RSS MACLIN, an emerging packaging solutions provider, will present its expert can seamer and filler services and products at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023

August 30, 2023

RSS Maclin

RSS MACLIN is excited to announce its participation in Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023. The highly anticipated event occurs September 11–13, 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Visitors to the RSS MACLIN booth at 6981 will have the opportunity to learn about the comprehensive range of services offered by the company, each designed to optimize canning processes and enhance overall productivity. With years of experience in the field, RSS MACLIN’s team of experts will be on hand to provide insights, answer questions, and offer personalized consultations.

Key Highlights of RSS MACLIN’s Exhibition at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023:

RSS MACLIN Booth

Seamer and Filler Maintenance and Repair: RSS MACLIN specializes in the maintenance and repair of can seamers, ensuring they operate at peak performance, reducing downtime, and maximizing production efficiency. 

Seam Quality Analysis  

With cutting-edge technology and expertise, RSS MACLIN conducts in-depth seam quality analysis, helping clients identify and address potential issues related to can seams, seam integrity, and leak prevention. 

Seamer Training and Support 

RSS MACLIN offers comprehensive training programs to equip clients’ staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate can seamers effectively, enabling companies to maintain consistent production standards. 

Customized Solutions

Understanding that each business has unique requirements, RSS MACLIN provides tailored solutions to address clients’ specific challenges and objectives in the canning industry. 

“We are thrilled to participate in this year’s Pack Expo with our specialized can seamer products and services,” said Chris Ganni, Business Development Manager of RSS MACLIN. “This presents a fantastic opportunity to engage with other industry professionals and showcase how we can optimize canning operations of all sizes, improving productivity and product quality.” 

For more information about RSS MACLIN and its services, please visit rssmaclin.com.

Part 1: Mastering Can-Seam Quality

August 21, 2023

RSS Maclin

How can-seam materials impact TPO 

Who can resist a breath of fresh mountain air? While oxygen benefits your body and mind, it’s not a canner’s best friend. In fact, total package oxygen (TPO) can affect both your canning materials and your machines. In this blog post, we’ll explore how can-seam materials can impact your total package oxygen levels and what you can do about it.  

But first:

What is total package oxygen?

At RSS MACLIN, we support everyone in the food and beverage packaging industry, from micro-breweries to carbonated beverage giants. For those new to the industry, total package oxygen is the amount of oxygen that is sealed in a package. For cans, this includes: 

  • Dissolved oxygen: The oxygen that is dissolved in the liquid itself 
  • Headspace oxygen: The oxygen within the foam of a carbonated beverage 
  • Oxygen transmission: Oxygen that slowly permeates through the walls of the can 

At RSS MACLIN, we’re committed to excellence. 

How do can-seam materials affect TPO levels?

The materials used for can seaming are important to ensure low TPO and a high-quality seal. When exploring how can-seam materials affect TPO, we’ll look specifically at the compound, can body, and seam specifications.  

Compound  

Compound quality and consistency  

When you’re trying to ensure a quality seam on your can, compound is crucial. It’s a vital part of the sealing process and ensures an airtight and secure seam with low TPO levels. Be sure to check the consistency of the compound to ensure optimal quality, since that can also impact the quality of the seam and the TPO levels.  

Compound amount 

In addition to the quality of the compound, it’s also important to ensure the right amount of compound is applied to each lid. For the best results, apply 26-32 grams of compound, depending on the diameter of the lid.  

Can body  

Materials 

In the food and beverage packaging industry, aluminum is the material of choice, often selected for its corrosion resistance and lightweight properties. Over time, aluminum cans are susceptible to oxygen transmission, where the oxygen passes through the material and into the can’s liquid, increasing the TPO levels. For this reason, it’s important to use materials that are new, as the age of the material can impact the TPO levels. At RSS MACLIN, we recommend using lids that are no more than 2 years old, so as not to compromise the quality of the seal.  

Total Package Oxygen (TPO) graphic

Can dimensions  

At RSS MACLIN, we know that details matter. When you ask for scheduled or emergency service, we look at more than just the equipment. Your can’s dimensions are crucial to accurately determine the pin height so that the can seam is shaped and sealed correctly. To calculate the pin height, use the following equation:  

Pin height = Raw can height – Chuck lip height – Material loss – Material deflection 

Seam specifications  

Curl height  

The can seam’s curl height can help minimize TPO levels and improve the quality and integrity of the seal. While curl height varies according to the can’s dimensions, it’s important that seam technicians regularly inspect the seam quality and adjust as necessary.  

