Can-do Packaging

TL;DRAbstract

This article highlights the next generation of can decorating machines by packagers and the manufacturers of packaging machinery. To build their new next-generation decorator, Alcoa Packaging Machinery’s (APM) engineers were given the rare opportunity to develop the machine from a “white sheet.” The four-color decorator is a continuous-motion, rotary machine, which holds each can body upright on a mandrel. Each can rolls against a blanket cylinder, which transfers an inked pattern from a plate cylinder. APM’s engineers were especially interested in finding out how the mandrel shafts would deflect under load. Deflection is an important consideration for any rotary printer because it determines how well an image will transfer between rolls. APM is planning to unveil its new can decorator at a metal packaging trade show in Germany. The machine has yet to be proven in production, but the design has progressed.

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