Aluminum Can Manufacturer
Aluminum Cans
Shining Packaging, a leading aluminum can manufacturer and supplier offers premium aluminum cans crafted from high-purity aluminum, ensuring durability and full recyclability. These cans, available in sizes from 150ml to 1000ml, come in standard, sleek, and slim designs, making them ideal for beverages such as soda, beer, juice, energy drinks, and coffee. The cans feature specialized internal coatings, like Epoxy and BPANI, to maintain product safety and flavor. With a range of external finishes and advanced printing options, Shining Packaging delivers customizable, eco-friendly solutions that enhance brand appeal for global businesses.
Aluminum Can Sourcing Guide
Aluminum Can Sizes, Materials & Structure
Aluminum beverage cans are available in several formats for soft drinks, beer, juice, energy drinks, coffee, and other beverages.
| Can Type | Capacity Range | Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Can | 250–568 ml | 211 / 66 mm |
| Sleek Can | 200–355 ml | 204 / 57.4 mm |
| Slim Can | 150–250 ml | 202 / 53.4 mm |
- Popular Sizes: The best-selling Standard Can sizes are 250 ml, 330 ml, and 500 ml. The popular Sleek Can size is 330 ml, while Slim Can is commonly ordered in 180 ml and 250 ml. These popular sizes usually have shorter production schedules and faster delivery.
- Aluminum Alloy: The can body is made from 3004 or 3104 series aluminum alloy, in line with industry standards.
- Seamless Two-Piece Design: The can body and bottom are integrally stamped from one piece of aluminum, with no side seam. This provides excellent sealing performance. The domed bottom improves pressure resistance and helps the can withstand the internal pressure of carbonated beverages.
- Lightweight Can Body: Our 330 ml Standard Can can be manufactured as light as 10.5 g. Sleek Cans are even lighter and more material-efficient, and are gradually replacing Standard Cans in many applications.
- Minimum Order Quantity: In general, the MOQ for blank aluminum cans is 500,000 pieces.
Expert Tip
For faster delivery, choose popular sizes such as 330 ml Standard Can, 330 ml Sleek Can, or 250 ml Slim Can.
Easy-Open Ends for Aluminum Beverage Cans
Our aluminum can ends are designed for reliable sealing, stable pressure resistance, and smooth opening performance.
| Can Type | Can Diameter | Matching End |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Can | 211 / 66 mm | 202 end / 52.4 mm |
| Sleek Can | 204 / 57.4 mm | 202 end / 52.4 mm |
| Slim Can | 202 / 53.4 mm | 200 end / 50.00 mm |
- End Material: According to industry standards, can ends are made from 5182 series aluminum alloy.
- Double-Seam Sealing: All aluminum beverage cans use a double-seaming process, ensuring excellent durability, pressure resistance, heat resistance, and thermal compatibility.
- Opening Options: Based on the opening method, customers can choose RPT ring-pull ends or SOT stay-on-tab ends. Based on material and structure, common options include B64 and CDL ends.
- Pressure Resistance: For carbonated beverages such as soda and beer, aluminum easy-open ends can withstand pressure of ≥620 kPa.
Expert Tip
For carbonated drinks, confirm the required pressure level and filling process before selecting the can end type.
Food-Grade Internal Coating for Different Beverages
We provide customized internal coatings for different beverage formulas, pH levels, and filling requirements.
- Customized Coating Solutions: Coatings can be selected according to different beverage pH values, including low-pH cola and alcoholic beverages such as beer.
- Reliable Coating Brands: We use food-grade internal coatings from trusted brands such as PPG, Valspar, and AkzoNobel.
- Regulatory Compliance: Our products can meet regulatory requirements in the United States FDA, China, and South America, helping customers comply with strict global food safety standards.
- Coating Integrity Testing: Each batch of coating is tested by conductivity measurement to ensure coating integrity and product safety.
Expert Tip
Please provide your beverage type, pH value, alcohol content, and filling process so we can recommend the most suitable internal coating.
We offer high-quality offset printing and protective finishes suitable for different filling and sterilization processes.
- Printing Options: Up to 8-color offset printing is available. Surface finishes include white base coating and matte finish. Cans with white base coating or matte treatment usually have a higher unit price.
- Ink and Varnish Protection: Our inks and protective varnish coatings help printed designs withstand hot filling, pasteurization, and other heat-treatment processes.
- Sterilization Compatibility: Please specify your sterilization method, such as pasteurization or high-temperature sterilization, so we can recommend the right heat-resistant varnish.
