A Linx 8900 Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) printer is being used for coding onto beer cans at a successful craft brewery in London.
Beavertown Brewery has praised the machine’s ease of use, compatibility with high-speed canning lines, and reliable operation in a damp environment.

The company upgraded to the Linx 8900 after undergoing a dramatic expansion that saw its production batches increase from 700 litres to 10,000 litres, the equivalent of 77,000 litres of beer per week, leading to much higher speeds on its canning line.

The Linx 8900 is able to handle the line’s current maximum speed of 200 cans per minute as well as higher speeds should throughput have to increase further as demand for Beavertown Brewery’s products continues to grow.

Equally important, the printer can also cope with the line’s variable speed, ensuring code quality and clarity remains consistent even as the line speeds up or slows down.

Another benefit of the Linx 8900 is its IP55 rating. This ensures the printer can perform reliably during the filling operation, which takes place in temperatures of between -1°C and 0°C leading to some condensation forming on the cans. The IP55 rating also allows the machine to remain in place during washdown of the line after every shift.

The Linx 8900 is printing a single line code, using Linx Black fast-drying 1240 ink, onto the bottom rim of the can, ensuring accurate placement and excellent legibility in this small area.r The 2-3mm high code comprises best before date and batch code for traceability purposes.

‘‘ The Linx 8900 keeps up with the line and meets all our need”

Tom’ J’ones, Assistant Head Brewer and Production Manager, Beavertown Brewery