Flange angle 

As a critical aspect of the seam, the flange angle provides strength to ensure that the seam is able to withstand the internal pressure of carbonated beverages without compromising the seal. If the flange angle isn’t correct, the seam could leak, leading to increased TPO, decreased freshness, and possible product contamination.

Take your can seams to the next level

Don’t let inconsistent canseam quality hold you back. Sign your team up for our hands-on canseaming training to learn how to inspect, identify, and correct issues to ensure ultimate product freshness and customer satisfaction.

5 Reasons Why Routine Machine Audits Are Crucial to Prevent Emergencies

August 7, 2023

RSS Maclin

With 75 years of can seaming experience, we understand the ramifications and cost of downtime in manufacturing. In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 reasons why routine machine audits are crucial to prevent emergency downtime, and what you can do instead. 

But first things, first:

Do you have a can-seamer emergency?

When your can seamers are down, contact RSS MACLIN. We’ll respond within 24 hours, so that you can get your production line up and running.  

But even when things are running smoothly, you don’t want to leave production to chance.

It can be challenging to control all of your can seamer processes so closely that you prevent all downtime, but that doesn’t mean that you have to plan production schedules to accommodate for unplanned production downtime.

When you schedule a routine machine audit with RSS MACLIN, we’ll help you to:

1. Avoid production downtime 

When cans are being sealed as fast as 70,000 cans per hour, time is money. Every minute of downtime counts, when you’re trying to fulfill a customer demand by a certain deadline.  

When your can seamer production is down, it’s easy to calculate the lost profit, but read one, and you’ll uncover some of the hidden costs.  

2. Avoid labor downtime 

Operators who are standing by during a can-seamer emergency are costing the company money, adding to the unexpected cost from lost production. Even when the unexpected happens, can-seamer training can help reduce your production downtime and help your line return to peak O.E.E.  

3. Avoid ingredient and material loss 

When your product line stops, it impacts your ingredients and materials. They can spoil or become contaminated. Sometimes, when the seaming process comes to a halt mid- production, defects in the can seam require the product to be thrown out.  

When you schedule a routine machine audit with RSS MACLIN, we can ensure that ingredient and material loss from unplanned can-seamer emergencies are kept to a minimum.  

4. Avoid production scheduling conflicts  

Production scheduling can turn into a nightmare when the line stops. It affects nearly every product line deadline. But plant managers don’t have to schedule to accommodate for unplanned can-seamer emergencies. Instead, a simple routine can-seamer machine audit can help keep the line flowing and the schedule on target.  

5. Avoid supply chain problems 

With so many companies relying on “just in time” inventory management practices, companies receive the exact amount of material, almost exactly when they need it. But problems arise when production lines aren’t humming. This can happen to both the receiving and the delivery end. It can result in too much raw material waiting to be used, and too many empty delivery trucks waiting to be dispatched. 

What does a routine can-seamer machine audit consist of?

At RSS MACLIN, our audit services include both diagnosis and repair of your can-seaming machinery. We’ll make the most of your scheduled downtime to address all of the parts along your production line (not just the can seamer), to ensure that your can-seaming production keeps running at peak O.E.E.

Schedule a Can-Seamer Audit today!

Our team of can-seaming experts can help you minimize emergency production downtime and increase your productivity. Schedule a machine audit today.

5 Ways to Increase the Efficiency of Your Can Seamer

July 13, 2023

RSS Maclin

In the manufacturing industry, can seamers play a vital role in ensuring the proper sealing of cans. Whether you’re producing food, beverages, or other products, optimizing the efficiency of your can seamer can lead to improved productivity, reduced downtime, and enhanced quality. It is essential to address issues related to untrained teams and overlooked preventative maintenance tasks to streamline your production process.  

We will explore five key strategies to ensure the efficiency of your can-seamer machine and minimize disruptive breakdowns.  

