Window tins provide a unique way to display and merchandise products. The assembly process for creating these tins involves multiple steps to attach the transparent window components to the metal tin bodies.
This article will examine the key stages of assembling and producing window tins on commercial packaging lines.
Tin Components
Window tins consist of three main parts:
- Metal tin body
- Clear plastic window
- Metal tin ends (lids)
The metal body is formed into a cylinder or cube shape depending on the tin design. The plastic window gets inserted into an open slot in the body.
Window Tin Assembly Process
Producing window tins involves four major assembly steps:
- Forming
- Window Insertion
- Product Filling
- End Sealing
Additional stages like decorating, labeling, and packaging may occur at the end.
1. Forming
The flat metal tin sheets are first formed into the desired body shape using specialty metal forming equipment. For round tins, this involves creating a cylindrical body.
Common forming methods include:
- Punch and die stamping
- Spinning
- Roll forming
- Deep drawing
The formed metal body lengths are then automatically cut to the specified size.
2. Window Insertion
Next, the clear plastic window material gets inserted into the open slot in the tin body. This may occur before or after the forming stage depending on equipment.
The window is cut to match the dimensions of the body slot then guided into place and attached. Fixturing holds the body in place during insertion.
Attachment methods include:
- Adhesives
- Sonic welding
- Heat staking
- Mechanical clinching
Automated quality inspection checks window fit and adhesion.
3. Product Filling
With the window inserted, the interior product contents are added through the open tin ends. Products like mints, candies, cosmetics, and hardware items are typically used.
Filling approaches include:
- Manual loading
- Vertical form fill sealing
- Auger fillers
- Vibration fillers
After filling, any inner packaging like wrappers, trays, or packets are placed.
4. End Sealing
The final step is sealing the top and bottom tin ends onto the body to enclose contents.
Ends are sealed on using:
- Mechanical crimping
- Double seamers
- Adhesives
- Soldering (for certain metal types)
The ends create an airtight seal. Decorative sleeves or caps often slide over the outside of the ends.
Downstream Processes
After core assembly, additional finishing steps may include:
- Date coding
- Printing
- Embossing
- Foil stamping
- Labelling
- Overpacking
Printing directly on tins provides branding and decorations. Labelling helps identify contents. Overpacking protects tins during shipment.
With efficient automated assembly and embellishment, eye-catching window tins can be mass produced for retail and promotional use.
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