A method for forming a conduit with a radial flange for forming part of a beaded coupling by: positioning a conduit blank in a forming die, wherein the forming die defines a radially extending recess; inserting a forming post in the conduit blank to define an annular space therebetween; inserting a flexible material in the annular space between the post and the conduit; placing a sleeve in a bearing relationship with the flexible material; compressing the flexible material between the post and the sleeve to force the flexible material against the conduit to expand the conduit outward into engagement with the radially extending recess in the forming die to form an annular flange; and releasing compression on the flexible material.

A method is described for expanding a cylindrical metallic precursor in the manufacture of a three-piece can. The method comprises the steps of: arranging the precursor, having an initial diameter, around a shaping mandrel, the shaping mandrel having a plurality of longitudinally extending segments disposed radially about a longitudinal axis of the shaping mandrel, the segments having arcuate surfaces for engaging an inner surface of the precursor wall; actuating, in a first step, a first subgroup of the plurality of segments to expand outwards to engage with the inner surface of the precursor wall and expand at least a portion of it to a first diameter that is larger than the initial diameter of the precursor; and actuating, in a second step, a second subgroup of the plurality of segments to expand outwards and also engage with the inner surface of the precursor wall whereby the second subgroup expands at least a portion of the precursor to a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The method allows a greater degree of expansion of the wall of a cylindrical metallic container, whereby greater variations in diameter can be achieved between recessed portions and the remainder of the wall.