WO2002026416A1

WO2002026416A1 - Method, device and system for production of a metal can with a decorative layer

Info

Publication number: WO2002026416A1
Application number: PCT/EP2001/009742
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jakob Hagmann
Original assignee: Novocan Ag
Priority date: 2000-09-27
Filing date: 2001-08-23
Publication date: 2002-04-04
Also published as: CA2423263A1; US20040011113A1; EP1201331A1; ZA200302334B; CN1478002A; JP2004509766A; AU2001289828A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the production of a metal can (11). Said metal can (11) comprises a can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112) and a decorative layer (10) applied to the can body (111). During a first phase of method steps a metal can pre-form (110) with an undecorated can body (111) and a reduced can neck (112) is produced and during a second phase of method steps, occurring at a later time, or directly after the first phase of method steps, the metal can pre-form (110) is provided with a decorated layer (10), comprising a pattern (100), preferably made from a shrinkable material and prepared. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out said method, metal cans (11), produced by the above method, metal can pre-forms (110), respectively further processed and a decorated layer (10) for use in said method.

Description

METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A METAL CAN WITH A DECOR LAYER

The invention relates to a method according to the preambles of claims 1, 2 and 12, to an apparatus for carrying out this method according to the preambles of claims 13 and 14, to a system according to the preamble of claim 17, to one according to this Method of producing a metal can or onto a metal can preform that can be further processed in this method and onto a decorative layer for use in this method according to the preamble of claim 31.

Metal cans made of aluminum or steel, especially aerosol cans, are mass-produced and are manufactured using largely automated devices. Known methods for producing such metal cans begin with a pressing process in which a disk-shaped metal blank is cold-formed into a can body or a metal sheet is rolled and the ends are welded to form a can body. The can body is then mechanically cleaned using brushes, and rinsed or chemically cleaned using cleaning agents or fresh water, so that any mold release agents, chips, greases and other lubricants are removed. The can body is now painted on the inside with a protective paint, this paint is applied via spray nozzles. The interior paint is then dried in an oven. The can body is then processed on the outside, which is the application of a base coat and drying the base coat in an oven, printing the can body and drying the label in an oven, and applying a top coat and drying the top coat in an oven. Finally, a can neck or a lower edge of the can is drawn in and flanged at a flanging station. Finally, the metal can is filled with a good, provided with a lid or a base and packed for dispatch.

The disadvantage of this known value chain in the manufacture of metal cans is the high energy expenditure during drying four times, i.e. the drying of the interior varnish, the base varnish, the printing and the top varnish as well as the high solvent consumption for the applied varnishes and the associated environmental pollution.

The applicant has disclosed a solution in this regard in WO 95/34474. Accordingly, the outside processing of the can body is accomplished by applying a decorative layer. The process steps of applying the base coat and drying, printing and drying, and applying the top coat and drying are thus eliminated. The decorative layer is, for example, a shrink film made of metal or plastic, which is provided, for example, with a printed decor. It is shrunk on and due to its ductility and elasticity it can follow the necking of the metal can and thus extends into the neck. Due to its smooth surface, the decorative layer made of shrink film acts as a lubricant which supports the pulling-in process and thus takes part in the production of the metal can, ie the metal can with the neck part drawn in cannot be produced separately from the decorative layer. A disadvantage of this method is that it is not possible to produce the metal can and the decorative layer separately, and such a breakdown of the value chain is desirable. A further disadvantage of this method is that the decorative layer made of shrink film can be torn open during the subsequent crimping if it is not positioned exactly.

The object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the disadvantages of the known. The value chain in the manufacture of metal cans should be broken up and become more flexible. The metal can should also be crimpable without tearing open a decorative layer. The invention is said to be compatible with proven techniques and methods.

This object is achieved by the invention according to the definition of the claims.

The present invention solves the problem by using a decorative layer that can only be attached to a metal can by means of adhesive force. The term adhesive bond is understood in the most general sense of “adherence”. The decorative layer and the metal can can be produced separately. The decorative layer can be easily positioned on the undecorated metal can and can be attached, for example, by shrinking onto a can body with the can neck already drawn in. The invention permits This breaks the known value chain, because the decorative layer does not participate in the production of the metal can.

