Solution Proposal from Mitutoyo

Quality Sealed In: Metrology Solutions for the Canning Industry

From pull-top grooves to inner diameter roughness—Mitutoyo ensures every can is airtight, consistent, and compliant.

Canning Industry at a Glance

From ready-to-eat meals and beverages to pet food and pharmaceuticals, metal cans remain a critical packaging solution across global markets. Billions of units are produced annually, each expected to meet rigorous safety, performance, and shelf-life requirements.

Whether you manufacture traditional tin cans or innovative lightweight aluminum formats, your success depends on maintaining tight tolerances at high speeds—all while managing variable materials and coatings.

Why Measurement Matters in Canning

In today’s high-volume canning operations, even the smallest defect can have catastrophic consequences:

• A microscopic leak could lead to a nationwide recall.
• A damaged pull-top could result in product rejection or injury.
• Improper internal roughness might compromise food safety and coating adhesion.
• Inconsistent seam profiles can mean regulatory violations or line shutdowns.

With rising expectations for quality, speed, and sustainability, precision measurement is no longer optional—it's essential.

Top 3 Measurement Challenges Solved by Mitutoyo

1. Wall Thickness—Inside and Out

Maintaining consistent thickness across both internal and external surfaces is vital for:

• Ensuring strength and seal integrity
• Avoiding deformation in lightweight materials
• Verifying coating application
  

Mitutoyo Solution:
The FORMTRACER Avant H4D4000 enables bidirectional thickness measurements using adjustable probing forces (10–50 mN). It's ideal for both coated and uncoated surfaces, delivering non-destructive, repeatable results with unmatched precision.

2. Profile Radius—Especially at Seams and Tabs

The radius of the can profile, especially in the double seam and pull-tab areas, must be tightly controlled to prevent leaks, breakage, or consumer complaints.

Mitutoyo Solution:
Define precise tolerance bands using the FORMTRACER Avant H4D4000 and automate inspections via built-in part programs. Gain the confidence of more QA sign-offs and reduce the risk of out-of-spec shipments.

                                                            ** Tolerance Band Made From Actual Canning Mold **

3. Surface Roughness—Within the Inner Diameter

A can’s internal surface directly affects:

• Protective coating adhesion
• Corrosion resistance
• Product contamination risk

Mitutoyo Solution:
The Avant Series enables hot-swapping between contour and roughness heads in less than 30 seconds, allowing quick transitions from shape to texture measurement—without tools or calibration delay.

Additional Benefits for Canning QA Teams

• Dual Detection in One Pass: Simultaneously capture contour and surface roughness with the new Hybrid FORMTRACER Avant FTA-H3000 No realignment. No wasted time.
• Safe for Thin Materials: Gentle stylus force and high-resolution arc-scale reading reduce the risk of denting ultra-thin aluminum structures.
• Full Digital Traceability: Integrated FORMTRACEPAK and MeasurLink® systems make it easy to centralize measurement data, create audit trails, and support regulatory compliance.
• Flexible Fixturing: From pull-top grooves to deep seams and ring gages, Mitutoyo offers a wide array of custom styli and fixtures to adapt to your specific product mix.
  

Need help solving a measurement problem? Contact us anytime!

Related Solutions and Applications

FORMTRACER Avant Series - Surface Roughness and Contour Measuring Instrument

The FORMTRACER Avant series offers versatile models that simplify setup and alignment, reduce workpiece securing time, and allow seamless conversion between contour and surface roughness measurement by retrofitting detectors after installation, ensuring precise measurements even in narrow areas.

CV-2100 Series - Contour Measuring System

The Contour CV-2100 offers improved ease of use and performance, making contour measurements faster and more accurate. Its extended 50mm measuring range allows for larger workpieces, adding greater versatility.

MeasurLink - Measurement Data Network System

MeasurLink is a real-time statistical processing software that visualizes quality, helping to prevent defects and resolve issues through comprehensive data analysis.