Maintenance and Lubrication: 

Regular maintenance and proper lubrication are vital for optimal can seamer performance. Adhere to a preventive maintenance schedule, including cleaning, inspection, and lubrication. Cleanliness prevents debris and contaminants from disrupting the seaming process. Proper lubrication reduces friction, wear and tear, and the risk of unexpected breakdowns, ensuring peak efficiency. Understanding the lubrication system components enables efficient maintenance. Diagnosing each assembly separately facilitates faster diagnostics and repairs, minimizing downtime. To ensure the longevity of your machine, it is crucial to implement routine oil changes as recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). By adhering to the recommended oil change intervals and selecting the right viscosity grade, you can maximize the efficiency and durability of your equipment.   

Optimize Machine Settings:  

To achieve optimal performance, it is essential to calibrate the setup of each can seamer according to its specific requirements. Invest time in understanding your machine’s capabilities thoroughly. Regularly monitor and adjust settings such as seam thickness, seaming speed, and seam quality as needed. Fine-tuning these parameters can greatly enhance the efficiency of your can seamer, resulting in consistent and reliable sealing of cans. This attention to detail ensures high-quality seams and maintains the integrity of the can bodies. 

Train and Empower Staff:  

Maximizing can seamer efficiency relies on the expertise and empowerment of can-seam operators and technicians. It is crucial to invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure a deep understanding of the machine’s functionalities, safety protocols, and troubleshooting techniques. By encouraging your team to take ownership of their work and involving them in the optimization process, you tap into their valuable expertise and experience. By empowering can seam operators, they gain the ability to be self-reliant, taking charge of self-diagnosing issues and refining processes. As the “first responders” before technicians step in, operators play a crucial role in promptly identifying areas for improvement and boosting overall efficiency. This proactive approach ensures that the production line doesn’t suffer setbacks due to employee turnover, as operators and technicians are equipped to handle challenges and maintain operations smoothly.

 Quality Control and Inspection:  

To ensure the production of defect-free cans, it is essential to implement a robust quality control and inspection system. This system should diligently detect any abnormalities or defects in the seaming process, preventing the occurrence of hold-products. The can manufacturer’s specification sheet will provide recommended measurements for properly sealed cans, serving as a valuable reference. 

Regular inspections of the seams are crucial to identify any signs of improper sealing, such as leaks or loose ends. To enhance the inspection process, leverage advanced technologies like seam vision systems, which offer precise and speedy defect identification. By proactively catching and addressing issues at an early stage, you can minimize waste, guarantee product integrity, and uphold high efficiency throughout your can-seaming operation. 

It is worth noting that seam analysis is often overlooked or underutilized. To address this, ensure that multiple individuals are trained in seam analysis techniques. This allows for broader team involvement and ensures that seam analysis is performed consistently and effectively. By prioritizing comprehensive seam analysis, you can further enhance the quality control process and achieve superior results in your can-seaming operation. 

Continuous Improvement and Data Analysis:  

Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and leverage data analysis to optimize your can seamer’s efficiency. Regularly analyzing can-seam data trends to identify potential issues and determine which repairs can be made proactively, rather than reacting to problems as they occur, keep your filler/seamer producing with less downtime. 

  Increasing the efficiency of your can seamer is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a combination of proactive maintenance, optimized settings, well-trained staff, robust quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the performance of your can seamer, minimize downtime, reduce waste, and improve the overall productivity of your manufacturing process. With a more efficient can seaming operation, you can ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality products, meet customer demands, and stay ahead of the competition in the market. 

RSS MACLIN wants you to achieve efficiency in your operations. We offer scheduled and emergency service, line maintenance and support, audits and overhauls, and training options that give your team the edge they need to be efficient. Contact us if you would like to find out more about how RSS MACLIN supports can-seam machinery efficiency.  

Seven Benefits of Can-Seamer and Seam Analysis Training

June 23, 2023

RSS Maclin

Can seamers cause the most significant problems on the production line due to their critical role in ensuring the integrity of canned products. Seamer training is crucial in mitigating these issues and optimizing a facility’s throughput and output.

Seam analysis training educates individuals on the techniques and methodologies for examining and evaluating the seams formed during the canning process.

A well-trained workforce with the knowledge and skills to operate and maintain can seamers enhances production efficiency and maximizes output. By focusing on proper equipment setup, quality control, troubleshooting, and overall operational excellence, seamer training enables facilities to streamline their canning processes and achieve higher productivity levels.