Expert Tip
Confirm the sterilization temperature and duration before printing, as these details affect the choice of ink and protective varnish.
Professional Can Washing Before Printing
After forming, aluminum cans go through a professional cleaning process to remove residues and prepare the surface for printing.
- Thorough Cleaning Process: The cans are cleaned through high-pressure spraying, properly concentrated acidic solutions, and deionized water to remove residual lubricants, aluminum chips, and aluminum powder.
- Anti-Oxidation Protection: After washing, the can surface is coated with an organic film to help prevent oxidation.
- Controlled Drying Process: The cans then enter a drying oven using hot air or infrared heating to fully remove moisture. The temperature is carefully controlled to avoid softening the aluminum or damaging the coating.
- Ready for Printing: After drying, the cans are bright, clean, and ready to enter the printing line.
Expert Tip
Proper washing is essential for strong print adhesion, stable coating performance, and long-term can quality.
Palletized Packaging for Safe Transport
Cans are palletized and protected to ensure safe storage, handling, and transportation.
- Pallet Packaging: Can bodies are packed on pallets, with neutral cardboard or suitable materials placed between layers. A top board is added, then the pallet is strapped and wrapped with plastic film.
- Standard Pallet Size: The standard pallet size is usually 1420 × 1120 × H2490 mm. The pallet height can be adjusted according to different can types, but the total height should not exceed container limits.
- Pallet Material Options: Pallets can be made of wood, plastic, or other suitable materials depending on customer requirements and shipping conditions.
Expert Tip
Confirm container type and loading requirements in advance to optimize pallet height and shipping efficiency.
Testing Standards for Can Strength and Safety
We perform strict quality tests to ensure can strength, sealing performance, coating integrity, and opening reliability.
| Test Item | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Can body axial load resistance | ≥1000 N |
| Can body and can end pressure resistance | ≥620 kPa, no leakage |
| Beer can and end coating integrity | Single ≤75 mA, average ≤35 mA |
| Beverage can and end coating integrity | Single ≤25 mA, average ≤5 mA |
| Initial opening force | Single ≤31 N, average ≤20 N |
| Full opening force | Single ≤45 N, average ≤36 N |
| Sealing compound dry film weight | 15–40 mg |
- Axial Load Test: The can body is tested for axial load resistance to ensure it reaches ≥1000 N.
- Pressure Resistance Test: The can body and can end must withstand pressure of ≥620 kPa without leakage.
- Internal Coating Integrity Test: Coating integrity is tested by the conductivity method. Different standards apply to beer cans and general beverage cans to ensure safe product contact.
- Easy-Open End Test: The initial opening force and full opening force are tested to ensure smooth opening. The tab must not detach, and the end must open completely.
- Sealing Compound Control: For 202 ends 52.4 mm and 200 ends 50.00 mm, the dry film weight of the sealing compound is controlled at 15–40 mg.
Expert Tip
Stable pressure resistance, coating integrity, and opening performance are key indicators of beverage can safety and shelf-life reliability.
Custom Aluminum Cans
Inside Neck Diameter
52.40±0.25mm
Outside Can Diameter
66.1mm
Stand Diameter
47.24mm
Neck Length
18.16±0.50mm
Minimum Dome Reversal Pressure
6.2bar
Minimum Column Strength
1000N
Easy Open End
202(52.4±0.25mm)
Standard Can
Break the mold and define excellence with the Standard Can, available in 250ml (8.4oz) to 1000ml (34oz). Its classic shape offers a comfortable grip and endless customization with premium ends, enhancements, and filling options.
Perfect for any beverage, this versatile can elevates your brand with unmatched quality and innovative special effects. Set the bar high with the Standard Can’s timeless design.
Inside Neck Diameter
52.40±0.25mm
Outside Can Diameter
57.40mm
Stand Diameter
47.24mm
Neck Length
10.50±0.50mm
Minimum Dome Reversal Pressure
6.2bar
Minimum Column Strength
1000N
Easy Open End
202(52.4±0.25mm)
Sleek Can
Sophistication meets simplicity in the Sleek Can, ranging from 200ml (6.8oz) to 450ml (15oz). Its slim, elegant form delivers modern portion sizes with a polished, upscale appearance that shines on shelves.
Designed for most filling options and special effects, it’s the go-to choice for beverages craving a refined edge. Boost your brand’s allure with the Sleek Can’s sleek style.
