How Is a Beverage Can Made? A Manufacturing Guide

A stylized photograph of two Coca-Cola cans and two "sweaty" glasses, one full, one empty.
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How Is a Beverage Can Made? A Manufacturing Guide

Are you drinking out of an aluminum beverage can and wondering how it’s made? This is the guide for you! Click now to learn more.

Every year, we consume approximately 180 billion aluminum cans. This is enough to round the globe once every 17 hours — 6,700 cans each second.

Thus, have you ever taken a long sip from a cold aluminum can, only to pause and find yourself wondering: how on earth does this thing get made?

It takes a fascinating tour through science, engineering, and design to manufacture an aluminum beverage can. And if you want to know the whole story—it starts right here with this guide.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process of making beverage cans, from raw materials all the way to the finished product. Join us as we go behind the scenes and explore the ins and outs of how aluminum beverage cans get manufactured.

Metal Sheet Preparation

The first step in making a beverage can is to prepare the metal sheet. The most commonly used material for beverage and food cans is aluminum, which is lightweight, durable, and recyclable.

The metal sheet is usually supplied in large coils and processed through a series of machines to remove any impurities and improve its surface finish.

Cutting and Shaping

Once the metal sheet is prepared, it’s cut into rectangular blanks of the required size using a high-speed cutting machine. The cup blanking pieces are then fed into a cupping press, which shapes them into cylindrical cups.

Coating

The inside of the cups is coated with a thin layer of food-grade lacquer, which helps prevent the beverage from reacting with the metal and altering its taste. The lacquer also acts as a barrier to prevent the beverage from leaking out of the can.

Printing

The outside of the cups is printed with the brand name, logo, and other design elements using a high-speed printing machine. The ink used in printing is specially formulated to adhere to the metal surface and withstand the rigors of the canning process.

Forming the Can Body

The cups are then trimmed to the required height and formed into can bodies using a series of machines. The top and bottom ends of the can are then added by sealing them onto the can body using a seaming machine.

Inspection and Testing

Every can goes through a series of inspections and tests to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. These include checks for leaks, dents, and other defects that could affect the can’s integrity.

Packaging

Finally, the cans get packaged into cartons or pallets and shipped to the beverage manufacturing plant. They are then filled with the desired beverage.

Drinking Out of a Beverage Can? Discover the Making of an Alu Can Today

The process of can-making involves a series of complex and precise steps that need advanced machinery and skilled operators. Despite its complexity, the beverage can manufacturing process has been optimized over the years to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable production.

Are you looking to advance your career in aluminum can manufacturing? JSK Recruiting Company is a top-tier staffing agency that helps both employers and job seekers find their perfect match. We’re committed to providing personalized service and comprehensive support that sets us apart from other recruitment firms.

Contact us today to find the perfect career opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

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