Can bodymaker monitoring

A can bodymaker comprising a ram, punch, tool pack, adapter plate 225 fixed to a bolster plate, stripper assembly 221 fixed to the adapter plate and clamping mechanism for biasing the tools against the adapter plate. Load cell(s) 237A-C in/on the adapter plate generate signal(s) indicative of an axial force exerted on the tools by the cup. Preferably the bodymaker comprises an encoder that determines the position of the ram during each reciprocation. The load cells may be piezoelectric and angularly spaced apart. The adapter plate may be fixed to the bolster plate by bolt(s) 301B to secure the load cell cylindrical body 301A between the adapter and bolster plates. The stripper assembly may comprise eddy current sensors for detecting misalignment of the ram/punch. A processor may adjust operating parameter(s) of the bodymaker. Also claimed are apparatus for retro-fitting a can bodymaker and a method of operating a can bodymaker to mitigate tool wear, damage and/or misalignment during production of can bodies, comprising adjusting operating parameters in response to load cell data. Parameters may include can production rate, tool pack temperature, coolant supply rate or temperature, lubricant supply rate, and/or domer position.