Inside Neck Diameter
50.00±0.25mm
Outside Can Diameter
53.4mm
Stand Diameter
47.24mm
Neck Length
7.1±0.50mm
Minimum Dome Reversal Pressure
6.2bar
Minimum Column Strength
1000N
Easy Open End
200(50.00±0.25mm)
Slim Can
Make a bold impression with the Slim Can, offered in 150ml (5.3oz) to 250ml (8.4oz) sizes. Tailored for wines and bold drinks, its slender, graceful build enhances your product’s premium appeal.
With support for most special effects and filling options, it’s ideal for standout brands with concentrated flair. Choose the Slim Can for a striking, chic statement.
Aluminum Can Sizes
| Can Type | Capacity | Can End Diameter | Can Body Diameter | Can Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Can | 250 ml / 8.4 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 92 mm / 3.62 inch |
| Standard Can | 330 ml / 11.1 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 115.2 mm / 4.54 inch |
| Standard Can | 355 ml / 12 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 122.22 mm / 4.81 inch |
| Standard Can | 375 ml / 12.7 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 128.2 mm / 5.05 inch |
| Standard Can | 440 ml / 14.9 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 149.9 mm / 5.90 inch |
| Standard Can | 473 ml / 16 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 157.23 mm / 6.19 inch |
| Standard Can | 500 ml / 17 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 211 / 66.1 mm / 2.60 inch | 167.84 mm / 6.61 inch |
| Sleek Can | 200 ml / 6.8 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 204 / 57.4 mm / 2.26 inch | 95.63 mm / 3.76 inch |
| Sleek Can | 250 ml / 8.4 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 204 / 57.4 mm / 2.26 inch | 115 mm / 4.53 inch |
| Sleek Can | 270 ml / 9.1 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 204 / 57.4 mm / 2.26 inch | 122.8 mm / 4.83 inch |
| Sleek Can | 310 ml / 10.5 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 204 / 57.4 mm / 2.26 inch | 138.56 mm / 5.46 inch |
| Sleek Can | 330 ml / 11.1 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 204 / 57.4 mm / 2.26 inch | 146.05 mm / 5.75 inch |
| Sleek Can | 355 ml / 12 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 204 / 57.4 mm / 2.26 inch | 155.6 mm / 6.13 inch |
| Slim Can | 150 ml / 5.3 oz | 50.0 mm / 1.97 inch / 200 End | 202 / 53.4 mm / 2.10 inch | 88.4 mm / 3.48 inch |
| Slim Can | 187 ml / 6.3 oz | 50.0 mm / 1.97 inch / 200 End | 202 / 53.4 mm / 2.10 inch | 104 mm / 4.09 inch |
| Slim Can | 250 ml / 8.4 oz | 50.0 mm / 1.97 inch / 200 End | 202 / 53.4 mm / 2.10 inch | 133.9 mm / 5.27 inch |
| Specialty Can | 450 ml / 15 oz | 52.4 mm / 2.06 inch / 202 End | 63.5 mm / 2.50 inch | 168 mm / 6.61 inch |
| Specialty Can | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz | 63.5 mm / 2.50 inch / 209 End | 87.3 mm / 3.44 inch | 204.8 mm / 8.06 inch |
Aluminum Can Shapes
8.4oz / 250ml Standard
11.1oz / 330ml Standard
12oz / 355ml Standard
12.7oz / 375ml Standard
14.9oz / 440ml Standard
16oz / 473ml Standard
17oz / 500ml Standard
6.8oz / 200ml Sleek
8.4oz / 250ml Sleek
9.1oz / 270ml Sleek
10.5oz / 310ml Sleek
11.1oz / 330ml Sleek
12oz / 355ml Sleek
5.1oz / 150ml Slim
6.3oz / 187ml Slim
8.3oz / 250ml Slim
Aluminum Can Packaging
Discover Your Ideal Aluminum Can Solution
Whether you’re a disruptive startup or an iconic brand evolving your identity, we deliver precision-engineered aluminum packaging to realize your ambitions. Choose from our versatile finishing options to create standout shelf presence and consumer connection.
Printing Aluminum Cans
Elevate your brand with industry-leading aluminum can printing. Our 7-color offset printing technology achieves photorealistic graphics and vibrant Pantone matches for maximum shelf impact. Custom printed aluminum cans support complex designs and large runs, delivering unmatched color consistency and durability. Trusted by global brands for premium product differentiation and scalable production excellence.
Blank Aluminum Cans
Accelerate your market entry with our stock blank aluminum cans. Perfect for local launches or product testing, they eliminate lengthy setup times and inventory risks. Ship immediately to compress your time-to-market while maintaining premium quality. Ideal for nimble brands prioritizing speed and simplicity without compromising on material excellence.
