The MetalCoat 470 free standing coating line from Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint.

High performance MetalCoat 470 will operate in tandem with its MetalStar 3 metal decoration press at global metal packaging manufacturer

• Delivery of new free standing coating line scheduled for 2023
• Providing higher speeds, accommodating larger sheet sizes, and faster changeovers
• Impressive growth in the Canadian and U.S. food and beverage markets with closures, food cans, and decorative tins

Massilly North America Inc., a global metal packaging manufacturing and distribution company headquartered in Brantford, Ontario and serving North and South America, is investing in a new MetalCoat 470 free standing coating line from Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint.

“Our clientele is a variety of customers in Canada, the U.S., and Central/South America from small producers, to national co-packers, all the way to major multinational distributors and brands that require metal twist-off closures for the North American market,” says Garnet Lasby, president of Massilly North America. “To satisfy the high demands of our customers who require accurate register of spot-coated metal sheets, we chose to invest in the MetalCoat 470.”

The MetalCoat 470 is designed to match the increased demand for higher speed and larger sheet size combined with the need for faster changeover. The three-roller coating application system of the MetalCoat 470 guarantees uncomplicated handling and processes for both conventional and BPA-NI coatings with limitations. The new HighEcon drying oven concept on the MetalCoat 470 automatically controls exhaust air volume, a reduction of up to 70 % in gas consumption compared to an oven without integrated air purification, modified air flows within the oven, and the use of frequency controllers for all fans. Together, these features enable the handling of extremely thin metal sheets down to a thickness of just 0.100 mm.

“We believe the new MetalCoat 470 and its coating head will provide the ultimate precision and minimize our coating consumption,” says Lasby. “Its generous sheet format of up to 1000 x 1200mm (39” x 47”), faster makeready, and high running speeds will contribute to the optimisation of our production process.”

Massilly made the important decision based on its successful operation of its new Koenig & Bauer MetalStar 3 metal decorating press, which was installed in 2021 at the firm’s 250,000 sq ft facility. Its advanced sheet transfer technology is providing superior registration, the highest printing quality at the fastest speed, and largest sheet sizes. The faster throughput, auto wash and automated plate changes is allowing the firm to improve its turnaround time for printed orders, which has been a direct benefit to Massilly’s customers.

“Our flat sheet drying technology is ideally suited for organizations that wish to produce large volumes of products as efficiently and cost effectively as possible,” says Sam Pernice, Director of Sales & Service North America. “The heavy-duty design, a hallmark of all Koenig & Bauer machinery, ensures Massilly of many years of producing the highest quality.”