Regular can-seamer maintenance is critical to ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your can seamer. A well-maintained machine not only minimizes downtime but also helps avoid costly repairs and production losses. Quarterly mechanical maintenance checks are essential to keep your can seamer in top working condition. Below is a breakdown of key areas to focus on during these routine inspections.

Lower Chuck Assembly

The Lower Chuck Assembly plays a crucial role in the seaming process. Here’s what to check:

1. Check Spring Pressure: The Lower Chuck Spring must be set correctly and adjusted according to the can manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Verify Lower Lifter Plane: Ensure the Lower Chuck Plate dimensions are within .002 of an inch across all plates using a dial indicator for precise measurements.
3. Adjust the Drop-Off: Measure the drop-off from the Lower Chuck Plate to the Can Feed Table Wear Plate. This should be set to a .010-inch drop-off using 22L816 Shims for optimal performance.
4. Pin Height Adjustment: Pin Height between the Lower Chuck Plate and the Seaming Chuck must be checked and adjusted +- .002

Feed Turret

The Feed Turret ensures smooth can handling and efficient operation. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Clean and Inspect the Turret: Remove the Undercover Gassing Feed Turret following the steps in the Service Manual. Separate the plate and clean the inside thoroughly.
2. Distribution Ring Inspection: Inspect the Manifold Ring Assembly for any signs of wear or cracks that will contribute to higher gas consumption.
3. Inspect the Oil Seal: Make sure the Oil Seal in the Plate is in good condition to avoid any leaks or inefficiencies.
4. Review Conditions of Gas Line: Examine for drying, cracking, or loose connections from the facility connection to the gassing manifold.

Motor Drive Pulleys

Motor Drive Pulleys are responsible for the smooth operation of the seamer. Key checks include:

1. Alignment Check: Verify the pulley alignment between the Drive and Driven Pulleys to prevent unnecessary strain on the system.
2. Motor Drive Shaft Run-Out: Ensure the Motor Drive Shaft run-out is within the acceptable range to avoid uneven wear.
3. Drive Belt Condition: Inspect the Drive Belts for cracks or any signs of wear. Replace as necessary.
4. Secure Fasteners: Tighten all fasteners and taper locks that hold the pulleys to the shafting to prevent loosening during operation.

In-Motion Timer & Clutch Assembly

The Clutch and Timer Housing ensure precise control during operation. To keep these components in good shape:

1. Inspect Clutch Housing: Remove the Filler Clutch Cover and check the gap between the clutch plates (reference OEM specifications), as well as any signs of wear.
2. Check Clutch Coil Resistance: Unplug the electrical connector and test the resistance between the Clutch Coil terminals. It should read between 11 and 13 ohms.
3. Lubrication: Ensure all pipe fittings are secure and tight and confirm no oil is passing through seals on entire drive.
4. In-Motion Timer Adjustment: Confirm that you are able to advance and retard the filler using in-motion timer.
5. Timing: Verify the transfer point from filler to seamer feedchain is timed properly based on the centerline of the filler.

Cover Feed System

Ensure smooth lid handling by inspecting the following:

1. Separator Disc & Knife Condition: Check the Separator Disc, Knife, Bearings, Seals, and O-Rings for wear.

Conclusion

Regular quarterly maintenance checks of your can seamer’s critical components can save time, money, and headaches in the long run. By following these steps and using the detailed guidelines in your Service Manual, you can ensure your seamer operates at peak efficiency, reducing the risk of costly downtime and production errors.

For expert assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a certified seamer technician for audits and repairs to keep your machine running smoothly.

When ensuring the quality and safety of canned products, performing a thorough visual can-seam analysis is necessary. The seam of a can is where the lid and body join to create an airtight seal. This protects the product from contamination and spoilage, which is why it’s important to maintain quality and regularly check the can seam.

To perform a proper visual can-seam analysis, here’s a clear step-by-step breakdown:

1. Initial Visual Inspection:

• Take your can and inspect the seam visually for any obvious damage.
• Look closely around the seam for concerns such as:
• Droops
• Incomplete seams
• Knocked down flanges

2. Seam Thickness and Height Measurements:

• Measure the seam thickness at three different places around the can.
• Measure the seam height in three locations as well.
• Ensure you are familiar with the manufacturer’s specifications for both the can and the lid when performing checks on the seam thickness and seam height.

