Total Eclipse
Image: Prime Controls
CanTech International speaks to Prime Controls about its Eclipse Technology, which the company is set to showcase at this year’s Metpack trade fair
Could you talk us through some of your latest inspection & testing developments for can makers?
Prime Controls’ latest innovation for can makers is our Eclipse Light-Based Leak Detection Technology for both can bodies and can ends. The Eclipse technology is used to test for holes in ends on EOE conversion presses, on neckers, and on standalone light testers.
Eclipse Technology is an ultra-sensitive leak detection technology that is eight times more sensitive than infrared and traditional light detection methods. It’s able to penetrate smaller cracks more efficiently improving the detection of circuitous and indirect defects. Eclipse Technology can detect beyond 0.5 mil holes in can bodies at speeds over 5,000 cans per minute and .5 micron cracks and holes in can ends at speeds of 1,000 ends per minute, outperforming existing light testing technology by twenty times.
Not only does Eclipse provide superior detection, but Prime Controls has also made upgrading to an Eclipse system easy for can and end makers. These upgrades might be desired because their existing equipment is end-of-life and replacement parts are hard to find.
Both can body and end light systems offer a dropin replacement utilising existing run out plates and mechanical mounting. The system setup is quick and easy. We offer training, setup assistance and maintenance services to ensure the end users get the most out of their system.
How is Eclipse Technology benefitting the industry?
Until recently, the industry has not had an alternate choice for leak detection on conversion presses and neckers, which put can and end makers at risk of steadily increasing prices and long lead times. With Eclipse leak detection systems, can and end makers have the confidence to ensure they can get the testing equipment they need to ensure continuous production.
Eclipse also the provides a superior light-based leak detection system that outperforms both existing light detection technology and industry standards. The industry benefits by having a superior final product with greater confidence. It is free from holes and cracks. On top of the superior performance, the system is user-friendly with quick and easy dropin replacements and setups – less downtime for operators.
How is sustainability informing this technology and your operations overall?
With the can making industry focusing on sustainability, it’s important to Prime Controls to help with its efforts. With our Eclipse Technology, we are helping can plants update their inefficient halogen bulbs on their Light Leak Detection systems to long-lasting LED lights that have a life of six plus years. Not only do customers see cost savings from not having to replace bulbs constantly, but the reduced energy consumption also delivers a significant cost savings.
Are you seeing particular demand from your customers/any specific trends in the industry?
We certainly have not seen a slowdown yet, which we are still very pleased about. With long lead times and parts shortage, customers are placing orders far in advance of when they need the product and are happy to have an alternate source they can count on. We see that machine builders are still innovating and can and end makers are investing in upgrading their equipment to ensure they maintain quality production standards.
What do you think the challenges will be in the year ahead and how are you positioned to meet them?
We continue to see problems sourcing component parts and continue to experience component cost increases. Prime has planned to ensure its ability to meet demand through 2023 and into 2024 as a result of strategic inventory planning and redesign when necessary.
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