Let’s explore some of the key reasons why you should consider training an essential component:

1. Minimizing Risks to Workers: Your team must comprehensively understand how to operate your can-seaming equipment correctly. You significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by providing them with proper training. This includes crucial knowledge about identifying pinch points and employing safe practices when removing subassemblies. Training ensures that your team is well-equipped to prioritize safety protocols, reducing the likelihood of workplace incidents and promoting a secure working environment.

2. Minimize Risk to Consumers: Consumers who purchase canned goods with bad can seams may experience several issues. The faulty seams can compromise the integrity of the can, leading to leaks, contamination, spoilage of the food inside. In some cases, seam damage can result in sharp edges or jagged metal fragments protruding from the lid or body. Consumers may accidentally cut or lacerate their hands or fingers or mouth, leading to injuries that range from minor cuts to more severe wounds.

3. Cost Savings: While effective can-seamer equipment maintenance can indeed incur costs, the consequences of neglecting maintenance can be even more costly. Having a trained team that can proficiently identify issues enables them to perform preventative maintenance and promptly address repairs proactively without overspending. This approach significantly reduces overall maintenance costs, as well as detrimental dump product (which can dwarf maintenance costs on a single hold), allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources within your organization. By investing in training, your team can learn to mitigate potential problems, optimize the lifespan of your machinery, and achieve substantial cost savings overall.

4. Ensuring Quality: With expert training, you can uphold the highest standards of can-seam quality. This helps prevent leaks, product contamination, or compromised seal integrity, safeguarding the overall quality of your products.

5. Maximizing Efficiency: Through expert training, your team will gain a comprehensive understanding of efficiently setting up transfer points, drop-offs, chucks, rolls, and can-handling guides in your can-seaming equipment. This knowledge translates to reduced downtime, increased productivity, and improved throughput.

6. Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Expert training strengthens your team with the skills to swiftly identify and resolve common can-seaming issues. This saves valuable time, minimizes disruptions, and helps you maintain smooth operations.

7. Ensure Uninterrupted Operations: Empower your team with seamer expertise to overcome workforce changes. By equipping multiple workers with the knowledge to maintain and operate seamers, you avoid costly setbacks caused by employee turnovers and resignations.

Become a Can Seamer Expert

Numerous canning companies rely on external seamer service assistance. At RSS MACLIN, we aim to impart our industry expertise to you. Our training program empowers your team to become more self-sufficient and efficient in their operations.

The initial training serves as a solid foundation for your team. However, for continuous proficiency, it is highly recommended to undergo regular refresher courses. As the can packaging industry constantly evolves with innovations, staying updated with the latest can-seamer technology is crucial. By staying current with the advancements in the field, your team will be equipped to handle the dynamic challenges of the industry effectively.

Learn More

With a combined experience of over 75 years in packaging and can-seaming technology, our instructors at RSS MACLIN bring extensive expertise to the table. We offer flexible training options to suit your needs.

We offer in-house training, where your team can come to our facility and train on our equipment. This immersive training experience lets your team gain focused and uninterrupted insights into can-seaming technology without affecting your production output due to machine shutdowns.

Alternatively, our team can visit your facility and utilize your equipment for on-site training, providing hands-on instruction tailored to your specific setup. This approach allows your team to receive training in a familiar environment, maximizing the practical application of their newfound knowledge.

Regardless of your chosen training method, our instructors deliver high-quality instruction. They share their knowledge and experience to give your team the skills and aptitude to excel in can-seaming operations.

If you’re interested in training, you can learn more and contact us here.

RSS MACLIN Exhibits at The Craft Brewers Conference & Brew Expo

June 12, 2023

RSS Maclin

RSS MACLIN exhibited at America’s largest craft brewing industry gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, May 8 – 10, 2023. The Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, presented by the Brewers Association, helps craft brewers grow their businesses through education and idea sharing to improve brewery quality and performance.

RSS MACLIN Showcases Expertise

RSS MACLIN believes all size canning operations deserve expert knowledge and assistance. This is the first time RSS MACLIN participated in BrewExpo, and the company felt it was an excellent chance to showcase their full range of services and training opportunities to the craft brew industry.

The growth of the craft brewing industry increases every year. Consumers are eager to try new craft brew options, and RSS MACLIN is a trusted resource for can-seam training, services, and products for craft brewers.

