SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING DECORATIVE SHAPED METAL CANS

摘要

A method of manufacturing a metallic can body (24) that is shaped distinctively in order to enhance its visual presentation to consumers includes, in one embodiment, steps of providing a can body blank (10) that has a sidewall that is of a substantially constant diameter; providing a mold unit (38) that has at least one mold wall (46) that defines a mold cavity conforming a desired final shape of the can body (24); positioning the can body blank (10) within the mold cavity (46); and supplying a pressurized fluid into the mold cavity so that the can body blank (10) is forced by pressure against the mold wall (46), causing the can body blank (10) to assume the desired final shape of the can body (24). Axial compression is preferably applied to the can body blank in order to reduce internal stresses during molding of the container. A second embodiment includes steps of radially deforming the can body blank in selected areas by selected amounts to achieve an intermediate can body that is radially modified, but is still symmetrical about its axis; and superimposing a preselected pattern of mechanical deformations that have an axial component onto the intermediate can body. Related apparatus and processes are also disclosed.