Using aluminum cans has really become a part of daily life. People don’t often realize that it takes amazing feats of engineering for us to be able to use aluminum instead of steel in making cans. Can sealers take that even further by increasing the rate of production while reducing the costs associated with sealing aluminum cans. Buying hgih-quality can sealers becomes more and more people’s consideration.
This guide will first introduce key terms used in the industry when describing aluminum cans and cans sealing machines. It’s important that you understand these terms before we go into detail on the sealing process of aluminum cans.
This guide was created to help people who are still beginners at can sealing better understand how aluminum cans are sealed. But first you need to know what a can sealer is and its function. This improved understanding will help you make better decisions in choosing an aluminum can sealer. It will also help you better make the most out of your aluminum can sealer if you already have one.
What Foods and Beverages Can Be Sealed in Aluminum Cans?
- Carbonated Drinks: Products like soda, sparkling water, beer, and energy drinks rely on aluminum cans for their excellent airtightness and ability to withstand internal carbonation pressure.
- Non-Carbonated Beverages: This includes juices, iced teas, and even ready-to-drink coffee. Aluminum cans offer an optimal barrier against light and oxygen, which helps maintain flavor and aroma.
- Canned Foods: Foods such as canned vegetables, soups, pasta, and meats are often sealed in aluminum cans due to their long shelf life and protection from contamination.
- Seafood: Aluminum cans are extensively used to package seafood, such as tuna, sardines, and salmon, ensuring freshness while blocking odors and preventing spoilage.
- Convenience Snacks: Products like nuts, chips, and popcorn are sometimes packaged in resealable aluminum cans, preserving their crunchiness and flavor for extended periods.
- Powdered or Specialized Products: Items like protein powders, infant formula, and some specialty drinks can also be stored in lightweight aluminum cans to maintain their integrity and quality.
What are the Components of a Can Sealer?
Now that you’re familiar with the terms used to describe the parts of a can, we will now introduce to you the main components of a can sealer:
Chuck
A chuck holds the can lid and causes it to spin. It has many grooves that locks the lid in place while it turns. The chuck must fit the lid tightly. Otherwise, it cannot support the lid from the pressure during the can sealing process. A proper chuck should be installed based on the diameter of the can.
Turntable
A turntable, also known as a base plate, is a spring-loaded free spinning disc that supports the can body. The chuck pushed the lid towards the body. The turntable, on the other hand, pushes the body towards lid. This results in the whole system consisting of the chuck, the lid, the turntable, and the body spinning as one. The pressure from both of these components of the machine for the can sealing process.
How are Aluminum Cans Sealed?
Now that you know the parts of a can and the components of the machine, you are ready to understand the details of the can sealing process.
The sealing process begins when the aluminum can enters the sealer and is lifted up. There are 2 ways that a can enters the sealer, depending on the machine that you have. It enters through a conveyor if you have an automatic can sealer. A person manually puts the can on the sealing chamber if you have a semi-automatic can sealer.
Once inside, the aluminum can goes through 3 operation stages in the process:
Compression
The first stage of the sealing process is called the compression stage. This stage provides the necessary force to hold the body against the chuck. Compression feeds the flange into the first roller, which will be explained later. When the appropriate chuck is installed for the can diameter, the chuck holds the lid tightly in place. The spring-loaded turntable pushes the can body upwards against the chuck.
If you have a vacuum can sealer, the oxygen inside the can is removed through vacuum pressure and then nitrogen flows into the can. This happens in the vacuum room before the lid is placed on top of the can body.
Now that the can has lid on through compression, the double seam will be created in two roller operation stages.
First Roller Operation
Because the curl of the lid is wider than the flange of the body, the roller folds the curl towards the flange first. As the roller advances closer to the chuck, the flange follows and turns around. The lid is then interlocked with the body, forming hooks. This seal, however, is not yet airtight.
The first roller operation stage is critical. If the first operation is too tight or too loose, it cannot be corrected later in the process.
Second Roller Operation
In this stage of the sealing process, a second roller approaches the hooks formed in the first roller operation. This second roller compresses the interlocked hooks. A sealing compound is then squeezed into any remaining open spaces. The compression will cause the compound to flow, finally forming an airtight seal. The mechanical strength of the double seam together with the sealing compound protects the product inside the aluminum can from contaminations. It also guarantees that nothing leaks into or out of the aluminum can.
What is Double Seaming?
Steps of the Double Seaming Process:
- First Roller Operation: The first roller folds the lid’s curl around the body flange. This operation interlocks the two parts and forms initial hooks, creating a secure but not yet airtight seal.
- Second Roller Operation: The second roller compresses the interlocked hooks tightly. During this step, a sealing compound is applied and spread into any gaps, achieving a strong and airtight seam.
Key Benefits of Double Seaming:
- Leak-Proof Airtight Sealing: Double Seaming ensures that no liquid or gas escapes from the can, maintaining product freshness and protecting it from contamination.
- Mechanical Strength: The interlocked double seam provides the can with the strength to resist internal pressure (e.g., carbonation in soda).
- Sustainability and Material Efficiency: Double Seaming is designed to use lightweight aluminum while ensuring structural integrity, supporting recycling and sustainability efforts.
- Support for Long Shelf Life: This method keeps beverages and food safe for extended periods, making it ideal for various industries.
- High-Speed Automation: Modern Double Seaming equipment can seamlessly produce large quantities at high speeds, boosting production efficiency across industries.
Types of Aluminum Can Sealing Machines
Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Ideal For |
Manual Machines | Operated by hand, requiring manual placement and sealing of each can. | Cost-effective, portable. | Slow, labor-intensive, not suited for large-scale production. | Small-scale or home-based businesses with low production needs. |
Semi-Automatic Machines | Manual placement of cans, but the sealing process is automated. | Faster and more consistent than manual; suited for moderate production levels. | Requires operator for each can, limited efficiency for high-volume production. | Small to medium-scale businesses. |
Fully Automatic Machines | Fully automated process from feeding to sealing and ejecting. | High speed, minimal labor, reliable performance; supports advanced features like vacuum/nitrogen sealing. | Higher initial cost, requires maintenance and technical support. | Large factories or high-volume production. |
Specialized Machines | Machines with vacuum or nitrogen filling capabilities. | Extends freshness, prevents oxidation, ideal for sensitive products like snacks or coffee. | Higher cost as additional modules, requires product compatibility. | Products requiring oxygen-sensitive packaging, like snacks or powders. |
Tips: How to Choose the Right Machine
- Understand Your Production Needs: If you have low-volume or occasional production, a manual sealer may suffice. For medium-sized businesses, a semi-automatic machine balances cost and efficiency. High-volume production or automation requirements call for fully automatic machines.
- Consider Your Budget: Manual and semi-automatic machines have a lower upfront cost, but fully automatic machines are more cost-effective in the long-term for large-scale operations.
- Check for Product-Specific Features: If your products require oxygen-free packaging, prioritize machines with vacuum or nitrogen filling options.
- Think About Future Scaling: If you plan to grow your business, it’s often better to invest in a fully automatic machine upfront.
Conclusion
Image Source: https://pixabay.com
The use of aluminum truly has changed the can industry. Aluminum is a superior material that is sustainable, recyclable, easy to print on and design, and protects the product inside. You are sure to experience growth in your business with the benefits provided by aluminum cans.
This growth, however, is also dependent on how much you understand the operations of an aluminum can sealer and the can sealing process. It is our hope that this article provided you with the guidance that you need to start and succeed in your can industry operations. If you have any questions or different ideas, feel free to comment below for further discussion! If you looking for can sealer, you can reach out to Levapack, your Chinese packaging machine supplier.
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