A linear electromagnetic actuator (22, 22') has its core (26, 26') mounted to a can body forming apparatus (10) and its coil (28) attached to re-draw sleeve (14) of such apparatus (10). The actuator (22, 22') provides for the axial movement of the re-draw sleeve (14) between its fully retracted position and its fully extended position. The re-draw sleeve (14) and the coil are coaxially mounted to each other so that the force exerted on the re-draw sleeve (14) is also coaxial. Once the re-draw sleeve is in its fully extended position, an electromagnet (142) is turned on so that the re-draw sleeve (14) exerts the requisite force on the can material preform (17). The electromagnet (142) is mounted coaxially about the re-draw sleeve (14) and exerts its force on a magnetic material ring (42) mounted to the re-draw sleeve (14) to hold the re-draw sleeve (14) against the can material preform (17).
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