Machines that hermetically seal lids onto cans to preserve contents (food, beverages, chemicals, etc.) by creating an airtight, tamper-proof seal. Critical for shelf stability and safety.
Key Sealing Methods
Double Seaming (Food/Beverage Cans)
Rolls the can lid & body flange into 5 layers of interlocked metal.
Process: 1st operation (curl formation) → 2nd operation (compression sealing).
Seam Metrics: Tightness (≥75%), thickness, overlap length.
Crimp Sealing (Aerosols/Paint Cans)
Folds the lid edge under the can body flange mechanically.
Uses a chuck and roll-forming head.
Vacuum Sealing (Oxygen-Sensitive Products)
Removes air before sealing to prevent oxidation.
Machine Types
By Automation Level
Type | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Manual | 5–10 cans/min | Home canning, small farms |
Semi-Automatic | 10–30 cans/min | Craft breweries, startups |
Fully Automatic | 50–600+ cans/min | Industrial canning lines |
By Can Type
Round Can Sealers (standard food cans)
Irregular Shape Sealers (rectangular, oval for specialty products)
Aerosol Sealers (with valve insertion)
Critical Components
Seaming Head/Chuck: Shapes the can/lid interface.
Rollers: Primary & secondary rollers form the seam.
Lifter Platform: Raises cans into sealing position.
Control Panel: Adjusts seam specs, speed, pressure.
Conveyor System (auto/semi-auto): Feeds cans.
Industry Applications
Industry | Use Case | Machine Type |
|---|---|---|
Food & Beverage | Soups, soda, tuna | Double-seam rotary seamer |
Chemical | Solvents, oils | Crimp sealer |
Aerosols | Spray paints, deodorants | Valve crimper + sealer |
Pet Food | Wet/dry food cans | Vacuum seamer |
Top Brands & Models
Brand | Model Example | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
Angelus | 70-B Double Seamer | Industrial food canning |
Cask | ACS-5 | Nano-brewery can fill/seal |
Ferrum | LSE 40-30 | High-speed beverage lines |
AllPax | 6020 Can Seamer | Flexible packaging lines |
Seam Quality Checks
Visual Inspection: Wrinkles/gaps indicate failure.
Teardown Testing: Measure seam length/width with calipers.
Leak Testing: Submerge cans in hot water (air bubbles = failure).
X-ray Scanning (industrial): Detects micro-leaks.
Safety & Maintenance
⚠️ Critical Rules:
Always wear cut-resistant gloves.
Lock out power during adjustments.
- Use food-grade lubricants only.
🛠️ Maintenance:
Daily: Clean rollers, check air pressure.
Monthly: Replace worn rollers/bearings.
Annually: Recalibrate seam settings.
Buying Considerations
Can Sizes: Must handle your diameter/height range.
Throughput: Match output to your production needs.
Seam Specs: Compliant with FDA/ISO standards?
Footprint: Workshop vs. factory space.
Upgrades: Compatibility with fillers, labelers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Incomplete seal | Worn rollers | Replace rollers |
Can jams | Misaligned lifter | Adjust platform height |
Seam too loose/tight | Incorrect roller pressure | Recalibrate pressure settings |
Lid cutting | Damaged chuck | Polish/replace chuck |
Price Range
Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Manual | $200–$1,500 |
Semi-Auto | $3,000–$20,000 |
Fully Auto | $50,000–$500,000+ |
🚨 Did You Know? A perfect double seam has exactly 5 layers of metal and can withstand 90+ psi pressure!
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