High Speed Can Packaging

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In high speed can packaging, reliable product handling is essential. As canned foods, beverages and pet food move through automated production lines, robotic systems must transfer products quickly, accurately and consistently into secondary packaging. Consequently, the vacuum gripping solution plays an important role in maintaining a smooth and efficient production process.

A recent VMECA video demonstrates the fast and steady encasing of canned food products using the S-Type Magic Suction Cup. In particular, the application highlights how a well-matched vacuum cup can support controlled pick-and-place movements, helping packaging machinery maintain a consistent rhythm while handling rigid metal cans. Take a look…

High Speed Can Packaging Solutions for Efficient Production

As UK suppliers of the complete VMECA product portfolio, Simmatic can help businesses identify and source the vacuum components suited to their packaging applications.

Reliable vacuum holding for can handling

Transferring rigid metal cans into secondary cases presents several practical challenges. For example, the gripping system needs to establish a dependable vacuum connection, maintain control during rapid movement and release the product accurately at the point of placement.

Explore VMECA’s S-Type Magic Cups →

Featuring an S-type sealing lip and designed for applications involving uneven surfaces. Furthermore, its configurable design allows the suction lip size, insert pad material, bellows arrangement and fittings to be selected according to the application.

For can packaging, this flexibility can be particularly useful. By selecting a suitable configuration, manufacturers can help ensure that the suction cup maintains a stable grip while the robot accelerates, transfers and positions each can.

High Speed Can Packaging and Secure Product Handling

The video’s encasing process illustrates the importance of maintaining a firm, level hold during high-speed handling. When cans are transferred into secondary cases, even small amounts of unwanted movement can make accurate placement more difficult. As a result, an unsuitable gripping solution may contribute to inconsistent handling or interruptions in the packaging process.

A suitable vacuum gripping system helps the robot maintain control of the product throughout the transfer. In turn, this can contribute to smoother case packing and more consistent pick-and-place movements.

S-Type Magic Cups

Available in 30mm, 50mm and 60mm sealing lip sizes, with bellows configurations ranging from 1.5 to 6 folds. Therefore, the range offers flexibility when selecting a cup for different product dimensions, tooling arrangements and movement requirements.

As with any vacuum application, actual performance depends on factors such as the can’s surface condition, the available vacuum level, the cup configuration and the robot’s operating parameters. For this reason, correct sizing and application testing remain important when specifying a gripping solution.

Another advantage of VMECA’s Magic Cup range is its configurable construction. The S-Type model offers a choice of suction lip sizes, insert pad materials, stoppers, vacuum filters and fittings. This means the cup can be adapted to the requirements of the application rather than relying on a single fixed configuration.

S-Type specifications include EPDM sealing lips and insert pad options in nitrile, silicone and white silicone. In addition, VMECA provide replaceable components, including sealing lips, bellows, filters and fittings.
For packaging machinery operating through repeated pick-and-place cycles, this configurable and serviceable approach helps simplify component selection and maintenance planning. Consequently, manufacturers can consider both immediate gripping performance and the longer-term requirements of their equipment.

Configurable components for demanding packaging

Simmatic are UK suppliers of the complete VMECA range

At Simmatic, we supply the complete range of VMECA vacuum products to customers across the UK.
From Magic Suction Cups and vacuum generators to vacuum gripping systems as well as a range of accessories, we can help you identify the components required for automated handling and packaging applications.
Whether you’re high speed can packaging, developing a new packaging line, upgrading existing robotic tooling or looking to improve the consistency of product handling, Simmatic can help!

Contact Simmatic to discuss your vacuum handling requirements.