Method for producing a lid of a can, method for producing a can, and beverage can

Abstract

The invention relates to a first method for producing a lid (1) of a can (2), at least comprising the following steps: a) providing a flat sheet metal material (3); b) printing the flat sheet metal material (3) with a plurality of first printed images (4), wherein each first printed image (4) is associated with a lid (1); c) punching out at least one sheet metal section (5) printed with the first printed image (4) from the sheet metal material (3). The invention also relates to a method for producing a can (2) and to a can (2).

Description

[0001] Method for manufacturing a lid for a can, method for manufacturing a can and beverage can

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a can lid, a method for manufacturing a can, and a beverage can. In particular, the lid and the can are made of a sheet metal material.

[0003] The can is, in particular, a beverage can. The can consists, in particular, of a base and a lid, which are connected to each other via a (cylindrical) wall section. A closure element is, in particular, arranged in the lid. The can consists, in particular, of at least two parts: firstly, a can part comprising the base and the wall section; and secondly, the lid, which is connected to the first can part, in particular to the wall section, e.g., by a folded seam.

[0004] The first can part is manufactured at least by deep drawing or stretch drawing along an axial direction. The first can part has a bottom area at a first end that at least partially, and in particular completely, closes the first end, and subsequently a wall area extending along the axial direction towards an opposite second end, formed circumferentially.

[0005] A lid can be attached to the second end. The lid can, in particular, have a closure element through which the contents of the can sealed by the lid can be dispensed. The closure element can, in particular, be a resealable closure element, so that the can can be resealed in a liquid-tight or even gas-tight manner, even when not empty.

[0006] A can is, in particular, a beverage container, especially a (metallic) beverage can. The can serves to store a contents, e.g., a liquid, whereby the can, in its closed state (initial state), may be under a pressure above the surroundings or atmospheric pressure of approximately 1 bar. Especially with beverage cans containing carbonated beverages, the can may be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before being opened for the first time.

[0007] The outer wall of cans is often printed, for example with colored patterns, designs, or information. The same now applies to the lid. The lids are usually printed on the already formed lid. In cans with resealable closures, the lids are typically made of one material, such as sheet metal, and the closures are made of a different material, such as plastic.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems existing with regard to the prior art and, in particular, to propose a method for manufacturing a can lid that is especially suitable for printing lids in large quantities. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a can is to be proposed that allows for new degrees of freedom in printing on the can. Finally, a beverage can with a special printing method is to be proposed.

[0009] These problems are solved by a method for manufacturing a can lid according to the features of claim 1, by a method for manufacturing a can according to the features of claim 10, and by a beverage can according to the features of claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0010] A (first) method for manufacturing a lid for a can is proposed, comprising at least the following steps: a) providing a flat sheet of metal; b) printing the flat sheet of metal with a plurality of first print images, each first print image being assigned to a lid; c) punching out at least one sheet section printed with the first print image from the sheet of metal.

[0011] The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the procedural steps into a) to c) is primarily intended for differentiation purposes and does not impose any sequence or dependency. The frequency of the procedural steps can also vary. It is also possible that procedural steps may overlap, at least partially. In particular, steps a) to c) are carried out in the order listed.

[0012] According to step a) of the process, a flat sheet metal material is first provided, in particular a sheet metal blank. The flat sheet metal material represents a starting material for the cover. The flat sheet metal material can be coated or uncoated.

[0013] According to step b), the flat sheet metal is printed. The flat sheet metal is printed with a plurality of initial print images, so that several printed sheet metal sections can be die-cut from the single (possibly continuous) sheet metal (according to step c)). Each print image comprises, in particular, at least one color or several (then different) colors that form a predetermined pattern. The initial print image can, in particular, cover part of the sheet metal section, the entire sheet metal section, or the sheet metal section and an adjacent part of the flat sheet metal. In particular, each initial print image is assigned to a (subsequently produced) lid. This means, in particular, that each can with such a lid has only this one initial print image (on the lid). The initial print images can be different from each other or all the same.

[0014] According to step c), at least one sheet metal section printed with the first printed image is punched out, preferably a plurality of correspondingly printed sheet metal sections. The punching out of several sheet metal sections can also be carried out simultaneously.

