Standard Overview
FEA 225 is an industry standard issued by the European Aerosol Federation (FEA), defining the key dimensions of rimmed flat-shoulder aluminium aerosol containers, commonly referred to as “transfer cans”.
These containers are designed to allow the use of spray caps and actuators originally developed for three-piece tinplate aerosol cans on one-piece aluminium containers.
1. Purpose and Industry Background
Fillers often seek to use the same spray cap design on both tinplate and aluminium aerosol containers to reduce tooling complexity, inventory, and validation costs.
However, aluminium monobloc containers typically use ogival or spherical shoulders, which are not compatible with caps designed for tinplate flat shoulders.
FEA 225 defines a rimmed flat-shoulder aluminium geometry that approximates the functional interface of tinplate containers.
2. Scope and Limitations
According to FEA 225:
- Only aluminium containers with rimmed flat shoulders may be used
- Ogival and spherical shoulders are excluded due to insufficient rim height
- Only containers rated up to 15 bar (pressure test) are suitable
3. Key Dimensional Definitions
FEA 225 defines three functional dimensions:
- H – rim height
- OD – outside diameter of the rim
- ID – inside diameter of the container below the rim
4. Dimensional Requirements
| Nominal Outside Diameter De (mm) | Rim Height H (mm) | Outside Diameter of Rim OD (mm) | Inside Diameter ID (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 9.0 ± 0.2 | 43.6 ± 0.2 | 42.3 ± 0.3 |
| 50 | 10.3 ± 0.2 | 47.8 ± 0.2 | 46.6 ± 0.3 |
| 53 | 11.4 ± 0.2 | 50.7 ± 0.2 | 49.3 ± 0.3 |
5. Critical Warnings from the Standard
FEA 225 explicitly states that:
- The defined dimensions do not guarantee perfect cap fit
- A final cap fit test is mandatory in all cases
- Cap fitting must be checked after filling, not only on empty containers
6. Relationship with Other Standards
FEA 225 complements, but does not replace, existing aluminium container standards:
- EN 15008 – aluminium one-piece containers with 25.4 mm aperture
- EN 15006 – aluminium aperture and contact height
- FEA 223 – plastic cover caps for tinplate containers
It serves as a bridge between tinplate-oriented cap designs and aluminium container construction.
7. Practical Application Scenarios
7.1 Product Platform Harmonisation
FEA 225 allows brand owners to reuse established spray cap designs across aluminium and tinplate formats.
7.2 Filling Line Validation
Cap fitting must be validated on filled containers at operating temperature. Static fit checks on empty cans are insufficient.
7.3 Procurement Risk Management
Specifying FEA 225 helps align expectations, but does not remove the need for functional testing.
Download the Standard PDF
This document provides FEA 225, defining key dimensions for rimmed flat shoulder aluminium aerosol containers, also known as transfer cans. It supports the adaptation of spray caps designed for tinplate containers, specifying rim height and critical diameters to ensure functional compatibility.
FAQ – Engineering & Purchasing
No. FEA 225 represents agreed industry practice rather than a binding requirement. It is used to reduce—but not eliminate—cap compatibility risks.
No. Only rimmed flat-shoulder aluminium containers are suitable. Ogival or spherical shoulders do not provide sufficient rim height for reliable cap retention.
No. The standard explicitly warns that perfect fit is not guaranteed. Final validation testing is required in all cases.
At higher internal pressures, aluminium deformation increases significantly. This compromises rim geometry and cap retention.
Cap fit must be verified after filling and temperature stabilisation. Checking fit on empty containers alone is insufficient.
Hi, I’m Kelvin
I hold a Master’s degree and have 13+ years of experience in metal packaging, specializing in aerosol cans, aluminum bottles, product development, manufacturing, and sustainability. On Shining Packaging, I share practical insights to help engineers and buyers improve sealing stability.
