METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING FLANGE WIDTH VARIATIONS IN DIE NECKED CONTAINER BODIES

摘要

Method and apparatus for improving the concentricity and reducing the flange width variation of a die-necked container body are disclosed. A piloted pad (100, 200) is inserted into the dome (14) at the bottom of the can, either as part of the flanging operation or as part of a die-necking operation, or both. The insertion of the pilot and pad orients the can body (10) relative to the necker or flanger (50) so that the open end (12) of the can remains concentric with the main body diameter as forming operations progress. Preferably, when used as a part of a die necker, the pusher pad connected to the pilot is spring-loaded. By spring-loading the pusher pad, accidental engagement between the raised section that extends into the dome is prohibited, and each can is more readily ejected and transferred.