[0015] The sheet metal section comprises, in particular, all the sheet metal material of the (later) lid; that is, the sheet metal section is (only) reshaped and then used as the lid. Alternatively, a partial sheet metal section is punched out of the sheet metal section before, simultaneously with, or after step c), creating an opening in the sheet metal section. This opening serves, in particular, to accommodate a locking element. The opening can also be created before step b), i.e., immediately before printing.

[0016] This process involves printing an initial image onto a lid before any forming or stamping process. Printing can therefore be performed on a completely flat surface of the sheet metal. In particular, subsequent forming processes of the sheet metal can be taken into account, ensuring that the printed image on the finished lid corresponds to a predetermined image for the can. Specifically, the initial image printed onto the flat sheet metal may exhibit distortions or other deviations, which are then corrected by the subsequent forming processes, resulting in the predetermined printed image on the finished lid.

[0017] In particular, after step b), the flat sheet metal material or sheet metal section is formed in a further step i). Specifically, step i) is carried out before, simultaneously with, or after step c).

[0018] The formed sheet metal section has, in particular, an outer surface with a central, usually circular, lid base, and an inner surface opposite the lid base, also usually circular. After the lid is joined to a first can part to form a can, the inner surface of the formed sheet metal section faces the inside of the can, while the outer surface with the lid base is located on the outside of the can accessible to a user. The formed sheet metal section also typically has a core wall and a core bead formed between the core wall and the lid base, as well as a flanged edge on its outer circumference for joining the formed sheet metal section to the first can part. The core wall and core bead together form, in particular, a so-called core chamfer.

[0019] The core slope is, in particular, a circumferential groove in the lid (or base). The volume of the can extends into the groove. At its axial end (the first end of the container), the groove is bounded in the radial direction by a circumferential inner wall and a circumferential outer wall (core wall).

[0020] (Beverage) cans and therefore their lids are regularly cylindrical in shape and thus rotationally symmetrical about a central axis that extends along the axial direction.

[0021] The formed sheet metal section may also have, for example, embossing or beads, preferably to increase the stability of the lid.

[0022] In particular, the formed sheet metal section has at least one structure, such as an opening element, designed for opening the can by a user. Actuating the opening element typically releases an opening in the can's lid, through which the contents can be dispensed. Alternatively, the formed sheet metal section has an opening in which a closure element, particularly a captive one, can be arranged.

[0023] An opening element can only close the can in its initial state. Once opened, the can cannot be resealed. In contrast, a closing element allows the can to be resealed.

[0024] In particular, an opening is created in the sheet metal material or sheet metal section immediately before or after step b) in a further step ii).

[0025] In particular, step ii) is performed before, at the same time or after step c).

[0026] In particular, step ii) is performed before, at the same time or after step i).

[0027] In particular, step ii) is carried out between steps a) and b).

[0028] In particular, after step ii), preferably also after step c) and i), a closure element is arranged in the opening and permanently connected to the sheet metal material or the sheet metal section.

[0029] The locking element can be designed, for example, in accordance with DE 10 2021 106 977 A1.

[0030] In particular, the locking element is designed to allow for repeated closing of the opening.

[0031] The cover obtained after steps a), b) and c) as well as i) and ii) can be designed in particular according to DE 10 2021 106 980 A1 or DE 10 2024 116 754 A1. In particular, at least one of steps c), i) and ii) is carried out depending on the orientation of the first printed image on the sheet metal section.

[0032] In particular, the sheet metal section punched out of the flat sheet material is rotationally symmetrical (e.g., after a rotation through a specific angular amount such as 45, 60, 90, or 180 degrees) or circular. This rotational symmetry is specifically broken by the first printed image, for example, because the first printed image itself does not exhibit rotational symmetry. In this case, at least one, several, or even all of the steps c) (punching), i) (forming), and ii) (creating the opening) are performed depending on the orientation of the first printed image.

[0033] In this process, the first printed image is captured optically (e.g., by a camera or similar device), and the sheet metal section or a tool performing the respective step is moved / rotated into a predetermined position or orientation.

[0034] In particular, the punching process according to step c) can be coupled to and carried out after the detection of the first printed image on the flat sheet metal material.

[0035] For example, embossing or beads at predetermined locations of the first printed image can then be introduced into the sheet metal section as part of step i), so that distortions of the first printed image that were deliberately integrated into the first printed image are then reshaped or transformed into a predetermined image / layout.

