Looking to help streamline your can opening process, but don’t know where to start? We want to make this process as easy as a can of corn, so we spoke to our team and complied the most frequently asked questions we receive about our High Speed Can Openers. Let’s blow the lid off these questions as we dive into this week’s blog.
Q. What size containers can you accommodate?
A. While #10 cans are what we see most commonly on the market, we can accommodate the various widths and diameters your operation requires. If you are running more than one can size, we can supply various sized change parts, allowing you to run different sized cans all on the same machine.
Q. Are dented cans able to run through the can opener?
A. The most critical area is the rim of the cans, which is where the blade interacts during the opening process. Cans with smaller dents around the body of the container are acceptable, especially because Morrison has a can centering process that locates the rim of the can to the position of the blade punch for the opening process. Send us your cans for evaluation if you want to confirm which dents are acceptable.
A. Our Model 60 Can Opener Up to 60 cans per minute when running water-based product. Viscous products require more time during the dumping process to ensure the product is well evacuated from the cans.
Q. How much product is left in the cans after exiting the vibratory dump?
A. After the cans exit the vibratory dump, approximately 1% of the product remains inside. After this process the can moves onto a second and segregated section of the system to have any remaining product rinsed out to prep the can for recycling.
Q. Does the water from rinsing process compromise the product?
A. There are two separate compartments during the rinsing process. There is a main product dump area, and a separate section for the water rinse area to go. These compartments catch and separate, so the water does not encounter the product.
Q. When adding a punch and blow, do metal shavings get into product?
A. The punch and blow is a mechanism that pierces the bottom of the can, after it has been twisted 180 degrees, and then blows air in the can to help evacuate the product (something we recommend for more viscous products). When adding the punch and blow option to your can opener, there are magnetic metal bars underneath this process to catch any metal shavings and reduce compromising the product. We do recommend adding a metal detection process to evaluate the dumped product.
Q. Does the twist cage need to be changed with different can size?
A. Yes, much like your timing screws, your twist cage will act as a change part. Meaning during the changeover process your cage will need to be changed accordingly. This adds flexibility to your machine so you can use one system to run multiple products.
Q. How often should I be dressing my blades?
A. We recommend dressing, or inspecting, your blades every 20,000 cans. While this varies from plant to plant, by evaluating for any nicks or warped areas and removing them, you can help your machine last longer and run more efficiently. While 20,000 cans may seem like a lot, most plants hit this goal around every 1-2 days. We recommend keeping multiple spare blades in stock to help avoid downtime and maintain proper throughput.
To accommodate the need for the sharpest blade, we offer blade sharpening services when you send your blades back to us.
Q. How often should my punch and blow be sharpened?
A. We recommend dressing your punch and blow every 20,000 cans. It’s beneficial to add this to your maintenance check list much like you would your blades.
Q. What Spare Parts Are Required?
A. Along with various manuals and documentation, we send recommended spare parts lists to our customers. By staying ahead of your downtime and having the proper spare parts readily available you can help ensure the efficiency and uptime of your line. Click HERE to request a spare part quote.
Q. What is the footprint of the Model 60 Can Opener?
A. We have designed various creative solutions to accommodate our customers’ needs depending on the layout of their facilities. We have seen standard models range from about 24 feet long to 8 feet wide but are willing to adjust as needed.
Our standard systems can be customized to your unique specifications. The machine height will be based off the size of the dump bin provided by you, and the orientation of the machine can be right, left, or straight.
Q: What is the thickest product we can run?
A. We have designed Can Opening Solutions for various thick products such as: pumpkin paste, tuna, beans, corn, tomatoes, and more.
Q. What do I do if a jam occurs?
A. If there is a jam in the timing screw, the system will fault out requiring operator intervention. There is a tool-less quick release on the rail opposite of the timing screw, so that jams are easy to clear and get the machine back and operational quickly.
Q: How do you load the product?
A. We can accommodate a manual loading table or an accumulation table depending on your facility needs.
Q: How do I know if the lid is properly removed in the machine?
A. After the magnetic de-lidder, we have a photo eye camera that scans for the lid. If a lid is still on the can, the machine will fault out, notifying the operator to remove the bad can from the machine because the lid is still attached.
Looking to improve your can opening process? We've got you covered. Contact your local sales representative today to discuss solutions that can improve your throughput and efficiency.
