Press Release   

30th December 2005 - New high speed rotary capless induction sealing machine from Fords and Relco

Following a 4-year joint development programme, Fords Packaging Systems and Relco have successfully supplied a number of high speed rotary foil sealing machines which operate using induction technology. The principle upon which this works is similar to that used in conventional induction sealing machines such as the in-line units which Relco build and are in common use to seal foil lined plastic caps in dairies and other bottling lines. Rather than heating the foil by conducting heat into it from a hot plate, the induction head generates an electromagnetic field which transfers energy directly into the foil where it is converted into heat within the aluminium itself. What makes this machine unique is that it combines this induction technology with Fords proven direct foil cutting and placement system to allow high speed induction sealing without the requirement of a plastic over-cap to contain and locate the foil seal.

The machine built by Fords has a capping press to form the foil into a profiled cap, with or without pull-tab, which is then sent down a chute where it is applied to the passing bottle by the cap applier. Once the foil is in position, the bottle is taken into the sealing turret by an infeed star-wheel and the induction heads are lowered into contact with the foil by individually controlled air cylinders applying the required amount of pressure to the closure. The Relco induction generator is then started for a pre-set time to heat the foil and afterwards pressure is maintained without heating to allow the seal to set giving optimum results.

No other component or machine part needs to be above ambient temperature so all of the energy is directed into raising the temperature of the foil to the sealing point making it vastly more efficient than an equivalent conduction machine where most of the energy is lost into the atmosphere. Removal of the need for heater cartridges and thermocouples makes the machine more reliable, controllable and efficient. In addition, having no hot components provides greater operator safety, involves no warm-up or cool-down time and is significantly cleaner than conduction alternatives.

Machinery has now been put into commercial operation in the USA, France, Germany and Thailand running at speeds of 600 containers per minute and higher speeds are possible. Fords can build either a complete stand-alone foil application and induction sealing machine or provide the capping press and turret for integration into a mono-block filling machine.