More about Cans

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Used for a wide range of waste disposal, food storage and containment applications, cans encompass a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They include both open and closed styles, with airtight or pressurized seals, basic lids or locking tops. Cans are rated for carrying capacity and size dimensions, and are typically designated for specific materials.

Food and beverage cans are typically produced from aluminum or tin, depending on the type of food being stored and the canning process. Most of the “tin” cans in today’s market are actually made of aluminum with a tin-plated top. Produced in a number of standard sizes, they are regularly used to store canned vegetables, fruits and meats. Aluminum cans, which are used for soda, beer and other beverages, are actually an aluminum alloy that incorporates a small percentage of magnesium and manganese.

Other types of cans include fuel, garbage, oil, paint and liquid nitrogen cans. Fuel cans and other cans designed to store and dispense flammable liquids can be equipped with flame arresters, which help prevent possible flashback ignition. They are regularly manufactured in steel, stainless steel and polyethylene, with a variety of filling and dispensing spout options, such as single or multiple spouts or faucets. Paint cans are regularly produced in polypropylene and tin-plated steel. Garbage cans are available in a variety of styles and materials, including polyethylene, steel and polypropylene. The majority of storage and waste disposal cans are engineered with handles or other attachments for facilitating transport.

Labeling is a prime concern for commercial food and beverage canning, and is accomplished through an assembly line process. Aluminum cans are first labeled using a printing blanket and ink. After being coated with wet ink, a clear varnish is applied to the can, protecting the labeling, and then the labeled can is heated dry. The inside of the can is also coated to prevent the liquid from coming in contact with the metal. Tin cans are typically labeled with adhesive-backed paper labels, also applied during by a conveyor system.