Why cans need careful collation
Cans are round and can move easily during infeed, sealing and tunnel transfer. A shrink wrap machine for cans needs to control the group before the film sleeve is sealed and during the heat tunnel stage.
The choice between tray, pad, trayless or fully collated formats affects machine selection. The sleeve sealer, guides and conveyor route must be specified around the real pack format rather than a generic can wrapping description.
Sleeve sealing route for cans
A sleeve sealer can wrap can groups with PE film and then pass the pack through a shrink tunnel to create a secure multipack. The infeed may need spacing, side guidance or collation equipment depending on how the cans arrive from production.
For small batches or mixed formats, a semi-automatic route may suit. For repeated beverage production, an automatic or side-feed sleeve wrapper may be more appropriate.
What to send for a can pack quote
Send can diameter, can height, pack count, tray use, target output and current handling method. Photographs or a short video of the current pack movement can help identify whether collation or guiding is needed.
Lancing can then advise on sleeve sealer type, tunnel size and conveyor handling for the can multipack requirement.
Quote route and specification checklist
| Can pack factor | Specification effect |
|---|---|
| Can size | Determines pack footprint and tunnel clearance. |
| Collation pattern | Affects infeed and product control. |
| Tray use | Changes stability and film presentation. |
| Output | Determines automatic/semi-automatic route. |