3. Countersink Check:

• Perform a countersink depth check using the appropriate tool, following manufacturer specs.

4. Using OneVision for Inspection:

• Turn on OneVision to perform a more detailed computer-assisted inspection.
• Follow these steps:
  • Calibration: Begin by calibrating the machine.
  • Check Countersink: Start the inspection by checking the countersink depth.
  • Thickness Measurement: Measure the seam thickness in two places instead of three.
  • Seam Height: Ensure seam height is measured, focusing on the two points you selected.
  • Remember to notch the can in two places for the next steps.

5. Advanced Inspection with OneVision:

• Once notched, measure:
  • Cover hook
  • Body hook
  • Overlap
  • Seam height
  • Run these measurements on two cans for consistency.

6. Seam Strip Inspection:

• Take an uncut can that’s been emptied and remove the tab.
• Use the OneVision seam stripper and sideslips to cut the notch and strip the seam.
• The cover hook should detach easily.
• Visually inspect for any pressure ridge and assess the overall seam quality.

7. Wrinkle Rating:

• Once the cover hook is off, evaluate the wrinkle rating for potential can-seam defects.
• Following these steps will help ensure that the can seam is intact and meets manufacturing standards.

Can-Seam Analysis Training

Become a can-seamer expert by getting the training you need to improve your production line, saving you time and money. View our open time slots for training classes on the training calendar.

Ensuring the quality of your product from production to the shelf is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Several factors play a significant role in this process, including levels of CO2 in beverages, Total Package Oxygen (TPO), microbial checks, and taste testing checks. Let’s explore how each of these elements influences product quality and product shelf life.

The Role of CO2 in Product Quality

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a critical component in many beverages, particularly carbonated drinks. Proper levels of CO2 in beverages ensure the desired fizziness and play a crucial role in preserving the product’s taste and shelf life.

Key Benefits of Optimal CO2 Levels:

Consistency: Ensures every batch of your product has the same level of carbonation, providing a uniform experience for the consumer.

Shelf Life: Helps to preserve the product by inhibiting the growth of certain spoilage organisms.

Taste: Maintains the intended flavor profile, which is essential for customer satisfaction.

The Importance of Total Package Oxygen (TPO)

Total package oxygen (TPO) refers to the amount of oxygen present in the package, which can significantly affect the product’s quality. Oxygen can cause oxidation, leading to off-flavors and a shorter shelf life. Read this blog to find out how your can-seam quality affects TPO.

Key Benefits of Controlling TPO:

Preservation: Lower total package oxygen levels help in preserving the freshness and quality of the product.

Flavor Integrity: Prevents oxidation-related off-flavors, ensuring the product tastes as intended.

Extended Shelf Life: Reduces spoilage and extends the product’s shelf life.

Microbial Checks for Safety and Quality

Microbial contamination can lead to spoilage and pose serious health risks to consumers. Regular microbial checks are essential to ensure that the product is safe and of high quality.

Key Benefits of Microbial Checks:

Safety: Ensures the product is free from harmful microorganisms, protecting consumer health.

Quality Control: Helps to maintain high quality by preventing spoilage and off-flavors caused by microbial growth.

Compliance: Ensures the product meets regulatory standards and industry guidelines.

Taste Testing Checks for Consumer Satisfaction

Taste testing is a critical step in the quality assurance process. It involves evaluating the product’s flavor profile to ensure it meets the desired standards and consumer expectations.

Key Benefits of Taste Testing:

Consistency: Ensures that each batch of the product has the same taste, maintaining brand consistency.

Customer Satisfaction: Helps to deliver a product that meets or exceeds consumer expectations, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

Quality Assurance: Identifies any deviations in the flavor profile, allowing for corrective actions to be taken before the product reaches the market.

Conclusion

Maintaining product quality from production to the shelf is a complex but essential process. By closely monitoring CO2 in beverages, controlling total package oxygen, conducting regular microbial checks, and performing thorough taste testing, you can ensure that your product remains true to its intended quality. These practices not only enhance the product’s shelf life and taste but also ensure consumer safety and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the success and reputation of your brand.

