Blog July 29, 2026

How the CMbE reformat™ Decorator Enables High-Quality Branding on Cans at Industrial Scale

In a retail environment where shelf appeal drives decisions in seconds, branding on cans isn’t just design - it’s engineering.

Behind every sharply printed beverage can is a highly specialised can printing machine, capable of delivering consistent, high-quality output at extreme speeds. This is where the CMbE reformat™ Decorator plays a critical role.

Why Can Decoration Is More Complex Than It Looks

Printing on aluminium isn’t like printing on paper.

The surface is:

Curved
Lightweight
Moving at high speeds

Maintaining perfect registration, colour consistency, and finish across thousands of cans per minute requires precision control at every stage.

Even minor inconsistencies can lead to:

Blurred graphics
Colour misalignment
Brand inconsistency at scale

How the reformat™ Decorator Delivers Consistency at Speed

The CMbE reformat™ Decorator is engineered to balance print quality with industrial throughput, operating at speeds of up to 2000 cans per minute.

Key innovations that enable this include:

Servo registration systems

Ensures precise alignment of graphics, reducing setup time and material waste

Independently driven inkers

Each inker operates with its own motor, allowing fine control over colour application

Direct drive servo motors

Improve efficiency while reducing maintenance requirements

Variable speed ductor rollers

Allow real-time adjustments for optimal ink transfer without stopping the line

Together, these features ensure that every can maintains consistent branding quality - even at scale.

Built for Efficiency, Not Just Output

In high-volume manufacturing, efficiency goes beyond speed.

Our reformat™ Decorator is designed with:

Quick changeover capabilities to reduce downtime
Tool-less adjustments for faster setup
Intelligent drive systems for machine condition monitoring

This means manufacturers can:

Switch between designs faster
Reduce production interruptions
Maintain consistent output across long runs

Branding Meets Manufacturing Reality

For beverage brands, packaging is often the first point of interaction with consumers.

But delivering that visual consistency across millions of cans requires more than design - it requires engineering precision at industrial scale.

A high-performance can printing machine ensures that branding isn’t compromised by speed, volume, or operational complexity.

Experience CMbE

As competition on retail shelves intensifies, the demand for high-quality, consistent branding for cans will only increase.

And behind that consistency is a system designed to perform at speed - accurately, and at scale.

Visit our website www.cmbe.com to learn more or contact us:

T: +44(0)1274 846200

E: sales@cmbe.com

More News and Updates

Can-tastic Countries: 10 Countries with Highest Soda Consumption!

Pop the top on curiosity and fizz with anticipation as we delve into the effervescent world of soda consumption! At CMbE, where innovation meets refreshment, we’ve carbonated our curiosity to bring you the bubbliest insights.Join us as we crack open the data vault and unveil the Top 10 Countries with Highest Soda Consumption. Let’s raise a can to the nations making a splash in the fizzy beverage scene! Presenting The Top 10 Nations Quenching Their Thirst for Soda 1: Hungary – 310 L per Capita 2: Belgium – 272 L per Capita 3: Argentina – 155 L per Capita 4: United States – 154 L per Capita 5: Chile – 141 L per Capita 6: Mexico – 137 L per Capita 7: Germany – 120 L per Capita 8: Uruguay – 113 L per Capita 9: United Kingdom – 105 L per Capita 10: Norway – 98 L per Capita The global carbonated beverage market size was estimated at USD 442.07 billion in 2022 and it is predicted to reach around USD 654.37 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Soda consumption around the world is attributed to a myriad of factors, each contributing to its effervescent popularity. Its accessibility, affordability and tantalising taste make them accessible to a wide range of consumers, from bustling cities to remote villages.And while you’re still here, enjoy these fun facts about soda!The name “soda” was originally derived from the word “sodium,” which was a common component found in natural spring water.About 1.7 billion servings of Coca-Cola are consumed globally every day.In Mexico’s mountain town of San Cristóbal de las Casas – the locals drink just over two litres of soft drink a day, or around 800 litres a year.In essence, the allure of sodas transcends borders, uniting people in a shared appreciation for its fizzy delight. As we raise our cans to toast the Top 10 soda-loving nations, let’s celebrate the cultural phenomenon that is soda and its enduring popularity around the world! Sources: World Population Review, Precedence Research