Aluminum Cans Manufacturer
Shining Packaging is a leading aluminum can manufacturer, producing high-quality beverage cans through precision engineering. Our automated process transforms aluminum coils into lightweight, durable cans via deep drawing, ironing, trimming, and cleaning. Each can features vibrant 360° printing, protective varnishing, and food-grade interior coatings to ensure product integrity. With rigorous leak testing and recycled content, our aluminum can production meets global sustainability standards while delivering performance for carbonated drinks, beers, and more.
Aluminum Cans Benefits
Aluminum cans are widely used for beverage packaging due to their lightweight, durable design and excellent preservation properties, effectively blocking air, light, and moisture to maintain the original flavor and quality of beverages while ensuring efficient and reliable transportation and storage. Additionally, their surface supports high-quality printing for attractive packaging, and aluminum’s superior thermal conductivity allows rapid cooling, enhancing the drinking experience. Notably, aluminum cans are 100% recyclable, boasting the highest consumer recycling rate among all beverage packaging.
- Aluminum soda can
- Aluminum beer cans
- Aluminium drinks can
- Aluminium soft drink cans
- Aluminum beverage cans
- Aluminum water cans
Aluminum Can Cases
Aluminum Can Supplier
As a trusted aluminum can manufacturer, we deliver precision-engineered packaging solutions that meet the quality industry standards. Our aluminum cans ensure product safety while enhancing shelf appeal. Partner with us for sustainable, innovative, and high-performance packaging—backed by end-to-end expertise for brands that demand quality and reliability.
Our Services
- Product Projection Mapping
- 3D Renderings & Prototype Sampling
- Printing Design & Artwork Optimization
- UV Digital Printing Trials
- Filling Line Compatibility Analysis
- Sustainable Material Sourcing Guidance
Our Quality Control
- Double Seam Integrity Testing
- High-Pressure Water Leak Detection
- Axial/Lateral Deformation Resistance Checks
- Internal Coating Adhesion (Enamel Rater)
- Burst Pressure Validation (up to 90 PSI)
- Precision Can Dimension Verification
Related Products
Frequently asked Questions
What Types of Aluminum Easy Open Ends Are Available?
Aluminum easy open ends are typically grouped into a few practical categories:
By size: 200 (≈50 mm, slim cans), 202 (≈52 mm, standard/sleek), plus larger 206 / 209 / 300 for specialty formats
By tab type: Stay-On-Tab (SOT) and Ring-Pull Tab (RPT)
By opening size: Small Opening (SOE), Large Opening (LOE), and Full Aperture (FA)
By design model: B64 (traditional), CDL (lighter-weight), and newer designs like SuperEnd and ISE
Most beverage cans today use 202 SOT ends, with CDL or SuperEnd variants for weight reduction.
What are the dimensions of the easy open end (EOE)?
Typical EOE sizes are defined by end codes, with several key dimensions used in production:
200 end: outer diameter ≈ 50.0 mm; curl height ≈ 2.0 mm; countersink depth ≈ 6.0–6.3 mm
202 end: outer diameter ≈ 52.4–52.5 mm; curl height ≈ 2.0 mm; countersink depth ≈ 6.0–6.6 mm
206 end: outer diameter ≈ 60.0 mm; curl height ≈ 2.1 mm; countersink depth ≈ 6.5–7.0 mm
Small variations are normal across suppliers. In practice, outer diameter + countersink depth are the key parameters for seaming performance.
What materials are used in aluminum cans?
The can body (sidewall and bottom) is typically made from 3004 or 3104 aluminum alloy, chosen for its balance of formability and strength, with manganese and magnesium improving pressure resistance after drawing and ironing. The can end uses a different alloy, usually 5182, with higher magnesium content to increase hardness and buckle resistance—needed to hold internal pressure and maintain seal integrity. Different alloys for body and end isn’t optional; it’s how the can meets both forming and performance requirements.
How is the coating quality of aluminum cans ensured?
The internal and external coatings of aluminum two-piece cans are tested for quality:
Curing Test: Coatings must be fully cured, showing no discoloration, bubbling, or peeling after exposure to sterilization processes.
Adhesion Test: Coatings must adhere strongly, with no peeling when subjected to adhesion tests (e.g., using adhesive tape after scoring).
Sterilization Resistance: Coatings must remain intact and functional after sterilization processes, ensuring compatibility with food or beverage contents. These tests ensure the coatings protect the can and its contents effectively.
How are aluminum cans inspected for quality?