Can seamers are arguably the most integral part of the packaging process. To ensure optimal performance on the can-seamer, it’s essential to have your equipment serviced regularly. As your guide to all things can seamer-related, we’ve compiled a recommended service schedule for your can seamer line. Together, we can keep your seamer equipment running smoothly and avoid costly downtime.

Annual Maintenance Must-Haves

Choosing to invest in preventative maintenance each year can make the difference between a smoothly running production line and a line riddled with problems like hold product, unscheduled downtime, and production loss. Emergency service and parts procurement costs are always increased in emergency situations. Annual maintenance provides an opportunity to assess the overall condition of the machine, identify potential issues, and establish a baseline for subsequent maintenance tasks and reduces unscheduled downtime.

Below, you’ll find several maintenance must-haves that we recommend tending to each year.

Professional Seam Analysis

During a professional seam analysis, we will examine the quality of the can seam and assess the performance of the seaming process. An RSS MACLIN technician will evaluate can defects such as wrinkles, flanges, or leakers. We will also perform a seam analysis including checking for the seam’s thickness, width, and shape to ensure it meets the required specifications. This analysis provides valuable insights into the overall performance of the can seamer and –checks that all seams meet the can and lid manufact specifications. Not only that, but the analysis highlights any areas that require short- and long-term attention.

Oil Analysis

It’s important to analyze your oil quarterly. This helps identify areas that may not be receiving adequate lubrication, or the source of oil contaminates which may in turn affect the performance and longevity of the machine. Oil is the lifeblood of your equipment. Water and contamination reduce the effectiveness of your lubricant. Long term, this increases the longevity of the machine.

Comprehensive Audit

Each year, it’s important to review the entire seamer in an annual comprehensive audit to see if there are any factors to may lead to seamer downtime.

Quarterly Maintenance

Modular Maintenance

Because of increased schedules and reduced maintenance time, Micro-audits give you an opportunity to make repairs in a minimum window vs a line outage. Sometimes your annual audit and micro audit aren’t enough. When you’ve got machine assembly problems that are outside of OEM specification (e.g., worn gears), we can help construct a modular maintenance plan to fit around your production schedule and address any remaining needs.

Micro Audit

While the entire line gets reviewed annually, it’s a good idea to schedule a micro audit each quarter. This ensures that the assemblies are configured properly. Any deviation or wear in the assemblies can affect the seam quality and may eventually compromise the integrity of the seam. If we find any problem areas, you can count on us to generate a parts list and procure the parts you need. -talk about modulars. We have the machine broken down into 12 modulars, we can help you figure out

Set-Up Audit

In addition to micro audits and modular maintenance, we recommend conducting a set-up audit every 4-6 weeks to review timing, guide rail setups, and other basic adjustments. Guide rails, which are the parts that come into contact with cans during transfer within the machine, play a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment and seam integrity. A more frequent set-up audit helps address any misalignments or adjustments to prevent avoidable downtime and ensure consistent performance.

On-Site Seam Analysis

Professional seam checks can be done about once a month. Instead of reactively adjusting for each damaged seam, we’ll bring a technician on-site. We’ll meet with you to review last month’s seam data and provide recommendations to reduce the need for constant adjustments.

Daily Maintenance

Regular Seam Checks

When the quality of your product depends so heavily on your can seams, it’s imperative to check them regularly. We recommend checking your can seam twice each shift so that you can prevent minor irregularities from creating larger quality assurance issues.

Need Additional Training or SOP Support?

Not sure what to measure in a can-seam check? Sign up for can-seamer training. With over 75 years of experience, we’ve got some knowledge to share. But sometimes knowledge isn’t enough. You also need to know how to put it into practice in a routine way. When you need to improve your entire process, we can help develop a Standard Operating Procedure, or SOP.

Log of Can Counts

Financial audits are a good reason to count your cans, but an even better reason is to gain clarity on how your can count affects your tooling and machine assemblies. When your equipment has processed 40 million cans per station, it’s likely time to schedule a professional tooling change and micro audit. At RSS MACLIN, we always check this during an annual audit, but it’s good for you to keep a running tally each day.

Schedule Can-Seamer Service Today!

