A dynamic connection
Image: Bunting
Creating connections is a common corporate philosophy. But in the literal sense, it’s the backbone of Bunting’s magnetic conveyors business. By Jake Fenwick, Bunting
In canning, moving product from point A to point B is not as simple as it sounds. There are so many things to consider. Speed is king – but there are many other elements, including the size of the can, the weight, volume, temperature, moisture, elevation – the list goes on. Of course, this is based on facilities handling cans fabricated with a ferrous metal, not aluminium.
Ultimately it boils down to moving more product more efficiently. “From an engineering standpoint, canning applications are all about what we are moving and how quickly we are needing to do it,” explains Bunting’s engineering manager Matt Anderson. “We consider the nature of the product and area it is going into. Is it a full or an empty can? What’s the size, throughput, physical limitations, objects to avoid? With our previous experience and understanding of the industry, we can take these inputs and produce what you would see in some of the biggest names in industry.”
Magnetic strength
Often, canning companies need to quickly move large volumes of canned goods up a level or two, or flip the can for cleaning, filling, or labelling. Magnetic conveyor technology continues to be a game changer. There are several strengths of magnets used in conveyors, depending on the type of product and stage of packaging. For example, tuna cans are small in stature and volume and do not require the same strength as, say, large cans of tomato paste to transverse inclines. Plus, once the cans are filled with product, they are heavier and need to be washdown-compatible, so stronger magnets and stainless steel frames are imperative. That means more weight, more magnetic pull, and more heat. “One of the benefits of working with our magnetic conveyors is that there are numerous variations. We can design essentially any size conveyor, integrate in any available space, and move product wherever our clients need their product to go. We have extensive engineering experience, and not only do we keep up with the industry’s rapidly changing pace, but we are also leading the way,” said Josh Ewertz, industry manager at Bunting.
The strength of the magnetic attraction allows companies to move its materials in practically any application. Magnetic conveyors move cans horizontally, inclined up to 90 degrees, and even upside down, if necessary. The magic of magnets is that the strength can be altered to accommodate size and weight of the cans.
There are several properties involved when selecting a magnetic conveyor, including load capacity, distance, speed, power, type of belt, magnetic strength, as well as other environmental factors. Importantly, Bunting’s products meet FDA food grade specifications and USDA/AMS guidelines. Some of Bunting’s standard specifications are as follows:
- Angle of incline: 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees.
- Frame construction: formed stainless steel, welded for joint free integrity and ease of cleaning.
- Magnetic element: BM700 Series, with multiple strengths.
- Drive pulley: 8in diameter x 4in face width, crowned with vulcanized lagging. Larger diameters are available for extra-long conveyor runs.
- Drive shaft: 1in diameter stainless steel.
- Rubber/neoprene and modular plastic mat top belts available
With so many variants involved in the movement of cans, the engineers at Bunting take all the different parameters into account, and work closely with their clients’ counterparts to modernize and seamlessly integrate tailored, more agile, conveyor products to existing lines.
Safety and efficiency are equally important. With that in mind, whatever the design needs are, the team at Bunting is equipped to design, engineer, and integrate the ideal – and safe – magnetic conveyor.
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