The application of the decorative layer by means of adhesive force does not necessarily require clean or grease-free surfaces of the can body. This relative insensitivity to contamination of the decorative layer also allows the can neck utilizing residual lubricants from previous process steps, such as the shape of the can body. This process also breaks up known value chains.

The decorative layer is positioned and attached before the optional flaring of the can neck or a lower can edge. The decorative layer then extends into the area of the at least one bundle to be attached and is covered by it. The material of the decorative layer is advantageously perforated in the area of the Bördeis to be attached to the metal can. This perforation prevents the material of the decorative layer from tearing due to possible injuries when attaching the Bördeis.

In principle, all materials that can be attached to a can body by means of adhesive force are suitable as materials of the decorative layer. Materials in the form of a tube or sheet are advantageously used. Shrinkable materials are preferably used. Shrink tubing has the advantage of significantly higher elasticity compared to shrink film and can, for example, adapt to large changes in diameter, such as occur in the neck area of the can body. Non-shrinking or hardly shrinking materials can also be used, as long as they are shaped, for example, as a hose or have such elasticity that they adhere stably to the can body by adhesive force.

The invention also allows an almost unlimited freedom in the design of the decor, since any two-dimensional or three-dimensional decorative layers can be used. The decorative layers can also be produced "just in time", for example. That means that in a first phase unprinted metal can preforms with an undecorated can body and retracted can neck are manufactured, for example, by a metal can manufacturer and delivered to a metal can filler, for example In a second phase, these unprinted metal can preforms are provided "just-in-time" with decorative layers, the can neck or the lower edge of the can are optionally crimped and the metal cans are filled with a good, as well as with a lid or with closed a lid and a bottom and packed.

This "just-in-time" allows a quick reaction to unique events, personalized, direct 1: 1 marketing and preparation for future trends. It allows production control when manufacturing metal cans. In particular, it allows the first and second phases to be started procedural steps per marketing decision. A specific decor is selected in a marketing decision, for example in a sales or marketing office. For example, a decor is loaded from a memory at the push of a button and is sent, for example, to a decor layer printing plant by distance. whereupon a decorative layer is produced, for example, printed. In a second phase, the decorative layer is applied to metal can preforms. This is done very quickly and with little effort. The decor layer printing company can be at the metal can filler. The second decision is made by marketing decision Phase of procedural steps, which also allows for marketing decisions eid appropriate conditioning of the goods to be filled in these metal cans. For example. these are also "just-in-time" specially dyed, provided with a special aroma, etc. Finished products can thus be launched very quickly. This also allows customer requests for small and individually designed Orders are met without compromising on quality and profit. All of this is cost-effective and creates competitive advantages.

The invention is explained below with reference to illustrations in exemplary embodiments. Here shows:

1 shows a first example of the process sequence for producing metal cans,

2 shows a second example of the process sequence for producing metal cans,

3 shows a third example of the process sequence for producing metal cans,

4 shows a fourth example of the process sequence for producing metal cans,

5 shows part of a first exemplary embodiment of a decorative layer for use in the method for producing a metal can.

6 shows part of a second exemplary embodiment of a decorative layer for use in the method for producing a metal can.

7 shows part of a first exemplary embodiment of a metal can preform produced by the method. 8 shows a part of a first exemplary embodiment of a metal can with a flanged can neck produced by the method.

9 shows part of a second exemplary embodiment of a metal can preform produced by the method.

10 shows a part of a second exemplary embodiment of a metal can with a flanged can neck produced by the method.

11 shows a part of an exemplary embodiment of a bundle of a metal can produced by the method.

12 shows part of an exemplary embodiment of a device for positioning and applying a decorative layer on metal cans.

13 shows a part of an exemplary embodiment of a known added value for manufacturers and fillers of metal cans.

14 shows a part of a first exemplary embodiment of the added value at manufacturers and fillers of metal cans produced by the method.

15 shows part of a further exemplary embodiment of the added value at manufacturers and fillers of metal cans produced by the method. 16 shows part of a further exemplary embodiment of a metal can preform produced by the method.