When you schedule can-seamer service with us at RSS MACLIN, we’ll provide an on-site audit you can trust and much more! We’ll also provide the following:

• Parts List Generation
• Parts Procurement
• Maintenance & Repair
• Can-Seamer Training

Don’t risk the high cost of downtime on your packaging line. Call the can-seamer experts at RSS MACLIN to schedule preventive maintenance today.

Maintaining a can seamer is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of your production line and the quality of your final product. Regular maintenance and daily checks can help identify and address common issues before they become major problems.

Here are some key areas to focus on during your daily checks:

Ensure Adequate Oil

One of the simplest yet most crucial checks is to make sure your can seamer machine is properly lubricated. Adequate oil levels are essential for the smooth operation of the machine’s moving parts. Running a seamer with insufficient lubrication or contaminated oil due to failing seals can lead to increased friction, wear, and eventually, costly repairs.

Check for Excessive End-Play in Rolls

End-play refers to the lateral movement of the seaming rolls. Excessive end-play can lead to inconsistent seaming and potential product defects. The max should be .002. During your daily checks, ensure that the rolls have minimal lateral movement. If you notice excessive end-play, it may be necessary to adjust or replace the rolls to maintain optimal performance.

Inspect Chucks for Wear and Damage

Chucks are critical components in the can seaming process, responsible for holding the can in place during seaming. Daily inspections should include checking for any signs of coating wear, cracks, or other damage. Worn or damaged chucks can compromise the seal, leading to potential product contamination or spoilage.

Verify Knockout Pads

Knockout pads play a vital role in removing the can from the seamer after the seaming process. It’s important to check that these pads are spinning properly and are free of obstructions. A malfunctioning knockout pad can cause jams or damage to the cans, disrupting production and increasing the likelihood of downtime. Make sure to check that pads are free of damage or wear.

Check Can Holding Chucks for Spring Pressure and Sticking

Can chucks must maintain the right amount of spring pressure to hold cans securely during the seaming process. By hand or using a pry bar, check the chucks to ensure they are functioning correctly. If the chucks are sticking or the spring pressure is insufficient, it can lead to improper sealing and product defects.

Creating good practices like this is very tedious and must be adopted by all company cultures to create the necessary consistency in the products they produce.

Reach Out to RSS MACLIN

RSS MACLIN offers services that help you ensure peak performance. Our total line support offerings include preventative maintenance checks, seam checks, and can seamer audits. We also offer can-seam and can-seamer training, so your team can address issues promptly with the right attention.

Contact us to request a quote for service or to find out what we can do for your can-seaming machinery and your team.

In the world of packaging, particularly in the food and beverage industry, the integrity of a can’s seam is crucial. The seam, where the can’s body and end are joined, must be perfect to ensure product safety, quality, and longevity. However, defects with a double seam are common issues that can compromise the contents. In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of can-seam defects, their causes, and how they can impact both manufacturers and consumers.

Types of Double Seam Defects

1. Incomplete Seam (False Seam)

What is it?

An incomplete double seam, often referred to as a false seam, occurs when the seam is not fully formed, leading to gaps between the can body and the end.

Causes:

• Misalignment of the can body and end during the seaming process
• Insufficient pressure during the seaming operation
• Worn or improperly adjusted seaming rolls

Impact:

This defect can lead to leakage, contamination, and compromised product integrity. For consumers, it poses health risks, while manufacturers face recalls and brand damage.

2. Droop

What is it?

Droop is a defect where the metal at the seam’s edge hangs downward, creating an uneven edge.

Causes:

• Excessive metal being fed into the seam
• Improper adjustment of seaming rolls
• Incorrect can end size for the body

Impact:

While droop might not always lead to immediate leakage, it can create weak points that may rupture under pressure, leading to potential contamination and product spoilage.

3. Vee

What is it?

A vee defect appears as a V-shaped gap or indentation in the double seam, typically at the seam’s side.

Causes:

• Incorrect alignment of the seaming rolls
• Excessive or insufficient pressure during seaming
• Damaged seaming tools

Impact:

This defect significantly increases the risk of leakage and spoilage, potentially leading to consumer complaints and financial losses due to returned products.

Cover Hook Defects

What is it?

When the cover hook exceeds or is below the Can manufacturer specification listed on the OEM Specifications sheet.

