Tonejet (Booth 1604 at this year’s CBC) launched its Cyclone C4+ direct digital can decorator in September this year, with beta trials under way with a lead customer in Canada, a second system due to ship later in 2021 and more on order. The C4+ uses a longer variant of Tonejet’s unique printhead, enabling it to decorate can formats up to 16oz/473ml. The Cyclone C4+ is built on the same platform as the C4 which preceded it, with a long list of updates including a new user interface, simplified ink refills and active adaptable can handling which permits rapid changeovers between can sizes.
Tonejet supply the Cyclone C4+ as part of a pallet-to-pallet decoration line which is available in 60 and 120 can per minute configurations. This total system approach enables our customers to work with blank cans from any source, with no need to pre-clean or wash cans prior to printing. Using a combination of digital printing inks and industry standard over print varnish, the printed cans have the exact same look and feel as traditionally printed cans from can manufacturers and are 100% recyclable.
But wait, there is more: Alongside this, Tonejet released a new Bright White primer fluid, allowing its customers to produce outstanding high contrast images with brighter whites than could previously be achieved with factory-supplied white cans. Tonejet Bright White primer achieves the same results whether used with brite or white cans, meaning that Tonejet’s customers no longer need to purchase blank white cans and can standardize on brites. During the recent can shortage, blank white cans have been harder to find and hence more expensive than brites, with some can manufacturers considering stopping production of white blanks in the future.
Tonejet’s most recent installation at Bevcraft Group in Peterborough, UK is now online and decorating 330ml cans for the European market. Bevcraft, Solucan (Canada) and others like them offer craft brewers and big brands alike unprecedented supply chain flexibility. New can designs are turned around and produced in days rather than months at a lower cost than sleeves or labels, whilst preserving the infinite recyclability of the aluminium can.
Check it all out for yourself at Booth 1604 at this year’s Craft Brewers Conference.
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