17 shows a part of a further exemplary embodiment of a metal can produced by the method with a flanged can neck and a flanged lower can edge.

The invention relates to a method for producing a metal can, which metal can has a can body with a narrowed can neck and a decorative layer attached to the can body. In a first phase of process steps, a metal can preform with an undecorated can body and retracted can neck is produced and in a second phase of process steps, which takes place later or immediately after the first phase of process steps, the metal can preform is integrated with one Decor and decor layer having preferably shrinkable material provided and finished. The invention further relates to a device and a system for carrying out this method, to metal cans or metal can preforms which can be produced by this method and to a decorative layer of preferably shrinkable material for use in this method.

1 to 4 show four exemplary process sequences for producing a metal can. These processes indicate nine or eleven procedural steps that are largely automated and carried out sequentially.

Method step 1 denotes the “production of a can body”. For example, a disk-shaped metal blank is replaced by a Press device deformed into a shape, for example, into a cylindrical can body with an opening. For example. a metal sheet is rolled and the ends are welded by a welding device to, for example, a cylindrical can body with two openings. Suitable metals are aluminum or steel and alloys with aluminum or steel. With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art is free to use other metals for pressing or welding a can body.

Process step 2 denotes "brushing the can body". This is mechanical cleaning with a cleaning device, for example with oscillating brushes for removing any mold release agents, chips, greases and other lubricants. The can body is also usually trimmed followed by process step 3, "washing the can body" using detergent or fresh water, in order to obtain clean and grease-free surfaces.

Method step 4 relates to the “interior painting of the can body”, wherein paint is applied to the inside surfaces of the can body via a painting device, for example via suitably shaped spray nozzles. The use of nozzles for interior painting is advantageous since such nozzles can also be used in tapered, e.g. can be inserted into 50% tapered neck areas of retracted can bodies. Process step 5 specifies the subsequent “drying of the interior coating” by means of a drying device, for example by a circulating air dryer or by irradiation with UV light.

Method step 40 is optional relates to the at least partial “basic painting of the outer surfaces of the can body”, wherein paint is applied to the outer surfaces of the can body via a painting device, for example via suitably shaped spray nozzles is applied. Process step 50 is also optional and specifies the subsequent “drying of the base coat” by means of a drying device, for example using a circulating air dryer or by irradiation with UV light. Process steps 40 and 50 are optional; the presence of a base coat reduces the surface roughness, the surface of the base coat The coated can body is smoother than that of a raw, metallic can body, which is not essential for the application of the decorative layer, a decorative layer can be applied directly to the metallic can body or indirectly to a base coat of the outer surfaces of the can body.

In process step 6, the "neck of a can or at least one indentation" is drawn in, in which an at least partial narrowing of a can neck 112 from the can body 111 by, for example, 2% or even 50% from the outside is carried out with a pulling device. In the same process step 6, a further radius taper or radius extension can be provided on the metal can preform as at least one indentation 113. The embodiment of a metal can preform 110 according to FIG. 9 and that of a metal can 11 made therefrom according to FIG. 10 show, for example, at least one such Can body 111 has indentation 113 for better gripping of the metal can. In the understanding of the present invention, can neck 112 can be drawn in or at least one indentation 113 can be made on can body 111 and in addition to pulling in n of the can neck 112 can take place from the can body 111.

As can be seen from the value chains according to FIGS. 1 to 4, the pulling in of the can neck 112 before or after the interior painting (variants according to FIGS. 1 and 2) can as before or after the optional basic painting (variants according to FIGS. 3 and 4). If the neck of the can is drawn in as shown in the process sequence according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 before “brushing the can body”, “washing the can body” and “painting the inside of the can body”, it is not yet possible for the deformation chemically removed remaining lubricants from previous process steps, for example from pressing the can body, can also be used to advantage. If necessary, additional lubricants can be applied to pull in the can neck, which remaining lubricants or additional lubricants will be completely removed in the subsequent washing / An advantage of this method according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 is that the elasticity of the lacquer of the inner or outer lacquer is less stringent since it is applied after the can neck has been pulled in. If the can neck has been pulled in as in the procedure shown in FIG. 3 right spective Fig. 4 shown after the "basic painting of the outer surfaces of the can body", the smoother surface of the can neck resulting from the basic coating can be used to advantage when pulling in the can neck. Retracting the can neck is simplified by smooth surfaces.

