Can seamers are used to close cans with a lid and create an airtight seal. They come in different sizes and can be used for metal, plastic, or cardboard cans. Some machines are manual while others are automated. Regular maintenance is important to avoid bacterial contamination. Costs vary and renting or buying used machines may be cheaper options.
The can seamer is a piece of equipment that people use to close cans by applying a lid and bending to make an airtight seal. Machine sizes can range from a home-use can seamer that one person can operate manually to an industrial-sized machine for an assembly line. A number of manufacturers produce can seamers and related products, and people can buy them new or used. It may also be possible to rent canning equipment, for one-time use.
The can seamer works by warping the edges of a metal plate around the ends of a can to compress them together, creating an airtight seal. In addition to metal cans, companies can also use plastic or cardboard. The tightness of the gasket depends on the materials and the machine. Some can seamers create a very reliable airtight seal to protect canned goods from oxidation and bacterial contamination. Others make a looser seal and the can may leak in some situations.
Many can seamers are connected to a vacuum machine. This allows the operator to remove the air from the can before sealing it to maintain the integrity of what’s inside. You may need to manually operate a small machine to seal the can, while automated machines use hydraulic or mechanical systems to move the seamer. Manual sealing machines tend to be less expensive to operate, but the number of cans that can be produced is limited by the skill of the operator.
On one farm floor, workers regularly clean and inspect seamers to make sure they’re working properly. With food, avoiding bacterial contamination or other forms of spoilage is key, and keeping your equipment in good working order is an important part of quality control. It may also be necessary to periodically inspect the cans to confirm the reliability of the seal. If the cans begin to leak or develop other problems, they will need to be returned to the seamer to see if the source of the problem can be determined.
Costs for this type of equipment vary. Manual can seamers are much less expensive than machines designed for the assembly line. Sometimes buying used can seamers can be a cheaper option. People starting a canning operation may want to look into a lease or rental agreement to get started.
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