Question for Machinist that operate Lathes. Machine 0.002" of the Dia of a coke Can?

Question

Fact - a coke can's wall is 0.004" (0.1mm) thick

How would you be able to machine the coke can's wall so that the thickness is equal to 0.002" (0.05mm) thick?

Remember that the rpm can affect the way the can behaves in the lathe. It might expand due to centrifugal forces.

Remember this coke can has no dings, dints and not warped. The can maybe empty or full, you decide. In other words its a perfectly perfect coke can. (or pepsi or any drinking can).

Answer 1

This is not a job for a lathe... the can wall thickness can be reduced from .004 to .002 very easily using chemical etching.

For a lathe to be able to do this the can diameter would have to be extremely consistent, +/- .0002 which in real life it is not, it will probably be out of round .020 /.030.

If you are speaking theoretically, pour the can full of Cerro-Metal (very low melting point) set up between centers concentric to .0002 TIR then running at about 600 surface feet per minute using a very sharp carbide or ceramic turning tool feeding at about .002 per revolution, remove the offending .002 from the wall thickness.... flood with water&solubile oil to keep tool from loading up.