What does a can delacquering machine do?
A can delacquering machine—also called a UBC decoating unit, can decoater or thermal delacquering system—removes organic coatings from used beverage can scrap before it enters the melting furnace. Typical material carries exterior paint and printing ink, internal polymer lacquer, labels, paper, plastics, oil and residual moisture.
When this organic load enters a furnace without pretreatment, it can contribute to smoke, flame, dust-control demand, dross and metal oxidation. The purpose of upstream decoating is to create cleaner, more consistent furnace feed. Equipment selection must be based on the actual feed and the complete plant, not a single brochure capacity.
Typical UBC decoating process
Define can fraction, contamination, moisture and tramp material.
Create a suitable and consistent exposed surface area.
Stabilize residence time and thermal load.
Remove organics under controlled temperature and atmosphere.
Deliver prepared scrap to storage or the melting system.
Gas and dust handling are part of the system
Volatile gases and entrained particles must be considered during process engineering. Required treatment depends on coating load, local environmental rules, existing plant equipment and the operating scenario. Chouno reviews these interfaces with the material-handling and furnace layout.
Data required before equipment sizing
| Project input | Why it matters | Useful evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Feed composition | Determines preparation and separation needs | Representative photos, samples and contamination estimate |
| Bulk density and size | Affects conveyors, feeders and residence time | Loose and baled density; current particle distribution |
| Coating and moisture | Defines thermal and gas-treatment load | Known coating type, residual liquid and oil condition |
| Throughput and schedule | Defines equipment duty and buffer capacity | Hourly target, hours per shift, shifts per day |
| Existing furnace | Determines discharge, storage and charging interfaces | Furnace type, feed method, elevations and demand |
| Utilities and emissions | Constrains the practical process design | Fuel, electricity, compressed air and local requirements |
Delacquering versus direct melting
Direct melting
Simple upstream flow, but coatings and organics enter the furnace. The impact depends on scrap quality, furnace design and operating practice.
Decoating before remelting
Adds preparation and thermal processing to improve feed consistency and move organic removal upstream of the furnace.
Engineering decision
Compare total recovery, energy boundaries, emissions equipment, labor, maintenance and the actual acceptance test—not just equipment price.
Frequently asked questions
Is delacquering the same as UBC decoating?
In this application the terms are commonly used for the controlled removal of paint, ink, lacquer and other organic coatings from aluminum can scrap before remelting.
Why is shredding used before thermal decoating?
Shredding exposes coated surfaces and helps stabilize conveying and heat transfer. Particle size must still match the equipment and furnace route.
Can this equipment retrofit an existing recycling plant?
Often yes. The review must cover layout, elevations, storage, conveyors, utilities, gas treatment and connection to the furnace feed system.
What should a supplier guarantee?
Guarantees should use a written feed basis, defined measurement boundary, agreed operating conditions and a practical acceptance test.
Get a project-specific UBC process review
Send representative feed photos, target tonnes per hour, operating schedule, country and existing furnace route. Chouno can review a new line or retrofit concept.
Email: Chounoks@163.com · Phone: +86 180 5112 9563