[0036] In particular, the opening created according to step ii) can be generated at a predetermined location on the first printed image. This allows, for example, a closure element subsequently placed in the opening to integrate harmoniously and as predetermined into the first printed image on the sheet metal section. The closure element may also be provided with a suitable pattern or printed image, thus creating a need for a precise arrangement of the opening that is dependent on the first printed image. Specifically, the area of ​​the opening can be recessed by the first printed image, so that an unprinted portion of the sheet metal section is punched out during step ii).

[0037] A (second) method for manufacturing a can is proposed, wherein the can (with base, wall section, and lid) encloses a volume and comprises a base, an adjoining wall section, and a lid, manufactured by the described (first) method. The base and the wall section are bonded together (and / or manufactured as a single piece or from a single starting part) and form a first can part. The (second) method comprises at least the following steps: a1) printing the first can part with a second printed image; and b1) joining the first can part to the lid, which was manufactured by the described first method.

[0038] Step b1) is carried out depending on the orientation of the second printed image on the first part of the can, so that the first printed image has a defined orientation to the second printed image.

[0039] In this process, the second printed image is captured optically (e.g., by a camera or similar device), and the first can part and the lid are moved / rotated into a predetermined relative position or orientation. Specifically, the first printed image on the lid or a closure element attached to the lid can also be captured optically. For example, a closure element can be captured optically, mechanically, tactilely, or in another non-contact manner. Known measuring methods and sensors can be used without restriction for capturing printed images, structures, or embossing.

[0040] The proposed (second) method allows the lid and the first part of the can to be joined, with the two printed images forming a continuous pattern or image. This provides further design freedom for cans, e.g., lettering that extends across both the first part of the can and the lid.

[0041] In particular, the first part of the can is filled with a contents, e.g. a liquid, before step b1 ), so that after step b1 ) the contents are arranged in the volume of the can in a liquid-tight manner, and in particular (also) gas-tight manner.

[0042] In particular, each of the proposed methods can be (fully) automated. In particular, the two methods can also be performed together as a single method.

[0043] In particular, the steps of the process(s) can be carried out as a continuous process, meaning the steps are performed sequentially and without interruption. However, it is also possible for further steps to be performed between the specified steps, or for the individual steps to be performed independently of one another. For example, after each step, the respective intermediate products of that step can be stored in a buffer, thus enabling a process separation of the individual steps.

[0044] In particular, at least one data processing system is provided, which includes means that are suitable for carrying out the respective procedure, or that execute the procedure. Specifically, a production plant suitable for carrying out the respective procedure includes a data processing system, e.g., a control unit, which includes means for executing the steps of the procedure and / or means that are suitable for executing the steps of the procedure, or that execute the procedure.

[0045] The means include, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices that enable the transmission of instructions, measurements, data or the like between the aforementioned elements.

[0046] The “means” may include, in particular, one or more of the following components: control(s), microcontroller, data storage, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter or timer, at least one other sensor, a power source, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, a computer program is proposed, comprising commands which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the described procedure or the steps of the described procedure.

[0048] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the described procedure or the steps of the described procedure.

[0049] A can is proposed comprising a base and a lid connected by a wall section, together enclosing a volume of the can. The lid has a closure element through which a contents stored in the volume (e.g., a liquid) can be removed. The lid is printed with a first printed image, and at least the wall section or the base (or both) is printed with a second printed image. At least the first printed image is arranged in a predetermined orientation relative to the closure element (e.g., in the case of a lid produced by the first method), or the first and second printed images are oriented in a predetermined position relative to each other (e.g., in the case of a can produced by the second method).

[0050] In particular, the first printed image is arranged in a predetermined orientation to the closure element, and the first printed image and the second printed image are oriented in a predetermined position relative to each other.

[0051] In particular, the locking element is designed to allow for repeated closing of the opening.

[0052] The can is used primarily as a beverage container. As such, the can comprises a housing with a base, a lid, and a wall section connecting the base to the lid. Specifically, the beverage container has a core slope running circumferentially (in the base) between the base and the wall section, and optionally an additional core slope (in the lid) between the lid and the wall section. The beverage container has a volume that is at least partially fillable with a liquid or is already filled. A closure element is arranged in the lid and along a radial direction within the core slope (if present), through which the liquid can be dispensed from the volume when the lid is open.

[0053] Beverage containers are regularly cylindrical in shape and therefore rotationally symmetrical about a central axis that extends along the axial direction.

[0054] The can or beverage container is, in particular, a beverage can. The can is in a sealed initial state, in particular under a pressure, e.g., of at least 2.5 bar, which is greater than the ambient pressure (in particular, the ambient pressure is at most 1.1 bar).

