A method and an apparatus for making cans from three pieces of a sheet metal, namely a bottom part, a body part and a closure, the method and apparatus enabling cost efficient production of cans in small batch sizes. The apparatus has means for forming a tubular can body from a blank of sheet material without internally supporting the tubular form. The apparatus further has means for subsequently forming the tubular can body into a cross sectional shape without the use of a dedicated press tool, means for beading, curling and flanging the can body and means for attaching the bottom part and the closure to the can body.