Process Simulation for Can Manufacturing by Deep Drawing and Ironing

Deep drawing and ironing are the major processes used today in manufacturing of most beverage cans from aluminum. The same technology is utilized in manufacturing of steel cans for the food industry. The practical aspects of this technology are well known and gained through extensive experimentation and production know-how. The fundamental aspects of the processes, however, are relatively less known, especially regarding the temperature developed during deformation and the effect of deformation speed upon temperatures and lubrication. Thus, it is expected that process simulations using FEM techniques would provide additional detailed information that could be utilized to improve the process conditions. This paper illustrates the application of process modeling to deep drawing and ironing operations. The predictions agree well with the experimental results. Parametric studies conducted in ironing, although applied only to a single die operation, illustrate the interactions between process variables.