[0055] The volume of the can is in particular between 0.1 and 5 liters, preferably at most 3 liters, most preferably at most 1 liter.

[0056] The can extends, in particular, from the base to the lid along an axial direction. This axial direction preferably runs parallel to the wall area. In particular, the can is essentially cylindrical and (apart from structures, e.g., in the lid, for opening / closing the volume or for stiffening the lid) has an axis of rotation or axis of symmetry that extends parallel to the axial direction.

[0057] The explanations regarding the procedures apply equally to the can and the data processing system, and vice versa.

[0058] The use of indefinite articles (“a”, “an”, “one”, and “ones”), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Accordingly, terms or components introduced by these articles are to be understood as occurring at least once and, in particular, may also occur multiple times.

[0059] It should be noted as a precaution that the numerical terms used here ("first", "second", "third", etc.) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and thus do not necessarily dictate any dependency and / or sequence between these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependency and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here, or it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art upon studying the specific embodiment described. The invention and the technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown.In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. The same reference symbols denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary. The following are shown schematically:

[0060] Fig. 1: a first part of the can in a side view in section;

[0061] Fig. 2: a flat sheet metal material in a top view;

[0062] Fig. 3: a first embodiment of a can in a side view;

[0063] Fig. 4: a lid of a can according to a second embodiment in a top view;

[0064] Fig. 5: the can according to Fig. 4 with a closure element, in a top view; and

[0065] Fig. 6: the can according to Fig. 5 in a perspective view.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a first can part 11 in a side view in section. The first can part 11 comprises a base 9 and a wall section 10 adjoining the base 9. The first can part 11 is cylindrical and therefore rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 16 extending along the axial direction 17. The first can part 11 has a core chamfer 15 extending along a circumferential direction 14 between the base 9 and the wall section 10. The first can part 11 can be joined to a lid 1 (see Figs. 4 to 6) to form a can 2.

[0067] The core slope 15 is a groove extending circumferentially in the base 9. The groove is bounded at its axial end (here lower end of the first can part 11) opposite the radial direction 18 by an inner wall extending circumferentially in the direction 14 and an outer wall extending circumferentially in the direction 14 and towards the wall area 10.

[0068] Fig. 2 shows a flat sheet metal material 3 in a top view. Reference is made to the description of Fig. 1.

[0069] According to step a) of the procedure, a flat sheet metal material 3 is first provided, e.g. a sheet metal blank. The flat sheet metal material 3 represents a starting material for the cover 1.

[0070] According to step b) of the process, the flat sheet metal material 3 is printed. The flat sheet metal material 3 is printed with a plurality of first print images 4, so that several printed sheet metal sections 5 can be punched out from the single (possibly continuous) sheet metal material 3 (according to step c)). Each first print image 4 is identical and includes a colored marking that visually distinguishes itself from the surrounding (unprinted) area of ​​the sheet metal section 5 or the flat sheet metal material 3. The first print image 4 covers a portion of each sheet metal section 5.

[0071] Each first printed image 4 is assigned to a (subsequently produced) lid 1. That is, each can 2 having such a lid 1 has only this one first printed image 4 (on the lid 1).

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a can 2 in a side view. Reference is made to the descriptions in Figs. 1 and 2. The can 2 comprises a base 9 and a lid 1, which are connected to each other by a wall section 10 and together enclose a volume 8 of the can 2. The lid 1 has an opening 6 in which a closure element 7 can be arranged (see Figs. 5 and 6). A contents 13 (e.g., a liquid) stored in the volume 8 can be removed via the closure element 7 or the opening 6. The lid 1 is printed with a first printed image 4, and at least the wall section 10 is printed with a second printed image 12. The first printed image 4 is arranged in a predetermined orientation relative to the opening 6 and thus to the closure element 7.Furthermore, the first printed image 4 and the second printed image 12 are oriented in a predetermined position relative to each other, so that the printed images 4, 12 are aligned with each other or merge into each other at the connection zones between cover 1 and wall area 10.

