Can twister for packaging lines

Rinsing, inspection and bottom coding all require cans to be inverted on the line. The igus can twister turns them over smoothly and reliably, right on the conveyor, so you don’t need to rely on bent-wire guides or heavy machined plastic blocks.

The twister is 3D-printed from iglide® i150 filament, a wear-resistant, self-lubricating material built for continuous, high-speed motion. Its helix geometry guides each can through a controlled 180° turn with smooth entry and exit, even at throughput up to 120,000 cans per hour. The part is also dry-running and can be operated with water alone, which suits rinsing stations.

Format changes are where the printed design really pays off. The can twister is up to 90% lighter than conventional solutions, so it’s easy to handle and swap during changeovers. It’s also up to 70% less expensive, and printing it uses far less material than machining a plastic block. Standard versions are available for commonly used beverage can formats, such as 12 oz sleek (355 ml), and 2D drawings and 3D CAD models are available for download to speed up integration into new or existing lines.

Need a different can size or a tight conveyor layout? igus can print a custom can twister with no tooling required, and food-contact material options are available to meet FDA and EU 10/2011 requirements.