UNITARY SHEET METAL CAN BODY, FABRICATING METHODS AND APPARATUS

摘要

Method and apparatus for combined-process fabricating of flat-rolled sheet metal precoated with an organic polymeric coating into an elongated cylindrical-configuration one-piece can body precoated on interior and exterior surfaces. A circular configuration rigid flat-rolled sheet metal blank precoated with organic polymeric coating is shaped into a unitary cup-shaped product which is free of increased sheet metal thickness. In a single-stroke combined processing, the work product reshaped is passed through side wall ironing structure to increase side wall height and to produce a substantially uniform thickness side wall. Side-wall ironing is carried out free of damage to the precoated organic polymeric coating and the can body, as fabricated, is ready for use free of coating repair requirements. The resultant can body endwall thickness is substantially equal to the preselected starting gauge of the circular blank.