[0073] In particular, the first printed image 4 extends over the embossing and contours of the lid 1 and, if applicable, over the contours of the closure element 7. The first printed image 4 is designed in such a way that, in a view along the central axis 16, it has a predetermined appearance or look; that is, the deformation of the first printed image 4 printed onto the undeformed sheet metal material 3 / the circuit board is anticipated. Specifically, this means that the first printed image 4 on the sheet metal material 3 may exhibit distortions, which are then "reverted" to the predetermined appearance by the subsequent deformations or embossing.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a lid 1 of a can 2 according to a second embodiment variant. Reference is made to the descriptions in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0075] The cover 1 is manufactured according to the (first) method, i.e., according to steps a) to c) of the method. Starting with a flat sheet of metal 3, the cover 1 is first printed with the first printed image 4 and then punched out of the flat sheet of metal 3. After step b), the printed sheet of metal 3, or the sheet section 5 already present, is formed according to a further step i). Through this forming process, the core angle 15 and the beads or structures are introduced into the sheet section 5.

[0076] The formed sheet metal section 5 has an outer surface (facing the viewer) with a central, circular lid base, and an inner surface opposite the lid base, also circular (directed into the plane of the drawing). After the lid 1 is joined to a first can part 11 to form a can 2, the inner surface of the formed sheet metal section 5 faces the interior of the can 2, while the outer surface with the lid base is located on the user-accessible exterior of the can 2. The formed sheet metal section 5 also typically has a core wall and a core bead formed between the core wall and the lid base, as well as a flanged edge on its outer circumference for joining the formed sheet metal section 5 to the first can part 11. The core wall and core bead together form the core slope 15.

[0077] The core slope 15 present on the cover 1 is a groove extending circumferentially in the cover 9 in the circumferential direction 14. The groove is bounded at its axial end opposite the radial direction 18 by an inner wall extending circumferentially in the direction 14 and an outer wall extending circumferentially in the direction 14 and towards the outer circumference of the cover 1.

[0078] The lid 1 is cylindrically shaped and therefore rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 16, which extends along the axial direction 17.

[0079] After step b), in a further step ii), an opening 6 is created in the sheet metal material 3 or the sheet metal section 5. The first print image 4 shown in Fig. 2 on the flat sheet metal material 3 can alternatively also already take into account the punched-out area of ​​the opening 6, so that this area of ​​the opening 6 is not covered by the first print image 4.

[0080] Fig. 5 shows the can 2 according to Fig. 4 with a closure element 7, in a top view. Fig. 6 shows the can 2 according to Fig. 5 in a perspective view. Figs. 5 and 6 are described together below. Reference is made to the descriptions of Figs. 1 to 4.

[0081] The container 2 comprises a base 9 (not shown) and a lid 1, which are connected by a wall section 10 and together enclose a volume 8 of the container 2. The lid 1 has a closure element 7 through which a contents 13 (e.g., a liquid) stored in the volume 8 can be removed. The lid 1 is printed with a first printed image 4, and at least the wall section 10 is printed with a second printed image 12. The first printed image 4 is arranged in a predetermined orientation relative to the closure element 7. Furthermore, the first printed image 4 and the second printed image 12 are oriented in a predetermined position relative to each other.

[0082] The locking element 7 is designed for the repeatable closing of the opening 6 and in accordance with DE 10 2021 106 977 A1.

[0083] The can 2 is used as a beverage container. The beverage container has a core chamfer 15 in the lid 1, extending along a circumferential direction 14. The beverage container has a volume 8, which can be filled, or is filled, with a content 13 or a liquid. A closure element 7 is arranged in the lid 1 and along a radial direction 18 within the circumferential core chamfer 15, through which the liquid can be removed from the volume 8 when the lid is open. Embossing and beads can be introduced into the sheet metal section 5 at predetermined locations of the first printed image 4 during step i) of the (first) process, so that distortions deliberately integrated into the first printed image 4 are then reconstructed or transformed into a predetermined image / layout.

[0084] The opening 6 created according to step ii) is generated or positioned at a predetermined location on the first printed image 4. This allows the closure element 7, subsequently positioned in the opening 6, to integrate harmoniously and as predetermined into the first printed image 4 on the sheet metal section 5. The closure element 7 is also provided with a suitable pattern or printed image, thus creating a further need for a precise arrangement of the opening 6, determined by the first printed image 4.

[0085] The can 2 is manufactured by a (second) process. The can 2 (with base 9, wall section 10, and lid 1) encloses a volume 8 and comprises the base 9, the adjoining wall section 10, and the lid 1, manufactured by the described (first) process. The base 9 and the wall section 10 are bonded together (and / or manufactured as a single piece or from a single starting part) and form a first can part 11. According to step a1), the first can part 11 is printed with a second printed image 12. According to step b1), the first can part 11 is joined to the lid 1 via the crimped edge of the lid 1, which was manufactured by the described first process.