At least process steps 1 and 6 form a first phase in the manufacture of a metal can by producing a metal can preform that can be further processed. Such metal can preforms 110 shown in three embodiments according to FIGS. 7, 9 and 16 with can body 111 and retracted can neck 112 are an intermediate product that can be stored or transported. In particular, such a metal can preform 110 produced in accordance with method steps 1 and 6 can be freely selected on the world market for metal can Buy manufacturers and, for example, transport them to a metal can filler and store them, for example.

At least process step 7 forms a second phase in the manufacture of a metal can, in which a metal can preform is processed further. 8, 10 and 17 show three exemplary embodiments of metal cans 11 with a can body 111 and a retracted can neck 112. Optionally, the can neck 112 or a lower can edge 114 can be flanged (method step 8). Finally, the metal can 11 is filled, for example, with a good, for example closed and packed with a lid or with a lid and a base (method step 9).

The decor can be printed beforehand in any method on the tube or flat film, preferably shrink tube or flat shrink film. Examples include digital printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, etc., which allow images, texts, graphics, tables, etc. to be printed from behind on a back of the decorative layer of an at least partially transparent material of the decorative layer that printed The back of the decorative layer comes to rest on the can body after positioning, as a result of which the decor is chemically and mechanically protected by the material itself of the decorative layer, ie by the decorative layer front. The thickness of such decorative layers is 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, typically 0.05 mm. With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art is free to use other printing methods for printing decorative layers. In this way, UV flexo printing processes can be used, and a wide variety of decorations can be used for various metal can shapes. The decorations do not have to be two-dimensional (flat material), they can also be three-dimensional (relief structures in one e.g. 1 mm thick material). With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art is also free to use differently shaped materials.

In method step 7, a decorative layer is positioned and attached to the metal can preform. For this purpose, previously printed and cut to length material is attached to the can body. Such a decorative layer 10 with a decorative 100 is shown as an example in FIGS. 5 and 6. 5 shows an example of a decorative layer 10 in the form of a tube. 6 shows an example of a decorative layer 10 in the form of a film. The outside diameter of the can body and the inside diameter of the decorative layer are matched to one another in such a way that the decorative layer adheres to the can body only after it has been attached due to its own elasticity. According to the invention, the decorative layer is attached to the can body by an adhesive bond. The term adhesive bond is understood in the most general sense of “adherence”. Adhesive bond in this sense includes, for example, spot and line welded connections, especially of film ends, shrinking on shrinkable materials but also contact or pressure adhesive. The decorative layer 10 can be Apply directly to the metal can body or indirectly to a base coat of the outer surface of the can body.

The decorative layer 10 consists at least partially of plastic. Modified vinyl compounds, such as polyvinyl alcohol and / or vinyl copolymers and / or other additives which improve the toughness values, such as maleic anhydride (for example as a graft copolymer) and / or urethane and / or styrene are used as plastics. Polyurethanes and / or polyurethane copolymers can also be used for the process according to the invention, as can polyolefins, such as polyethylene. The specialist can with knowledge of the present invention, realize various variations and combinations of such plastics as decorative layers for metal cans.