Causes:

• Misadjusted seaming rolls, primarily 1st operation
• Worn or failed 1st operation rolls
• Worn-out seaming chuck
• Excessively long body hook
• Material issue

Impact:

Cover hook defects can lead to unbalanced or fractured seams resulting in leakage or holding product.

Body Hook Defects

What is it?

When the body hook exceeds or is below the can manufacturer specification listed on the OEM specifications sheet.

Causes:

• Total machine pin height
• Individual station pin height (seaming chuck or lifter chuck plane)
• Excessively long cover hook
• Tight or loose 1st operation roll
• Spring pressure
• Material

Impact:

Body hook defects lead to fractured seams, unbalanced seams, and low overlap resulting in leakage or hold product

5. Seam Cutover

What is it?

Seam cutover is a condition where the seaming tool cuts into the double seam, creating a sharp edge and thinning the metal.

Causes:

• Excessive compound
• Improperly adjusted tooling (often an excessively tight 2nd operation or worn-out 1st)
• Overly hard seaming rolls

Impact:

Cutovers can cause immediate leakage and present a safety hazard to consumers due to sharp edges. For manufacturers, this defect leads to significant waste and potential liability issues.

Ensuring Seam Integrity

In conclusion, understanding and addressing the defects of a double seam is vital for the packaging industry. RSS MACLIN provides support in the maintenance of can seamer machines, proper training for operators, and stringent quality control measures that can help mitigate these issues. By recognizing the types and causes of these defects, manufacturers can take proactive steps to ensure their products remain safe, high-quality, and reliable for consumers.

If your business needs assistance with a can seam, double seam or can seamer machine, please contact us today.

In the world of manufacturing and packaging, precision is paramount. This is especially true for can seamers, which plays a crucial role in ensuring product quality and safety. Regular audits by an expert can seamer auditor are essential to maintain optimal performance and prevent costly downtime. One company that stands out in this field is RSS MACLIN, known for its comprehensive and meticulous auditing services.

Here’s four reasons why choosing an expert can seamer auditor, particularly RSS MACLIN, can make a significant difference for your operations.

1. Enhanced Inspection with 30% More Checkpoints

One of the key advantages of choosing RSS MACLIN for your can seamer audits is their commitment to thoroughness. They incorporate 30% more checkpoints in their seamer machine inspection process compared to standard practices. This means that every aspect of your can seamer machine is examined with greater detail, ensuring that potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate into major problems.

More checkpoints mean a more comprehensive understanding of your equipment’s condition. This detailed inspection helps to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance, reducing the risk of product defects and recalls. With RSS MACLIN, you can have peace of mind knowing that your can seamer machines are in top-notch condition.

2. Comprehensive Parts List Generation

Another significant benefit of choosing RSS MACLIN is our ability to generate a detailed can seamer parts list during the audit. This list includes all components that may require maintenance or replacement, simplifying inventory management and ensuring you always have the necessary parts on hand to keep your can seamers running smoothly.

After performing the audit, we generate a comprehensive can seamer parts list that covers everything needed for the section, not just the critical parts that failed. This includes components surrounding the assembly that are naturally compromised during service. Our thorough understanding of the can seamer parts allows us to cross-reference your inventory, helping you avoid duplicate purchases.

3. Expertise in Repairs

In addition to their auditing capabilities, RSS MACLIN also offers repair services that are not limited to specific assemblies but encompass the whole seamer machine. This means that any issues identified during the audit can be promptly addressed by our skilled technicians. Having the same team handle both the audit and repairs ensures consistency and quality in the service provided.

Our expertise in can seamer repairs means that problems are resolved efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of recurring issues. By entrusting your repairs to RSS MACLIN, you benefit from their deep understanding of can seamer systems and their commitment to maintaining high operational standards.

4. Facility/technician growth

Our technicians are not only knowledgeable but also personable and give your facility the opportunity to receive hands-on experience during the audit. They provide the experience needed and act as mentors, guiding your staff to become self-sufficient. Our technicians focus on teaching your personnel the intricacies of the audits while providing coachable moments to help improve the overall performance of your facility. Schedule a training session with the experts so your team can efficiently address can seamer issues and increase your O.E.E.

Why Choose RSS MACLIN?

