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AFA Systems, a manufacturer of automated packaging machinery, has introduced an advanced beverage and can cartoner designed to provide precise product control, high-speed operation and flexible package-format capability.
The new cartoning platform is engineered for beverage manufacturers and contract packagers requiring reliable handling of cans throughout the infeed, grouping and carton-loading process. Its multi-axis servo-controlled design provides accurate and repeatable motion while allowing the machine to accommodate different can sizes, pack configurations and production requirements.
The system incorporates servo control across several critical machine functions, including the rotary feeder, flight chains and product loaders. Electronic synchronization between these axes helps maintain accurate product positioning and smooth loading at high production speeds.
AFA’s can-handling system uses static, rotary and pop-up lane guides to maintain positive product control throughout the infeed. Integrated back-pressure relief helps regulate product accumulation and supports the formation of consistent can groups before loading.
To further manage product flow, the cartoner includes a built-in can recirculation conveyor. Excess cans are peeled away from the primary infeed and recirculated, helping reduce back pressure, product bridging and jams near the loading station.
“Effective can packaging begins with maintaining complete control of the product before it reaches the carton,” said Paul Langen, President and CEO. “This machine was engineered to manage infeed pressure, organize cans accurately and provide a smooth, controlled transfer into the finished package.”
The cartoner can also be equipped with an integrated servo-controlled tray-erecting system. This option allows flat corrugated blanks to be formed and loaded with loose cans on the same machine, giving producers the flexibility to run both enclosed cartons and corrugated tray formats without installing a separate tray-packing system.
Optional variety-pack conveyors and additional loading stations can be incorporated for mixed-flavour and mixed-product applications. These configurations allow multiple can varieties to be introduced, grouped and loaded into a predetermined pack arrangement.
The machine’s modular design can support:
- Standard single-product can packs
- Mixed-flavor and variety packs
- Enclosed paperboard cartons
- Corrugated trays
- Multiple can sizes and pack patterns
- Custom retail and promotional configurations
Designed for beverage-production environments, the cartoner features an open-frame, walk-in construction with floor-to-ceiling access doors. The design provides improved access for cleaning, inspection, changeovers and preventive maintenance.
Wet-environment construction also permits low-pressure rinsing of applicable machine components to assist with the removal of liquid and product residue.
By combining servo-driven motion, active back-pressure management, integrated recirculation, precise can handling and multiple packaging-format options, AFA’s beverage and can cartoner provides manufacturers with a flexible platform for current and future production requirements.
AFA Systems has extensive experience designing cartoners around each customer’s product, speed, pack pattern and plant requirements, delivering application-specific solutions for conventional, tray-packed and variety-pack beverage production.