The decorative layer 10 advantageously consists of materials in the form of a tube or a flat film. Shrinkable materials are preferably used. Heat shrink tubing has the advantage of a significantly higher elasticity of up to 70% compared to 10% with shrink film compared to shrink film and can, for example, flexibly adapt to large diameter changes, such as occur on the can neck 112 of the can body 111, often with a 50% radius taper. Non-shrinking or hardly shrinking materials can also be used, as long as they are shaped, for example, as a hose or have such elasticity that they adhere stably to the can body by adhesive force.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, the device for positioning and attaching the decorative layer to metal cans consists of a cutting device 21, which cuts pre-printed hoses or foils, for example, as endless goods 101, into corresponding lengths. The ends of foils are connected to form tubes, advantageously by gluing or welding a connecting seam. For example. the device consists of an applicator 22 which puts individual decorative layers 10 in the form of tubes over can bodies 111. And it consists, for example, of a fixing device 23 which fixes hoses positioned in this way on can bodies to the can bodies. For example. become shrink tubes. For example. shrinking with heat or steam takes place in a shrink tunnel. In this way, continuously conveyed metal can preforms 110 can be provided with decorative layers. For example. become decorative layers of shrinkable material in a shrink tunnel shrunk onto the can body in a hot air or steam flow of approximately 140 to 160 ° C. The shrink tube or shrink film shrinks tightly onto the can body and adheres to it solely due to an adhesive connection. With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art has many options for varying this positioning and applying a decorative layer to metal cans.

In optional method step 8, the neck of the can 112 or a lower edge of the can 114 is flanged. Such flaring of the neck of the can 112 takes place, for example, in containers with a lid according to FIGS. 8 or 10, such as aerosol containers, in order to seal a lid on Mold the can body. Such containers are often not necessarily made of aluminum as metal. Such a flanging of a can neck 112 and a lower can edge 114 takes place, for example, in containers with a lid and bottom according to FIG. 16, in order to attach a lid closure and a bottom closure to the can body. Such containers are often not necessarily made of steel as metal. 11 shows a part of an exemplary embodiment of a stock ice 12 of a metal can 11. FIGS. 8, 10 and 17 shows a part of further exemplary embodiments of a stock ice 12 of a metal can 11. Such a flanging of the edge of the can neck 112 of the metal can 11, for example 12 with a flanging device 24 in an embodiment according to FIG. An advantage of the present invention is that the decorative layer 10 extends into the retracted can neck 112 or into the can edge 114 as far as the area of the wall ice 12 to be attached and is at least partially covered by this flange 12. For example. a decorative layer 10 made of shrink-fit shrink tubing or shrink film follows this flanging without problems because of its elasticity. To a possible injury to the decorative layer 10 when To limit flanging, the decorative layer has perforations 13, at least in some areas, where it is positioned and attached to a flare to be attached to the metal can. These perforations 13 form a tear limit in the decorative layer, such that if the decorative layer 10 tears in the area of the Bördeis, the hose or the film tears only up to a perforation 13. Such injuries can be minimized by providing a plurality of perforations 13 in such a way that they are not perceived by the consumer as aesthetically disadvantageous. The attachment of such perforations 13 in decorative layers 10 can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example. Such perforations 13 are applied when the decorative layers 10 are printed and cut to length. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5, 8, 10 and 17, perforations 13 are provided as a single line at a constant distance from an end region of the decorative layer 10, in the exemplary embodiment 6, perforations 13 are provided as two single lines offset from one another at a constant distance from an end region of the decorative layer 10. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11, perforations 13 are provided as a pattern in an end region of the decorative layer 10. Such perforations 13 can be produced mechanically, for example by means of needles in the decorative layer 10. With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art is free to provide these perforations 13 in a specific pattern, for example as a single or multiple line, or in a honeycomb pattern and / or in a specific depth, for example partially and / or completely continuously and / or to be applied with a certain diameter, for example 0.5 mm, in the decorative layer 10.

In the optional method step 9, the metal cans 11 provided with flanges 13 are packaged. The metal cans 11 can be empty or filled with a good and packed with a lid or provided with a lid and bottom.

FIG. 13 shows the traditional added value in the production of metal cans, where, for example, the decorative layer printing and the application of the decorative layers to metal can preforms with a non-retracted can neck take place at a metal can manufacturer. The designer of the decor and the foil and tube supplier of unprinted foils and tubes serve as suppliers. The metal cans are delivered to a metal can filler, filled there and reach the retailer to the end user.

