Automatic Double Seam Cross-section: The Cutting Edge of Quality Assurance...
Introducing the MARS-SEAM – Fully-Automatic Double Seam Measurement System. The flagship product from the Measurement and Automatic Rating Station (MARS) product line.
The MARS concept is to apply reliable automation engineering to standard canning industry tested gauges and testers. Many CMC-KUHNKE products are semi-automated in that once the operator has placed the can into the gauge or tester, the device grips the can and performs the test on its own. Engineering our semi-automated can inspection and measurement systems for fully-automated functionality was only the logical next step.
The MARS-SEAM is no different. Here we have simply combined our Triple SEAM Gauge with our Automatic SEAM Saw and Video SEAM Imager - with a can emptying station in between. Beverage cans are carried between the three stations by a specially designed gripper powered by pneumatic cylinders. Every motion of the system starts and ends at a physical stop, ensuring maximum reliability. Unlike some automated equipment, the MARS-SEAM does not use any robotic technology for can handling, so the gripper will never lose calibration and there are no complicated procedures to follow.
In-feed
When connected directly to the production line, beverage cans are automatically delivered to the MARS-SEAM in-feed conveyor using a high-speed beverage can ejection system. Alternatively, cans may be manually placed onto the same conveyor in order by head number.
Station #1 - Contact Double Seam Measurement
In keeping with good double seam measurement practice, and with FDA can seaming guidelines, the measurement of seam thickness is done prior to cutting the double seam. The MARS-SEAM simulates the use of a can seam micrometer using contact measurement gauges to measure external characteristics around the can.
Seam thickness, countersink depth and seam height are typically measured in 3 to 4 places each, but the MARS-SEAM is capable of taking up to 99 external measurements each for a total of 297 measurements. That’s a measurement every 1/16” or so (1.7mm) around the circumference of a 202 beverage seam - nearly 100% external double seam measurement!
Station #2 - Product Purge and Cleaning
Before cutting into the can seam, the product must be removed. The MARS-SEAM uses a specially designed punch to pierce the bottom dome of the beverage can without leaving sharp edges which could harm operators. Opening the bottom of the can prevents any distortion to the double seam which can occur when opening the beverage can from the tab. Product is drained, the can is cleaned with a jet of water, and finally it is dried with a blast of compressed air.
Station #2 can optionally be located before Station #1 for customers who require “venting” of the can prior to seam thickness, countersink depth and seam height measurement.
Station #3 - Cross-section and Seam Image Measurement
The third station is where the double seam cross-section is made, cleaned and measured. The can is held securely and brought down into an enclosed chamber where the double seam is cut using 2 precision carbide blades. Once the cut has been made, the residual tab is indented, the cross-section is cleaned, and then the can seam is moved into position for high-resolution digital imaging with the Video SEAM Imager and auto SEAMview Software.
This high-resolution digital seam scope clearly illuminates and captures can seam images. More rugged and more reliable than conventional halogen lamps, the Video SEAM Imager uses a solid-state monochromatic LED light source designed for up to 5 years of 24 hour operation. Chromatic distortion is eliminated, permitting optimum can seam images.
Digital images are transferred to a PC via FireWire connection where auto SEAMview Software automatically measures and analyzes the high-resolution double seam images. In less than 1 second, auto SEAMview Software algorithms automatically identify and measure double seam characteristics. Each measured seam image is saved with the double seam inspection results for later review if desired.
More information: VSI-5211 Series Beverage SEAM Imager
auto SEAMview Inspection Software
Out-feed
Once the double seam inspection has been completed, the beverage cans are placed in order by head number either onto a conveyor for online systems, or into a carrying basket for manually loaded systems. Beverage cans may be discarded or saved for wrinkle evaluation teardown using the Double SEAM Stripper.
Visionary QC™ Software
All double seam inspection measurements and seam images are automatically fed into Visionary QC™ our can inspection and statistical process control software. Packaged in a friendly user interface for both novice and expert computer users, Visionary QC™ Software seamlessly integrates with the auto SEAMview Software to give you an automatic double seam measurement system with the power to:
- Customize your can inspection database and measurements
- Automatically store double seam images on the local hard disk in a compact digital format
- Browse and print inspection reports which include the actual double seam images
- Collect and report data from nearly any type of gauge or tester. Enter data from other software, gauges, testers or even the keyboard
- Network multiple Visionary QC™ systems to track trends and statistics with SPC graphs from virtually anywhere
- Administer program settings, test types, specifications, and administrative levels
Can inspection data may be shared and exported from Visionary SPC Software in virtually any format, so you can readily analyze the seam scan data using other standard software packages like LabView and Minitab.
More information: Visionary QC™ Software
It just keeps getting better.
The MARS-SEAM's modular design allows you to tailor your fully-automatic double seam inspection package to suit the needs of your organization and comes in three primary configurations:
- MARS-SEAM I - For standard beverage cans of a single height and diameter. Ideal for many beverage fillers.
- MARS-SEAM II - For beverage cans of multiple heights and multiple body diameters, but with only one end diameter.
- MARS-SEAM III - For beverage cans of all types (multiple heights, body diameters and end diameters).
The MARS-SEAM enhances your quality assurance department:
- Accurate double seam measurements taken completely automatically
- Faster can seam inspection results – inspect 18 cans in less than 18 minutes
- Reduced labor costs – reallocate highly-qualified quality assurance staff
- Easy-to-use statistical process control charts for quick analysis of can inspection data
- Network ready database to remotely display can seam inspection information, double seam images and SPC graphs
With many versatile configurations, MARS-SEAM has the fundamental structure to change the way double seam inspections are performed, and with CMC-KUHNKE you also get the total system technical support and responsiveness that ensure maximum up-time and fast, cost-effective upgrades.
Register for an account on www.CMC-KUHNKE.com to watch a video of the MARS-SEAM online, or Contact CMC-KUHNKE Sales for a free product video CD-ROM.