Aluminum two-piece cans undergo rigorous quality inspections:
Dimensional Inspection: Specialized gauges measure can height, diameter, and EOE dimensions to ensure compliance with specifications.
Visual Inspection: Conducted under natural light at a 60 cm distance to check for surface defects, printing quality, and coating integrity.
Physical Tests: Include axial load and internal pressure tests to verify structural integrity.
Coating Tests: Assess curing, adhesion, and sterilization resistance to ensure coating performance. These inspections ensure consistent quality and reliability.
What do 202, 204, and 211 present in the aluminum can industry?
202, 204, and 211 are series numbers for beverage can diameters, based on inches (whole inches + sixteenths).
202 (Slim): 2 + 2/16 = 2.125 inches ≈ 54 mm.
204 (Sleek): 2 + 4/16 = 2.25 inches ≈ 57.15 mm.
211 (Standard): 2 + 11/16 = 2.6875 inches ≈ 68.26 mm (often 65–66 mm).
Calculation: Inches = X + Y/16, then millimeters = inches × 25.4. Exact values may vary slightly per standards
How should I choose between standard, sleek, and slim cans?
Choose the can based on your product and production setup.
Use a standard can for mass-market drinks such as carbonated soft drinks, beer, and juice. It is the most common option and the easiest to run on existing filling and packing lines.
Use a sleek can when you want a taller, cleaner look for premium sodas, seltzers, kombuchas, or craft beer. It keeps the same 202 end as a standard can, so it usually needs fewer production changes.
Use a slim can for energy drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, wine, or other portion-controlled beverages. It looks more distinct, but it also needs a 200 end and more specific packaging support.
As a rule of thumb: if you want the simplest setup, choose standard. If you want a modern look with low production impact, choose sleek. If you need a narrow, portable format and can handle extra sourcing steps, choose slim.
Read More About: Sleek Can vs Slim Can vs Standard Can
What internal lining options are used in aluminum beverage cans, and how do I choose the right one?
The main options are traditional epoxy liners and BPA-NI liners. Epoxy liners have a long performance record and are still widely used in markets like the U.S., where they remain legally accepted. BPA-NI liners are typically selected for regions with stricter rules — for example, the EU, where BPA in can coatings is being phased out. The choice comes down to beverage pH, carbonation, shelf life, filling conditions, and export markets. If your product may enter the EU, start with BPA-NI. If not, epoxy is often the lower-risk option from a process standpoint.
Read More About: Do Aluminum Cans Have BPA? Understanding Beverage Can Liners
What is the difference between B64 and CDL can ends, and how should I choose?
B64 is the standard can end. It is thicker, widely compatible with existing seaming equipment, and is commonly used on standard beer and soft drink lines. CDL uses a specialized double-seam design. It is lighter and can improve seal performance, but it usually needs the correct chuck, roller profile, and seamer settings. Choose B64 if your line is already set up for it and you want straightforward production. Choose CDL if you want lower material use or a tighter seal, and your line can handle the setup change.
Read More About: CDL vs B64 Can Ends
What are the advantages of aluminum cans for beverages compared with plastic and glass bottles?
Aluminum cans are lighter than glass, less likely to break, and provide a better barrier against light and oxygen than PET bottles. That helps protect flavor and carbonation, cuts shipping weight, and supports recycling. For single-serve drinks, these are the main advantages of aluminum cans for beverages.
Read More About: Aluminum Cans vs Plastic vs Glass Bottles
How should aluminum can decoration be selected?
Shrink sleeves:
Used when full 360° coverage is needed. Typical MOQ is around 50,000–300,000 cans per SKU. The film is printed first, then heat-shrunk onto the can. It works well for complex graphics and medium runs.
Digital direct printing:
Best for short runs and frequent design changes. Typical economic range is about 1,000–50,000 cans per SKU. Print speed is usually around 50–100 cans per minute. It prints directly on aluminum, supports fine detail and variable data, but throughput is lower than conventional high-volume lines.
Traditional printed cans:
Used for high-volume production. MOQ is often 300,000+ cans per SKU. Line speed can exceed 2,000–3,000 cans per minute. The print is stable and efficient, but artwork changes are less flexible once plates are made.
Pressure-sensitive labels, including thermal labels:
Common for small batches, often around 1,000–50,000 cans per SKU. They are easy to apply and flexible for short runs. Thermal labels are mainly used for dates, codes, and other variable information. Their image durability and color range are more limited than direct printing or shrink sleeves.
If the design is fixed and volume is high, use printed cans.
If artwork changes often or includes variable data, labels or digital are usually the better fit.
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