RSS MACLIN stands out in the industry for several reasons:

• In-Depth Knowledge and Experience: Their team of auditors and technicians possess extensive knowledge and experience in can seamer systems, ensuring accurate diagnostics and effective solutions.
• Advanced Tools and Techniques: They utilize state-of-the-art tools and techniques to provide the most thorough audits and repairs possible.
• Commitment to Quality: With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, RSS MACLIN ensures that your equipment performs at its best, enhancing your overall production efficiency.

We are your one-stop shop for everything from parts procurement and audits to entire machine repairs and consulting across the line.

Your Trusted Can Seamer Auditor

Choosing an expert can seamer auditor like RSS MACLIN can have a profound impact on your production operations. With 30% more checkpoints, detailed parts list generation, and the ability to perform full-machine repairs, RSS MACLIN provides a comprehensive solution to keep you can seamers in optimal condition. Invest in expert auditing services to protect your equipment and maintain the highest standards of operational excellence. Learn more about our auditing and overhaul services.

RSS MACLIN has over 75 years of expertise in packaging and can seamer maintenance. Berlin Packaging came to RSS MACLIN to help their customers with maintenance issues and to understand the knowledge of can seaming. The customer does not manufacture the can seamers, but wanted their customers to receive the proper training for maintenance teams to understand how can seamers operate, and how to effectively address issues as they arise.

Can-Seamer Issues

Berlin Packaging stated that 95% of the issues their clients were having were leaking cans (a.k.a. seam issues). As the relationship evolved, they would also call RSS MACLIN to help troubleshoot when cans began jumping on the line. The client would also send RSS MACLIN samples of what the bottlenecks were, and they would come to their various clients to evaluate and troubleshoot the issues.

Can-Seam Analysis Training

RSS MACLIN provided Berlin Packaging with a three-day, in-house, Can-Seam Analysis training class that was beneficial for helping their clients troubleshoot problems. The class itself provided in-detail training about can seamers, maintenance, and more. They described the class as “interactive” and “informative.”

RSS MACLIN’s goal is to help maintenance teams update skills and knowledge, stay current on new technologies, and address problems quickly and effectively through the training courses.

Interactive

Berlin Packaging is a “huge supporter of RSS MACLIN” and says, “This is an awesome class. All clients need this.” Each maintenance person who took part in the training gets hands-on experience with the can seamer to make sure they feel confident that they can assist their clients with troubleshooting issues.

Informative

There is a class-style aspect to the three-day course. The client appreciated that the experience was both informative and engaging, keeping them alert and interested. Even if you are knowledgeable about can seamers, this class is great for a refresher and to follow up on evolving can-seaming technology.

Why Choose RSS MACLIN

Let us help your team increase your O.E.E. (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and stay productive. We offer in-house at our facility or on-site training sessions. Schedule a training session today.

From becoming a student to a master, it is not enough to understand the theory, but the applied principles behind each component of the seam. In Part 1 of Mastering Can-Seam Quality, we discussed how can-seam quality (specifically, total package oxygen or TPO) is impacted by the materials used. Though we’re biased, we think it’s worth your time.

But materials aren’t the only thing that makes or breaks can-seam quality. In Part 2: Mastering Can-Seam Quality, we’ll discover the impact of the packaging process and the key factors that affect the quality of can seams. By understanding and implementing these factors, you can meet your standards of quality and productivity at the same time.

Correct Tooling and Condition

The foundation of a quality can seam lies in using the correct tooling. Avoid taking shortcuts; instead, prioritize an investment in high-quality tooling from manufacturers that uphold stringent tolerances, to ensure precision not only in profile but also in bearing assemblies. Remember to select the correct coating for your application needs and verify that the manufacturer applies the coating correctly.

It’s critical that the tooling is regularly maintained, as deteriorated tooling can lead to uneven seams, leaks and result in hold product or unscheduled downtime. To avoid these problems, be sure to have your can seamer tooling inspected and maintained regularly. This will ensure that your tooling is free from cracks, chips, and regular wear and tear. Furthermore, the rolls shouldn’t have a “Roll Rock” of more than .002.

