodies

摘要

Apparatus for use in forming can bodies comprises a punch including a hollow punch sleeve with a supply of compressed air connected to the interior thereof. A concave dome void recess in the nose of the punch is adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped doming tool for forming a domed base profile in the can body and an air passage provides fluid communication between the interior of the punch sleeve and the concave recess. A valve located in the air passage is biased into the open position by a spring but is normally held closed by the pressure of air in the interior of the sleeve. Entry of the doming tool into the dome void recess when the valve is closed causes a substantial rise in pressure in the air passage which enables the valve to open and deliver compressed air to the interior of the can body to assist in stripping it from the punch.