CarnaudMetalbox Engineering (CMB Engineering), a leading manufacturer of canmaking technology has launched the Sovereign Decorator, a can decorating machine for the production of “flawlessly decorated” beverage cans in up to eight colours at high speed. The new premium decorator is designed to reduce changeover time for can manufacturers who produce high volumes of cans in short runs while minimizing spoilage and saving ink.
Using unique, oscillating rubber rollers the Sovereign Decorator offers smooth and even printing. The print rollers’ oscillating speeds can be individually fine-tuned to allow the inkers to work efficiently with any ink colour or viscosity. A linear bearing spindle disc applies consistent mandrel-to-blanket pressure to the can surface during the printing process to maintain a high print quality. The decorator inkers also feature anti-ghosting rollers, eliminating the occurrence of ghosted images.
For added flexibility and efficiency on the production line, the machine features an innovative infeed and outfeed design that improves the loading and discharge of cans, increasing throughput speeds and simplifying can size changeovers for operators. The rollers can be programmed for new inks and graphics using a library of printing recipes for fast, straightforward label changes. Operators can adjust printing programs and label registration while the machine is running, further minimising production downtime.
There are several features to reduce ink and spoilage including an automated system to reject substandard cans from the production line before printing.
Rather than using gears in the inker drives, the Sovereign Decorator uses belt drives, which require no lubrication, eliminating oil leaks, and reduce vibration. The system’s linear bearing spindle disc has been developed for maximum stability giving a consistent mandrel circle. The design allows for minimum print pressures to optimize decoration quality. The linear bearing spindle disc also minimizes pressure needed during the printing process so wear is minimal and lifetime maximized.
“It’s no question that the marketplace for beverages is fiercely competitive, and cans are a hugely popular packaging format. Until now, beverage can manufacturers either had to sacrifice print quality for speed or efficiency for superior aesthetics. The Sovereign Decorator changes that, letting our customers have the best of both worlds,” explained Jim Cozier, general manager, CarnaudMetalbox Engineering. “Through our engineering skills, and research and development programs, we were able to bring this machine to market to give can manufacturers the flexibility and high quality required to consistently meet their client needs.”
The Sovereign Decorator comes with safety guards to protect operators using the machine and has received European CE Mark safety certification.
New Sovereign Decoratorâ„¢ from CMB Engineering New Sovereign Decoratorâ„¢ from CMB Engineering
