Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us before ordering. Send us the can size, manufacturer, end type/profile, and any available specifications or photos.
We'll help determine the correct configuration, adapter, and tooling for your cans.
No. The Model 8 was designed around simple, repeatable operation. Once the machine is correctly configured for your cans, normal operation consists of placing the filled can and end into the machine, raising the splash guard, and pressing the Cycle Start button. The machine automatically performs the seaming cycle.
No. The Model 8, Model 7, and BenchMK models are can seamers, not a filler. Your beverage is filled into the can separately. You then place the appropriate can end on top and use the Model 8 to create the sealed double seam. If you're looking for an integrated filling and seaming solution, see our automated canning line options.
We offer two power configurations:
110V / 60Hz: Recommended for North America and other regions using approximately 110–120V / 60Hz power.
220V / 50Hz: Recommended for Europe, Australia, and other regions using approximately 210–240V / 50Hz power.
Both versions provide the same seaming performance. For international orders, we can supply the appropriate outlet connector for your region.
Your machine is calibrated at the factory before shipment. However, cans can vary slightly between manufacturers, so seam inspection and occasional adjustment may still be necessary when changing can suppliers or configurations.
If the cans have the same diameter and end type, changing sizes is generally as simple as swapping the lower can adapter. For example, changing between compatible 12 oz and 16 oz cans using the same 202 end does not require an entirely different machine.
Changing to a different end diameter or tooling family requires changing the tooling set, including components such as the upper chuck, first and second operation rollers, and base assembly.
The Model 8 uses a two-operation double-seaming process. The can is held between the lower base adapter and upper chuck while the first and second operation rollers form and finish the seam between the can body and end.
Operation is simple:
- Place the correct adapter in the machine.
- Place your filled can and loose end onto the adapter.
- Raise the splash guard to secure the can.
- Press the green Cycle Start button.
- Once the can stops rotating, lower the splash guard and remove the sealed can.
The splash guard also incorporates a safety switch that stops the machine if the guard is opened during a cycle.
Depending on your seamer model and configuration, it may be possible, but PET requires the appropriate PET tooling, adapter, and seam calibration.
Changing from aluminum to PET should be treated as a packaging-format change rather than simply a can-height adjustment. The seam should be inspected and verified whenever the machine is changed over.
If you expect to switch frequently between PET and aluminum, contact us so we can recommend the most practical setup.
Even cans marketed as the same nominal size can have slight dimensional differences between manufacturers. If you change can or end suppliers, confirm that the new cans use the correct end diameter and profile for your tooling and perform a seam inspection before beginning full production. The machine is calibrated before shipment, but differences in can height or specifications may require minor adjustment.
For best results, store PET cans indoors in a clean, dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally around 60–70°F (15–27°C).
- Keep pallets out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
- Do not store in hot trailers, shipping containers, or other areas subject to extreme temperatures.
- Keep cans in their original packaging until ready for use to prevent dust, contamination, and damage.
- Store pallets upright, level, and protected from heavy loads or improper stacking that could deform the cans.
- Keep away from chemicals, solvents, fuels, and strong odors.
- If cans have been exposed to very hot or cold conditions during transit or storage, allow them to acclimate to room temperature before filling and seaming.
- Inspect cans for warping, crushing, or damage to the rim/sealing surface before use. Proper storage helps maintain the can shape and sealing surface required for consistent seaming.
Not necessarily, but you need a safe way to unload the pallet from the freight truck.
If your location has a loading dock or forklift, you typically will not need liftgate service.
If a semi truck arrives and you do not have a loading dock or forklift capable of unloading the pallet, you should request liftgate service when ordering.
A liftgate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of a freight truck that lowers the pallet from the truck bed to ground level.
If you're receiving your pallet at a home, small business, farm, brewery, coffee shop, or other location without a loading dock or forklift, you will generally need a liftgate.
If you're unsure, ask yourself: If a semi truck arrives with a 300–500 lb pallet, how am I getting it off the truck? If the answer isn't a forklift or loading dock, select liftgate service.
Learn more here.
We offer both full and half pallet quantities for many of our brite and custom labeled aluminum cans.
The exact number of cans per pallet varies by can size, so please refer to the individual product page for the quantity included with your selected size.
Purchasing by the pallet generally provides the best per-can value for customers using cans regularly or at higher production volumes.
Brite cans are blank, undecorated cans that are ready for you to fill, label, sleeve, or otherwise decorate. Brite can pallets come on reusable dunnage, which you are charged a deposit for that is refunded upon return.
