Canning lines range in size from small tabletop systems to huge lines operating at 1000 cans per minute. They also range in capabilities depending on what equipment is integrated into the line. The largest lines move cans from a pallet, clean the empty cans, fill, seam, rinse, warm or pasteurize, dry, label, and create multipacks. To integrate each piece of equipment into continuous operation, conveying is absolutely essential but often overlooked.
Codi Manufacturing has been building conveying for more than 30 years and has experience with belt conveyors, vacuum conveyors, gravity track, and even magnetic conveying. Our ability to seamlessly integrate equipment sets us apart from other craft packaging equipment producers. When you buy a complete canning system from Codi, we are able to create a continuous belt through equipment for seamless operation.
The right conveyor design for your operation depends on a few factors.
Are you filling cans or bottles?
Are your containers aluminum or glass?
Are you running pre-labeled containers or an in-line labeler?
What type of labels are you using: shrink sleeved or matte finished?
What speeds are you trying to achieve?
Will cans be moving through elevation changes or inversions?
All these factors should be discussed with your sales professional to determine the best equipment and design for your operation. Your answers to these questions will determine what type of belt and rails are used in conveyor construction and if you need specialized equipment for elevation changes or container accumulation.
Conveying is not only for connecting equipment but also for maintaining a continuous flow of cans to maximize time, effort, and profit during canning line operation. This is where accumulation tables come into play. Accumulation tables use variable belt speeds and direction to allow cans to accumulate during label changes, bathroom breaks, and other required tasks during a canning run. The addition of an accumulation table is one of the easiest ways to reduce labor costs. They come in a range of sizes depending on the line speed and the time cushion needed.
Determining the size of an accumulation table depends on:
Footprint- how much room do you have in your facility?
Financial Situation- How much are you willing to spend and what is your growth plan?
Labor Savings- How many people do you have on staff? Are you trying to save on labor?
The following equation will help you determine what size accumulation table you will need.
Table Capacity / Filler Speed = Time Bought
The best location for adding accumulation on a canning line depends on equipment integrations and throughput. We recommend adding accumulation before and after equipment that requires supply restock or near areas that are prone to can jams. We highly recommend adding accumulation before a labeler because it allows the filler to continue running when labels need to be changed. Another common place is before or after a PakTech Applicator. This is usually one of the last pieces of equipment on a canning line. Adding accumulation before creates time to address jams or restock PakTech supply. Adding accumulation after a PakTech Applicator allows finished product to accumulate so one person can come in and quickly clear packs into cases.
In addition to functioning as an accumulation table, a couple pieces of equipment also offer added capabilities for improving quality control of packaged product. The Tunnel Pasteurizer and the Warmer both have wide belts running through the equipment that will allow cans to accumulate as they are warmed to a specific temperature. The Warmer helps reduce condensation on finished product and the pasteurizer will increase shelf life to extend your distribution range. If you have the capital, adding a Warmer or Pasteurizer is a fantastic way to improve your canning operation.
We highly recommend investing in quality conveyance and adding accumulation to your canning line to create a smooth operating experience. Codi conveying is made to be durable and easy to maintain. We design our conveyors with under belt access, commercial grade components, stainless steel, and drip pan drain connections to make foam and steam cleaning a breeze. The modular design also makes future equipment integrations straightforward. When you purchase a canning line from Codi Manufacturing, we will make sure all equipment is seamlessly integrated and that you are ready to grow when resources allow. We design, manufacture, and build every piece of equipment needed to can your beverages.