The use of separately producible decorative layers, which are positioned on metal cans in a simple, rapid process step and are connected only by adhesive force, allows a quick change of product for the metal can filler, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 using two exemplary value-added processes. In a first phase, unprinted metal can preforms are manufactured by a metal can manufacturer and delivered to a metal can filler and stored there and / or stored by the metal can manufacturer. Unprinted foils or tubes are also supplied by a foil and tube supplier to a decorative layer printing company and / or to the metal can filler. In a second phase, these unprinted metal can preforms are given "just-in-time" with decorative layers, the can neck or the lower edge of the can are optionally crimped and the metal cans are filled, sealed and packaged with a good.

There is thus a system that consists of a metal can preform 110 produced in a first phase with an undecorated can body 111 with a narrowed can neck 112 and out a decorative layer 10 previously provided with a decorative 100 preferably consists of shrinkable material and which system comprises an applicator 22 in order to position decorative layer 10 on the can body 111.

This "just-in-time" manufacturing process for the metal can filler based on prefabricated metal can preforms stored in it enables a quick reaction to unique events, personalized, direct 1: 1 marketing and preparation for future trends 14 and 15 show how a particular decor of a designer is selected by a marketing decision and in the decor layer printing house. In particular, this allows the first and second phases of procedural steps to be started by means of marketing decisions Such a marketing decision is made, for example, in a sales or marketing office. The marketing decision manifests itself in the fact that, for example, at the push of a button, the specific, selected decor is loaded from a store and, for example, is sent by distance to the decorative layer printer and / or to the metal can filler, where the decorative layers are produced, for example, printed and attached to the metal can preforms at the metal can filler. This distance transmission takes place, for example, in an electronic network via the Internet very quickly and with little effort. The second phase of procedural steps is started by marketing decision. Corresponding conditioning of the goods to be filled in these metal cans is also optionally carried out by marketing decision, for example they are also “just-in-time” specially colored, provided with a special aroma, etc. The optionally with a flanged can neck or a flanged one lower edge of the can provided metal cans are filled with a good, provided with lids or with a lid and base and packaged so that the finished product can be launched very quickly in retail stores by the end user. In this way, customer requests for small and individually designed orders can also be met without compromising on quality and profit. All of this is cost-effective and creates competitive advantages.

Claims

claims

1. A method for producing a metal can (11), which metal can (11) has a can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112) and a decorative layer (10) attached to the can body (111), characterized in that in a first phase process steps a metal can preform (110) with undecorated can body (111) and retracted can neck (112) is produced and that in a second phase of process steps that takes place later or immediately after the first phase of process steps, the metal can preform (110) is provided with a decorative layer (10) having a decorative layer (10), preferably made of shrinkable material, and is finished.

2. A method for producing a further processable metal can preform (110), characterized in that the metal can preform (110) is formed in a first phase of process steps as an undecorated can body (111) from a metal blank and the can neck (112) of the undecorated can body (111) is drawn in and that the metal can preform (110) can be provided with a decorative layer (10) having a decorative layer (10), preferably made of shrinkable material, in a second phase of process steps.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the can neck (112) or a lower can edge (114) and the decorative layer (10) attached to the can body (111) at least in some areas with a flange (12).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least partially with perforations (13) provided decorative layer (10) with these perforations (13) in the area of the can neck (112) or at the lower can edge (114) to be mounted ice cream (12 ) is attached to the can body (111) in such a way that the decorative layer (10) tears up to a perforation (13) in the event of an injury during flanging.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) with a two-dimensional decor (100) or a three-dimensional decor (100) is attached to the can body (111).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) on a decorative layer back is provided with a decor (100) and is attached with this decorative layer back on the can body (111), so that a decorative layer Front serves as chemical or mechanical protection.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) preferably consists of shrink tubing or shrink film connected to form a tube and is positioned by slipping over the can body (111).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, with a can body

(111), to which lubricants are applied for forming from a metal blank, characterized in that the lubricants are also useful for lubrication when drawn in of the can neck (112) or at least one indentation (113) on the can body (111).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the can neck (112) or an indentation (113) on the can body (111) is drawn in after an outside priming of the can body (111) and that by a base coat with a smooth Surface-provided can neck (112) is used to advantage when the can neck (112) or at least one indentation (113) is drawn in on the can body (111).

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the can body (111) before or after the retraction of the can neck (112) or at least one indentation (113) on the can body (111) is painted inside.