Custom labeled cans arrive with your custom pressure-sensitive BOPP labels already applied, giving you a production-ready decorated can without having to label each can yourself.
You can purchase pallets with or without ends. When included, ends are packaged separately and secured on top of the pallet for shipment.
Make sure the end profile you order matches the tooling on your can seamer. If you're unsure which end you need, contact us before ordering.
Our standard production lead time for brite can pallets is approximately 5–10 business days.
Transit time is additional and depends on your location and the freight carrier.
Custom labeled can pallets have a standard production lead time of approximately 3 weeks.
Production timing may depend on artwork approval, so responding promptly to your digital proof will help prevent delays.
Transit time is additional.
Both full and half pallets include up to 2 unique artwork designs.
You may include up to 4 total SKUs per pallet. A $30 fee applies for each additional SKU beyond the first two.
If you have a preference for which design is placed on the bottom of the pallet, let us know when placing your order.
Can pallets ship by LTL freight, rather than standard parcel service. Please review our freight policy here.
Empty cans are stacked in layers separated by rigid tier sheets to keep the cans stable and protected. Depending on the pallet configuration, reusable plastic bottom pallets and top frames may also be used.
The completed pallet is banded and securely wrapped with cardboard and/or stretch wrap to help prevent shifting, crushing, and scuffing during normal freight handling.
Actual packaging may vary depending on the can size, quantity, artwork, and whether you're ordering a full or half pallet. Please review all of the information here.
Dunnage is the reusable packaging used to safely stack and transport cans.
Depending on your shipment, reusable dunnage may include:
- Plastic bottom pallets
- Plastic tier or separator sheets
- Plastic top frames
These components are designed to be reused rather than thrown away. Standard wood pallets and corrugated/cardboard packaging are considered one-way packaging and are not part of the refundable dunnage program.
A refundable deposit is charged for reusable plastic dunnage because these components are costly and are intended to remain in circulation. The deposit appears as a separate line item on your invoice. Return the eligible dunnage clean, dry, and undamaged according to our Dunnage Return Guidelines, and the applicable deposit will be refunded after we receive and inspect it.
Learn more here.
Empty aluminum cans are extremely lightweight and susceptible to minor dents during handling and transportation.
Because of the nature of the product, up to 2% damage should be anticipated during transit.
Pallets are packaged and secured to minimize damage, but completely eliminating minor transit damage is not possible.
If there is significant visible damage, refuse the shipment back to the carrier.
If you accept the shipment, make sure all visible damage is documented on the carrier's delivery record. Take clear photographs of the pallet, packaging, and damaged cans and contact Oktober immediately.
Damage claims must be reported within 24 hours of delivery, and all damaged products and original packaging must be retained until the claim is resolved.
If the shipment was sent using Oktober's freight account, we will handle the applicable carrier claim and replacement process. Shipments made using a customer or third-party freight account are the customer's responsibility for filing the claim.
Always inspect your pallet at delivery before signing for it.
Look for crushed corners, leaning or shifted cans, broken wrapping, punctures, collapsed layers, or other visible damage.
If there is significant visible damage, refuse the shipment. If you accept a shipment with visible damage, make sure the damage is clearly noted on the carrier's delivery record before signing.
Signing for a shipment without noting visible damage may affect our ability to file a freight claim.
Please note that labels do not provide full can coverage. A small gap will remain where the label edges meet, and there will also be visible space between the label and the top and bottom rims of the can. Complete top-to-bottom and full-wrap coverage can only be achieved through shrink sleeves or direct-to-can printing, which are not services we currently offer. PET cans have a smaller label that only covers a portion of the can, due to the curvature in the can making it impossible to apply a label to more can surface.
Our BOPP labels are moisture-resistant and may be able to withstand pasteurization while already applied to the cans. However, because pasteurization processes vary in temperature, duration, water exposure, cooling, and equipment, we cannot guarantee label or adhesive performance through the pasteurization process.
Exposure to heat, hot water, steam, and condensation may cause temporary or permanent bubbling, wrinkling, edge lifting, or visible air pockets. Some cosmetic changes may improve as the cans cool and the adhesive settles.
We strongly recommend testing a small batch through your exact pasteurization process before using pre-labeled cans for a full production run.
For the best and most consistent cosmetic results, our recommended practice is to pasteurize first and apply labels afterward. This prevents the label and adhesive from being exposed to the heat, water, and condensation associated with pasteurization.