At RSS MACLIN, we provide can-seamer audits, which include a roll inspection, so you can stay ahead of maintenance issues and ensure a high-quality seam. When you partner with RSS MACILN, we’ll take full responsibility for the audit, procurement of parts, and repair. Not only that, but we’ll get you back up to maximum efficiency in no time.

Proper Can-Seamer Set-Up

Another fundamental aspect of mastering can-seam quality is ensuring the seaming machine is properly set-up. During this process, be sure to align and calibrate the machine, tighten the fasteners, and verify the correct settings for can and lid specifications. The correct timing and machine guide rail set up is crucial to deliver the open can into the seamer without can damage.

The attention you devote to this phase will directly affect the accuracy and quality of your seam and have a direct impact on the number of defects on your can-seamer line.

Sound basic? It is. Every can-seamer technician starts somewhere. If you have new members on your team, make sure they get the training they need to succeed. Reach out to us to schedule can-seamer training for your team.

Smooth Can & Lid Transfer

During the dry cell phase, before the cans are filled, it’s important to address any disruptions that might affect the can-seaming process.

Be sure you have a smooth, clean transfer of cans from the depalletizer to the can-seamer machine to obtain a high-quality seam. If any debris or clutter is introduced during the transfer to and from the can-seamer machine, it is sure to impact the integrity of the seam. This can lead to leaks, downtime, and lost profit. To avoid this, maintain a clean workspace around the can-seamer machine.

Before the wet cell, your depalletizer and conveyance’s guide rails and transfer speeds must be set up properly to avoid damaging the can body flange. Ensure a clean Transfer reduce tipping and confirm that the guide rails are properly aligned.

Level Up Your Can-Seam Quality

Don’t waste another dollar on lost product or production time. Reach out to RSS MACLIN. As the can-seamer experts, we’ll help you master your can-seam quality to achieve ultimate productivity, freshness, and customer satisfaction.

Performing regular monthly can-seamer maintenance checks is crucial to keeping your can seamer in top condition. By dedicating time to these important checks, you are being proactive and addressing any issues before they escalate. This saves your business time and money on repairs. With over 75 years of collective experience, we’ve gathered a detailed list of monthly maintenance checks to keep your can seamer running efficiently.

Monthly Maintenance Checks

Before beginning this monthly regiment, using your OEM manual, confirm that you have all oil weights and recommended gasket/sealant on site.

Oil Filtration System

First and foremost, always make sure your lubrication panel is clean and free of debris. This ensures an easier inspection of the system. Confirm there are no leaks, that flow is present, and if pressure exceeds the OEM recommendation to replace filters.

Gearbox Inspection

Check for Oil Levels

Check all gearbox oil levels in the can-seamer and add or replace oil as needed. Lubrication will extend the lifespan of the components and reduce friction. Also want to look for foreign liquid infiltration such as beer, water, sugar etc. in your oil.

Inspect Gears for Wear

If the gears show signs of wear, such as pitting or chipped teeth or backlash, evaluate, document, and photograph any issues for future modular repairs.

Motor and Drive System

Verify Motor Mounting and Alignment

To ensure functionality, verify the motor mounts and alignment. Inspect integrity of motor mount support. If time allows, use a dial indicator to verify the motor is properly aligned. This will be critical in keeping drive trains from developing backlash/premature wear.

Inspect Drive Belts for Tension and Wear

Inspect drive belts for tension and wear and replace them to maintain optimal performance. When reviewing your drive belts, look for splitting, cracking, chipping of belt cogs, as well as dry rot. If any of these conditions exist, replace belt before properly tensioning. *Pro-tip: If clearance is available and the assembly does not interfere, install additional cog belt to minimize downtime for future belt swaps.

Electrical System Check

Inspect Wiring for Wear or Damage

Inspect all wiring for cracks and the ability to be securely fastened. If time allows, replace said wiring or sensors if physical damage is present. Verify each whisker and Prox switch are illuminating properly and/or registering on the filler/seamer HMI.

Test Emergency Stop and Safety Features

A widely overlooked check is the functionality of all machine e-stops. Not only is it important to verify each one works properly, but that they register on the filler/seamer HMI accurately.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

At RSS MACLIN, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait for issues to arise. Keep your can seamer up and running for many years by scheduling monthly preventative maintenance checks. Reach out to RSS MACLIN today, for a full-service solution to can-seamer maintenance.