11. Method for production control in the manufacture of a metal can (11), which metal can (11) a can body

(111) with a narrowed can neck (112) and a decorative layer (10) attached to the can body (111), characterized in that in a first phase of process steps at a metal can manufacturer, a metal can preform (110) with an undecorated can body ( 111) and retracted can neck

(112) is produced and that in a second phase of process steps at the metal can manufacturer or at a metal can filler, the metal can preform (110) is provided with a decorative layer (10) having a decor (100), preferably made of shrinkable material, and is finished ,

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that an order for producing the decorative layer (10) having a decorative layer (10) is made by marketing decision and that the order is made at the start of the second phase of procedural steps by marketing decision.

13. Device for producing a metal can (11), which metal can (11) has a can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112) and a decorative layer (10) attached to the can body (111), characterized in that an applicator (22 ) is provided in order to position a decorative layer (10) previously provided with a decor (100), preferably made of shrinkable material, on the undecorated can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112).

14. Device for producing a metal can preform (110) which can be further processed, characterized in that a pressing device is provided in order to form a can body (111) from a metal blank and in that a pulling device is provided in order to form a can neck (112) of the undecorated can body (111).

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that an applicator (22) is provided in order to slip the tubular decorative layer (10), which preferably consists of shrink tube or flat shrink film, over the can body (111).

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a fixing device (23) is provided to the decorative Shrink layer (10) of shrinkable material with heat or steam onto the can body (111).

17. System consisting of a metal can preform (110) produced in a first phase with an undecorated can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112) and a decorative layer previously provided with a decor (100)

(10) preferably made of shrinkable material, the system comprising an applicator (22) in order to position the decorative layer (10) on the can body (111).

18. Metal can (11), produced by the method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) preferably consists of shrinkable material and a tube positioned and attached to the can body (111), preferably a shrink tube or one flat shrink film is.

19. Metal can (11), with a can body (111), which has a narrowed can neck (112) and with a decor (100) provided with a decorative layer (10), characterized in that the decorative layer (100) is preferably made of shrinkable material and there is a hose positioned and attached to the can body (111), preferably a shrink hose or a flat shrink film.

20. metal can preform (110), producible by the method according to claim 2, characterized in that it has an undecorated can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112) or at least one indentation (113) on the can body (111).

21. Metal can preform (110), characterized in that it has an undecorated can body (111) with a narrowed can neck (112) or at least one indentation (113) on the can body (111).

22. Metal can (11) according to claim 18 or 19 or metal can preform (110) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) preferably consists of shrinkable material and is at least partially provided with perforations (13).

23. Metal can (11) according to claim 18 or 19 or metal can preform (110) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) consists of plastic.

24. Metal can (11) or metal can preform (110) according to claim 23, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) at least partially from modified vinyl compounds and / or from polyvinyl alcohol and / or from vinyl copolymers and / or from maleic anhydride and / or of urethane and / or of styrene and / or of polyurethane and / or of polyurethane copolymer and / or of polyolefins such as polyethylene.

25. Metal can (11) according to claim 18 or 19 or metal can preform (110) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) is a two-dimensional decor (100) or a three-dimensional decor (100 ) having.

26. Metal can (11) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) attached to the can body (111) is bounded at least in regions by a flange (12).

27. A metal can (11) according to claim 26, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) provided at least in regions with perforations (13) with these perforations (13) in the region of the Bördeis (12) to be attached to the can neck (112) so on the can body ( 111) it is appropriate that at

Injury when flaring the can neck (112) up to a perforation (13) enters.

28. Metal can (11) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) on a decorative layer back is provided with a decor (100) and with this decorative layer back on the can body (111) is attached so that a decorative layer front serves as chemical or mechanical protection.

29. Metal can (11) according to claim 18 or 19 or metal can preform (110) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the can body (111) consists of aluminum or steel or an alloy of aluminum or steel.

30. Metal can (11) produced according to one or more of claims 1 to 12.

31. Decorative layer (10) for use in the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the decorative layer (10) preferably consists of shrinkable material and can be positioned and attached to the can body (111) if necessary.