Coil Change Process in Aluminum Can Manufacturing

In aluminum can manufacturing, the coil change process is a crucial step that occurs when the current aluminum coil is depleted. Here's a high-level breakdown of the process:

1. Coil Exhaustion and Preparation: The process begins when the current aluminum coil on the line is exhausted.  The cupping press (or Cupper) stops production to initiate the coil change.

2. Loading the New Coil: A forklift lifts a new coil, stored on a pallet with the "eye to the sky" (the hole facing vertically). The forklift places the pallet onto an Upender.

3. Positioning the Coil: The Upender safely tilts the coil from a vertical to a horizontal position.  A Coil Car positioned beneath the upender lifts the coil slightly.

4. Moving the Coil to the Uncoiler: The Upender moves away once the coil is elevated. The Coil Car lowers to its down position and rotates along its track toward the Coil Car.

5. Feeding the Coil onto the Mandrel: The Coil Car reaches the Uncoiler, elevates, and feeds the coil onto the Mandrel.  The  mandrel expands to secure the coil in place.

6. Aligning and Resuming Production: Operators feed the coil into the Cupper infeed. 

The coil change process is critical for maintaining continuous production in can manufacturing.  It requiring precise coordination and safety measures.