Support for Any Size Brewery

Line support is crucial for any brewery, including the craft brewing industry. Staying productive is easier with a partner who can help you increase your overall equipment effectiveness (O.E.E.).

RSS MACLIN supports your maintenance team with both services and training to help you run at peak performance.

RSS MACLIN knows that craft brewers need:

At RSS MACLIN, we understand the different needs of large-scale breweries and microbreweries. We bring big packaging expertise to any size facility.

RSS MACLIN Booth

Need Support for Your Craft Brewery?

RSS MACLIN offers packaging solutions, including the assistance your team needs to keep machines running. For line maintenance and support, machine audits and overhauls, can-seam, or can-seamer training, contact RSS MACLIN.

Craft Brewers

Can-Seamer vs. Seam Analysis Training: A Comparison

June 23, 2023

RSS Maclin

Professional seam analysis and can-seamer training offer numerous crucial advantages for your business. Each provides important information that can help impact throughput and output positively and improve canning facilities’ performance and profitability.

Let’s look at seam analysis training vs. can-seamer training and the benefits of each.

Seam Analysis Training vs. Can-Seamer Training  

Seam Analysis Training: Seam analysis training educates individuals on the techniques and methodologies for examining and evaluating the seams formed during the canning process. This training equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to visually inspect, measure, and test the seams to guarantee their integrity.

The effectiveness of seam analysis on the final product lies in its ability to detect and address potential issues with the can seams. Proper training enables individuals to identify defects, such as incomplete seals, loose seams, or irregularities that may compromise the quality or safety of the product. By diagnosing these problems early on, corrective actions can be taken to maintain the product’s integrity and prevent leakage, spoilage, or contamination.

Can-Seamer Equipment Training: Can-seamer equipment training provides operators and technicians with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate, maintain, and adjust can-seaming equipment. This training covers aspects such as machine setup, adjustment of parameters, troubleshooting, and regular maintenance routines.

Well-trained technicians can ensure that the can-seaming equipment is correctly set up and operated, resulting in consistent seam quality. They can adjust machine settings according to specific can sizes, seam types, and product characteristics, minimizing human error and maximizing the efficiency of the canning process. This contributes to the overall quality and integrity of the final product.

Combined Effectiveness on Reducing Hold Product

Both seam analysis training and can-seamer equipment training play critical roles in the effectiveness and quality of the final product:

Product Quality Assurance: Seam analysis training allows professionals to identify any potential defects or inconsistencies in the seams. By addressing these issues, the training helps maintain the product’s quality, prevent leaks, and reduce the risk of spoilage or contamination.

Efficiency and Consistency: Can-seamer equipment training gives operators the expertise to operate and adequately maintain the can-seamer equipment. This leads to consistent seam quality, minimizing variations and maintaining the product’s integrity throughout the canning process.

Compliance with Standards: Seam analysis training and can-seamer equipment training both contribute to meeting industry regulations and standards. Manufacturers can comply with safety and quality requirements by ensuring that seams and can-body structure integrity are properly analyzed and equipment operates correctly.

Give Your Team Expert Training

RSS MACLIN provides both seam analysis and can-seamer training. We want to pass on our expert knowledge to your team, so you can reap the benefits. We provide both initial training and opportunities to undergo regular refresher courses. The can packaging industry evolves constantly, so it’s imperative that your team stays up-to-date.

We provide flexible training options tailored to your needs:

1. In-House Training: Immerse your team in a comprehensive training experience at our facility, ensuring minimal disruption to your production. Our experts will guide your staff through hands-on instruction, covering a wide range of relevant topics and techniques. This program equips your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize the efficiency of your equipment.

2. On-Site Training: Opt for personalized training conducted at your facility, specifically tailored to your equipment and operational requirements. Our experienced trainers will directly engage with your team, providing hands-on instruction and guidance on your specific can seamer. This approach allows your staff to learn in their familiar work environment, enhancing the practical application of their training.

Both options ensure that your team receives high-quality instruction, enabling them to master the intricacies of can seamers and optimize their performance. Choose the training method that best suits your organization’s needs and unlock the full potential of your equipment and workforce.

If you’re interested in seam analysis and can-seamer training, you can learn more and contact us here.