The Latest in Can Seaming Research and Equipment
Since the 1940's very little advancement has been made in can seamers used to seam cans in the 20 to 300 can per minute speed range. American Can Company and Continental Can Company originally built many of these seamers in the 1950's and early 1960's. The machines were designed for heavy weight three piece steel cans. Many of these machines are still being used today. However with the large can companies no longer in existence and with many of the engineering and service people involved with these companies retiring there is a serious need for a new high tech canning machine. A machine that will handle the lightweight steel, composite and plastic containers that are now being produced. Established in 1997, ABC Seamer Technologies holds two patents in Can Seaming technology to address these needs.
Patent No: 5,860,782
is a Can Seaming Machine that integrates the technology of Programmable Logical Controls,
stepper motors, and sensors for 401, 502 and 603 can lines. This machine provides the following benefits:
- Seam tightness adjustments on the fly
- Less moving parts
- Computer Controlled
- Easier troubleshooting can be done remotely via modem
- The many safety controls include missing lid detectors, low vacuum shut off, low lid sensor, and safety clutches to protect machinery
- Tracks production using a reset-able counter
- Automatically advises operator or maintenance personnel when manual lubrication is needed. Valves are lubricated automatically while machine is running
- Warning horn sounds prior to machine starting and when lids are low
- Touch screen operation control panel is user friendly!
- Can be made to handle 1, 2, or 3 -pound cans with approx. 30 to 40 minute changeover time.
Patent No:6,105,341:
Is a Can Seaming process developed mainly to address the issue of packaging composite
cans in an atmospheric environment. It uses liquid nitrogen instead of gaseous nitrogen
to drive oxygen from the can. The benefits of this process are:
- Seventy - ninety percent savings in nitrogen costs. Gaseous nitrogen processes use much more nitrogen per can. This process uses one drop of nitrogren per can. This is possible because liquid nitrogen has a 400x expansion rate.
- Less down-time because any maintenance issues can be dealt with directly. Gaseous nitrogen tunnels require time to de-gas the tunnel and undo the shrouding before work can begin.
- Less floor space. Since there are no tunnels the cans must pass through, this process can be set up in minimal floor space saving costs on rental space.
- Safer. Nitrogen gas can be dangerous if not properly handled. Liquid nitrogen requires no masks and is harmless if it comes in contact with the skin.
We are currently researching a natural de-gassing process for the coffee industy.
If you are interested in talking with us about how our research and technology can increase your company's production contact us here.