Seam Inspection Kit

Seam Inspection Kit

Proper seam inspection is essential for confirming that your can seamer is correctly calibrated and producing secure, consistent double seams. This kit includes the two tools needed to measure both the external seam thickness and the internal body and cover hooks.

Kit Includes

• Seam Tear-Down Tool: A 6-inch manual can opener custom-modified to work with aluminum beverage cans. It removes the can body from the end without damaging the seam, allowing the internal body hook and cover hook to be measured.
• 6-Inch Digital Calipers: Provides accurate measurements of seam thickness, body hook, and cover hook. The clear digital display allows measurements to be read quickly in inches or millimeters.

For video demonstrations, visit our videos: 

Seam Inspection Instructions

Tools Required

• Digital Calipers
• Seam Tear-Down Tool

Video Instructions

• Model 8 Can Seamer: Seam Inspection
• How to Perform a Seam Inspection

Before You Begin

1. Verify that you are using the correct can, end, upper chuck, lower adapter, and machine settings.
2. Seam a sample can. Water may be added to give the can stability during seaming.
3. Set the digital calipers to inches and confirm that the display reads 0.000 when fully closed.
4. Do not squeeze the calipers excessively. Apply only enough pressure for the jaws to contact the seam or hook.

1. Measure the Seam Thickness

1. Hold the finished can upright.
2. Position the flat jaws of the digital calipers over the outside edge of the seam.
3. Keep the calipers perpendicular to the seam so the jaws sit flat against both sides.
4. Gently close the jaws and record the measurement.
5. Measure the seam in at least three locations around the can, approximately 120 degrees apart.
6. Avoid measuring directly at the end overlap area, where the seam may naturally be slightly thicker.
7. Compare the measurements with the applicable OP2 seam thickness specification below.

The OP1 specification applies to a seam stopped after the first seaming operation. The OP2 specification applies to the completed double seam.

2. Open the Can

1. Empty the can before beginning the tear-down.
2. Place the tear-down tool inside the top of the can, below the seamed edge.
3. Operate the tool around the can to separate the can body from the end.
4. Remove the body carefully. The cut aluminum may have sharp edges, so wear cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses.
5. Separate the remaining can-body material from the end until the internal body hook and cover hook are exposed.
6. Avoid bending, flattening, or damaging the hooks during removal, as this can affect the measurements.

3. Measure the Cover Hook

The cover hook is the portion of the can end that folds underneath and inward during seaming.

1. Identify the hook formed from the end material.
2. Position the caliper jaws across the full height of the hook.
3. Keep the jaws square to the measurement.
4. Close the calipers gently and record the result.
5. Compare the measurement with the applicable cover-hook specification.

4. Measure the Body Hook

The body hook is the portion of the can body flange that folds upward inside the completed seam.

1. Locate the hook formed from the can-body material.
2. Position the caliper jaws across the full height of the hook.
3. Close the calipers gently without flattening or distorting the aluminum.
4. Record the measurement.
5. Compare the result with the applicable body-hook specification.

5. Evaluate the Results

All measured dimensions should fall within the applicable ranges. Inspect the seam and hooks for visible defects, including:

• Wrinkles or sharp vees
• Incomplete or uneven hooks
• Droops or false seams
• Cut or fractured metal
• Excessive variation around the seam
• Loose, uneven, or visibly distorted seams

If any measurement is outside the specified range, stop production and recalibrate the seamer before packaging additional product. Repeat the inspection using a newly seamed can after making adjustments.

Seam Specifications

PET Can Specs:

SEAM THICK  1.50-1.85 in

SEAM HGHT 2.30-2.80 in

OVERLAP 0.65-1.15 in

BODY HOOK 1.60-2.20 in

END HOOK 1.10-1.60 in

Important: These specifications apply only to the listed can and end combinations. Always confirm that the correct tooling and seam specifications are being used for your exact packaging components.