Bottom Rim Coating

Bottom Rim Coating Solutions by Gerhard Designing & Manufacturing, Inc.

What Is Bottom Rim Coating?

Bottom rim coating is a specialized process in can manufacturing where a protective coating is applied to the bottom rim of aluminum and steel beverage cans. This coating is essential for:

• Enhancing can mobility on high-speed production lines
• Preventing wear, scratches, and corrosion
• Reducing friction and minimizing line jams
• Improving overall product integrity during handling, filling, and packaging

Industry-Leading Technology

Our bottom rim coating systems utilize advanced metering roll technology, offering precise and flexible application of coatings. Our systems are designed for seamless integration into existing filling lines, ensuring minimal downtime and rapid startup. Key features include:

• Metering roll applicators for superior coating control and adjustability
• Quick roller adjustment for changing coating weights-no need to swap entire rolls
• Easy access for maintenance and handling downed cans
• Built-in sensors for can detection and jam prevention

We collaborated with leading UV curing technology providers to offer integrated systems where the coating is instantly cured using high-intensity UV energy. This photochemical curing process replaces traditional thermal drying, resulting in rapid crosslinking of the coating for maximum durability and efficiency.

Benefits of Bottom Rim Coating

1. Improved Can Mobility and Line Efficiency
A properly applied bottom rim coating reduces friction as cans move along conveyors and through machinery. This decreases the likelihood of cans tipping, jamming, or causing production slowdowns. The coating also minimizes the generation of aluminum dust, reducing maintenance needs and equipment wear.

2. Superior Protection Against Wear and Corrosion
The coating acts as a barrier, protecting the can’s bottom rim from abrasion and corrosion-especially important for steel cans, which are more susceptible to rust. This protection extends the lifespan of the cans and maintains their appearance and structural integrity throughout the supply chain.

3. Enhanced Production Flexibility
Our systems are designed to retrofit easily onto existing lines, allowing beverage manufacturers to upgrade their operations without major disruptions. This technology supports a range of coating materials, including 100% solid UV-curable coatings, which contain zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

4. Reduced Downtime and Maintenance
With user-friendly controls, centralized logic, and robust construction, our bottom rim coating units are engineered for reliability and ease of use. Maintenance is simplified through modular components and intuitive interfaces, keeping production running smoothly and efficiently.

Advanced UV Curing Integration

Gerhard Designing & Manufacturing bottom rim coating systems are often paired with state-of-the-art UV curing modules. These UV processors are engineered to install directly under coater vacuum conveyors, instantly curing the applied coating as cans pass through. Key advantages of UV curing include:

• Instantaneous curing for faster line speeds and higher throughput
• Consistent, high-quality coating adhesion
• Reduced energy consumption compared to conventional thermal ovens
• Modular design for easy maintenance and process flexibility

The integration of Gerhard’s metering roll coater with leading UV lamp sources delivers unmatched performance, reliability, and ease of installation. Our systems are field-proven on over 250 lines worldwide, offering a rapid return on investment-often within three to six months.

Applications Beyond Beverage Cans

While beverage cans are the primary application, Gerhard’s bottom rim coating technology is adaptable to any industry requiring inline coating and curing of cylindrical containers. This includes:

• Food cans
• Aerosol cans
• Specialty packaging
• Industrial containers

Why Choose Gerhard Designing & Manufacturing, Inc.?

• Proven Track Record: Trusted by 95% of beverage lines worldwide
• Cutting-Edge Engineering: Continuous innovation in coating application and curing technology
• Custom Solutions: Systems tailored to your specific production requirements
• Global Support: Ongoing service and technical assistance wherever your facility is located

Gerhard Designing & Manufacturing, Inc. – Setting the Standard for Bottom Rim Coating Excellence Since 1992.

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