[0086] Step b1) is carried out depending on the orientation of the second printed image 12 on the first can part 11, so that the first printed image 4 has a defined orientation to the second printed image 12.

[0087] For example, the second printed image 12 is optically detected (e.g., by a camera or similar device), and the first can part 11 and the lid 1 are moved / rotated into a predetermined relative position or orientation. The first printed image 4 of the lid 1 or a locking element 7 attached to the lid 1 can also be optically detected. A locking element 7 can also be detected optically, but also mechanically, tactilely, or in another non-contact manner.

[0088] For the detection of printed images 4, 12 and structures or embossings, known measuring methods or sensors can be used in a known manner without restriction.

[0089] The proposed (second) method with steps a1) and b1) enables the connection of lid 1 and first can part 11, whereby the two printed images 4, 12 form a continuous pattern or printed image. This allows for further degrees of freedom in the design of cans 2, e.g., lettering that extends across the first can part 11 and the lid 1.

[0090] The first part of the can 11 can be filled with a contents 13, e.g. a liquid, before step b1) (see Fig. 1), so that after step b1) the contents 13 are arranged in the volume 8 of the can 2 in a liquid-tight manner, in particular (also) gas-tight manner.

[0091] Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 lid

[0093] 2 cans

[0094] 3 Sheet metal material

[0095] 4 first print image

[0096] 5 sheet metal sections

[0097] 6 Opening

[0098] 7 Locking element

[0099] 8 volumes

[0100] 9 Floor

[0101] 10 wall area

[0102] 11 first part of the can

[0103] 12 second print image

[0104] 13 Contents

[0105] 14 Circumferential direction

[0106] 15 core slope

[0107] 16 Central axis

[0108] 17 axial direction

[0109] 18 radial direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for manufacturing a lid (1) of a can (2), comprising at least the following steps: a) providing a flat sheet metal material (3); b) printing the flat sheet metal material (3) with a plurality of first print images (4), each first print image (4) being assigned to a lid (1); c) punching out at least one sheet metal section (5) printed with the first print image (4) from the sheet metal material (3).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein after step b) in a further step i) the flat sheet material (3) or the sheet section (5) is formed.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein step i) is carried out before, simultaneously or after step c).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein, after step b), in a further step ii), an opening (6) is created in the sheet material (3) or the sheet section (5).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein step ii) is carried out before, simultaneously or after step c).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims 4 and 5, wherein step ii) is carried out before, simultaneously or after step i).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 5, wherein after step ii) a closure element (7) is arranged in the opening (6) and is permanently connected to the sheet metal material (3) or the sheet metal section (5).

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the closure element (7) is designed to be suitable for repeatedly closing the opening (6).

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, wherein at least one of steps c), i) and ii) is carried out depending on an orientation of the first printed image (4) on the sheet metal section (5).

10. Method for manufacturing a can (2), wherein the can (2) encloses a volume (8) and comprises a bottom (9), an adjoining wall region (10), and a lid (11), manufactured by a method according to any of the preceding claims; wherein the bottom (9) and the wall region (10) are bonded together and form a first can part (11); wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a1) printing the first can part (11) with a second printed image (12); b1) joining the first can part (11) to the lid (1); wherein step b1) is carried out depending on an orientation of the second printed image (12) on the first can part (11), such that the first printed image (4) has a defined orientation to the second printed image (12).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the first can part (11) is filled with a contents (13) before step b1 ), so that after step b1 ) the contents (13) are arranged at least liquid-tight in the volume (8) of the can (2).

12. Can (2) comprising a base (9) and a lid (1) which are connected to each other by a wall area (10) and together form a volume (8) enclose the can (2), wherein the lid (1) has a closure element (7) through which a contents (13) stored in the volume (8) can be removed from the volume (8); wherein the lid (1) is printed with a first printed image (4) and at least the bottom (9) or the wall region (10) with a second printed image (12), wherein at least the first printed image (4) is arranged in a predetermined orientation to the closure element (7) or the first printed image (4) and the second printed image (12) are oriented in a predetermined position relative to each other.

13. Can (2) according to claim 12, wherein the closure element (7) is designed to be suitable for repeatedly closing the opening (6).

Images