Calibration Overview

KL15769 Cannular Compact Semi-Auto Canning Machine | Calibration Overview

Use this page after you’ve completed initial checks and a test seam.

Back to: Cannular Compact Semi-Auto Canning Machine User Guide

The Double Seam Process - An Overview

In a large commercial operation there are several critical parameters commonly checked in commercial settings include 2nd operation seam thickness, seam gap, actual overlap, body hook butting and tightness.

However, when calibrating a Cannular, very close to the same can seaming confidence can be acheived by checking three easy to measure parameters:

1. Actual overlap

2. 2nd Op seam thickness

3. 2nd Op seam length

These three measurements are the best way to determine if the Cannular is correctly calibrated.

Actual Overlap (1st operation) and 2nd Operation seam thickness are the most important parameters

To achieve a good seam, the Cannular must have the following steps correctly calibrated.

• Table Height Adjustment. This determines that the can end is snug enough against the chuck for the rollers to operate within very right parameters.

• 1st operation: This is the most important operation. The 1st Operation Roller takes the end curl and the can flange and begins the forming process. This causes the can end to curl under the can flange, creating an overlap. This overlap is vital to the seaming process. The 1st Operation Roller specification governs the amount of overlap.

• 2nd operation: compresses and finishes the seam formed by the 1st operation. The 2nd Operation Roller governs the size and fit of the seam after the overlap is created by the 1st operation.

The 1st and 2nd operation rollers of the Cannular must be calibrated to a high degree of accuracy to ensure a good, pressure tight double seam

Both rollers must be correctly positioned; incorrect 2nd op positioning can still cause leaks even if 1st op is correct.

When calibrating any canning machine including Cannulars, feeler gauges may be used to check the gaps in the x and y axis between the 1st and 2nd operation rollers. However, the gaps can be quite difficult to measure accurately. However, using calipers it is quite simple to measure the seam after the first and the second operations.

The measurements of the overlap (after 1st Operation) and the completed seam (after 1st and 2nd Operation) are the best way to determine if the Cannular is calibrated correctly and producing a heermetic double seam.

Visual Overview - 1st and 2nd Operation Rollers

In the above illustration, we can see how the 1st Operation Roller forms the overlap. The 2nd Operation Roller then compresses the seam.

Closeup Illustration of 1st and 2nd Operation Rollers

The below images provide a pictorial overview of each operation. This can be helpful when troubleshooting to determine what adjustments need to be made to the roller(s)

1st Operation - forming the overlap

2nd Operation - closing the seam

Checking Seam Quality

Actual overlap (visual and measurement method)

This determines whether there is sufficient overlap between body hook and cover hook.

Follow these practical steps:

1

Prepare two test cans

1. Seam one can using only the 1st operation (Can A)

2. Seam a second can using both 1st and 2nd operations (Can B).

2

Cut a wedge from the top of the can.

Cut away a wedge from the top of the can using an angle grinder (1 mm cutting disk recommended) or a hacksaw if unavailable

Please take appropriate safety precautions when using power tools.

3

Clean the cut edge

Use a utility knife to scrape the cut clean. Fine sandpaper can also be used. This will help assess the overlap

4

Inspect Can A (first operation) for overlap

Examine the overlap (distance X between the bottom of the body hook and top of the cover hook) Ideally actual overlap after operation 1 should be more than 0.4 mm If less than 0.4 mm, verify the 1st operation roller position and re-adjust as necessary

5

Inspect Can B (after both operations)

Examine final overlap after both operations. This is harder to see; gently pry the seam open slightly with a sharp object to visualize start and finish of the hooks (without significant dimensional change) Minimum requirement: at least 0.4 mm; over 1 mm is ideal If first operation overlap is good but final overlap is poor, the 2nd operation roller position may be incorrect — re-evaluate both rollers

2nd Op seam thickness

Using Can B, take the average of four measurements around the circumference with calipers. The average should be between 1.2–1.3 mm If smaller: insufficient actual overlap or 2nd op roller too close to the chuck — re-examine overlap and 2nd op gaps If larger: 2nd op roller may be incorrectly positioned (too far or too close to the chuck), and springback can increase seam thickness

2nd Op seam length

Using calipers measure seam length on Can B. Ideal: about 2.3–2.4 mm A tight seal can still be achieved with seam length up to 3.3 mm if actual overlap remains sufficient Short seam length indicates 1st op roller too close to the chuck or 2nd op roller too far in the y-direction Very long seam indicates 2nd op roller too close to the chuck in the y-direction; this can cause overlap separation and leaks

Remember: to check calibration of a Cannular to acheive a hermetic double seam, use calipers to measure the following:

1. Actual overlap (>0.4mm)

2. 2nd Op seam thickness (1.2-1.3mm)

3. 2nd Op seam length (2.3-2.4mm)

These three measurements are the best way to determine if the Cannular is correctly calibrated.