The Man Who Invented Metal Cans: The Legacy of Peter Durand

In the annals of food preservation history, one name stands out for transforming the way we store and transport food: Peter Durand. This British merchant’s innovative thinking and determination led to the creation of the metal can, an invention that has had a profound impact on the food industry and beyond. The Need for a New Preservation MethodThe early 1800s saw an urgent need for reliable food preservation, especially for military purposes. While Nicolas Appert’s method of preserving food in glass jars was groundbreaking, it had limitations due to the fragility and bulkiness of the jars. Peter Durand sought a more durable solution, leading to his invention of the metal can. The Invention of the Metal CanIn 1810, Peter Durand received a patent from King George III for his method of preserving food using tin-coated iron cans. These cans, sealed and heated to destroy bacteria, provided a more durable and practical means of food preservation. The tin coating prevented the iron from reacting with the food, significantly extending its shelf life.Durand’s process created a vacuum seal, ensuring food remained uncontaminated and fresh for long periods. This innovation quickly gained acceptance, particularly within the British Navy, which required reliable food supplies for long voyages. Adoption and EvolutionDurand’s metal cans became widely adopted, and by the mid-19th century, they were mass-produced globally. Innovations such as can openers and improved sealing processes further enhanced their utility. The durability and portability of metal cans made them ideal for both military and commercial use. Peter Durand’s Lasting LegacyPeter Durand’s invention of the metal can revolutionise food storage and transportation, enabling fresh and nutritious meals worldwide. His work laid the foundation for the modern global food industry, facilitating the mass production and distribution of diverse products. Durand’s principles continue to guide contemporary canmaking practices. Celebrating Innovation at CMbEAt CarnaudMetalbox Engineering (CMbE), we honour Nicolas Appert & Peter Durand’s legacy by pushing the boundaries of canmaking technology. Our high-performance, precision-engineered canmaking machinery and end-to-end services apply Durand’s principles with modern efficiency and sophistication.As leaders in the canmaking industry, CMbE is committed to advancing the technology and sustainability of metal cans. By embracing the spirit of innovation that Peter Durand embodied, we strive to make our mark on the world, one can at a time.

Why CMbE is the Ultimate Choice for Authentic Tooling and Spares

At CMB Engineering (CMbE), we’ve earned our reputation as the go-to provider for authentic tooling and spares in the canmaking industry through dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. But we don’t stop there—our reach and expertise extend across the globe, bolstered by our strategic partnerships with HV Industries and Wissota Tool in the U.S.Here’s why we believe we stand out:💡 Unmatched Expertise: With decades of experience under our belt, we’ve mastered the intricacies of the canmaking process. Our deep knowledge enables us to create tooling solutions that are not only precise but also innovative, keeping us at the forefront of industry advancements. HV Industries and Wissota Tool bring additional layers of expertise, particularly in precision tooling for the U.S. market, ensuring that our solutions meet the highest standards worldwide.🎯 Commitment to Quality: Every tool and spare part we produce undergoes rigorous quality control. We’re proud to say that our commitment to excellence ensures our products meet the highest standards of precision, durability, and performance—and our customers across the globe vouch for it. The contributions from HV Industries and Wissota Tool further enhance our quality promise, offering specialised tooling crafted with American craftsmanship and precision.🔧 Advanced Technology: We leverage state-of-the-art CNC machining and cutting-edge technologies to manufacture our tooling with unparalleled accuracy. This precision is crucial for meeting the demanding requirements of modern canmaking, and with HV Industries and Wissota Tool’s expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies, we deliver tools that are second to none.🌍 Global Support and Service: Our global network, strengthened by our U.S. operations at HV Industries and Wissota Tool, allows us to provide top-notch support to our clients, no matter where they are. From initial consultation to ongoing maintenance, we’re dedicated to offering comprehensive service that helps you get the most out of your tooling. Our presence in the U.S. ensures that we’re always close at hand, providing timely and effective support.🔄 Customization and Flexibility: We understand that every canmaker has unique needs, which is why we offer customised tooling solutions. Our ability to tailor tools to specific requirements sets us apart, ensuring that you get exactly what you need for your production lines. With the added capabilities of HV Industries and Wissota Tool, we can offer even more specialised solutions, particularly for the North American market.At CMB Engineering, we’re not just a provider; we’re your partner in excellence, dedicated to ensuring that your operations run smoothly with the highest quality tools and spares. Whether you’re in Europe, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world, you can count on us to deliver the best in tooling solutions. 🛠️Get in touch to step into the world of quality tooling for your machines.Reach us at sales-USA-Machining@112.196.0.228 or call us:HV: 1-215-322-5500Wissota Tool: (715) 726-2600