steel containers in 205 x 710, 205 x 604, 211 x 713 and 211x 604 sizes. The heavy PET-based lining is uniquely capable of protecting the steel from possible corrosion. The cans are available in all DOT pressure specifications. Most recently, Ball Corp. launched its G3-HD third generation, two-piece, lined or plain interior tinplate cans. Sizes are 211 x 713 and 211 x 604. The cans are available to comply with DOT N2P, 2P and 2Q specifications as well as the EC 12 bar and 15 bar requirements for Europe. Eight color high definition printing is available. In January of 2016, the DOT announced rather extensive new rulemakings, covering plastic containers, rim vent release cans and other aspects. In it, they introduced their 2Q1 specification (Part 178-33d-2, Variation One), which appears to be directed at steel or tinplate cans that have no side seam and covers formulations having pressures up to 210 psi-g (14.8 bars) at 130°F (54.4°C). The minimum plate thickness is .0085" (0.216mm) and the cans must have a pressure relief feature. The can capacity is limited to 400mL, the maximum inside diameter is 2.1" and the formulation must be non-flammable. This version of the popular DOT-2Q can may be in response to the 18 bar can expected to be approved shortly by the European Commission in Europe for non-flammable formulations. The diameter corresponds to that of 202 outside diameter aerosol cans. More clarification is needed, as well as an expansion of the diameter to qualify 211 cans, currently popular for products with pressures over the DOT-2Q limit of 180 psi-g at 140°F (54.4°C). Steel and tinplate cans have undergone several important improvements over the last half century. For three-piece cans, the first was the replacement of soldered side seams with WIMA (wire mesh) welds. This greatly improved aesthetics. Then came the “Trimline” (double necked-in) cans from Carnaud Metal Box, Ltd. in the UK, made popular in the U.S. a decade later. While using slightly less metal, without the protruding side seams the cans looked better and were now about 3% slimmer, resulting in smaller cartons and more to the truckload. Carnaud Metal Box also pioneered the shaped tinplate can, simply by expanding cylindrical cans against the contoured wall of a confining mold by the injection of high pressure nitrogen. In the process, any lithography would be stretched in expanded areas. This would transform bright reds into dull orange colors. Eventually this problem was resolved, and, after a long time, this innovation was commercialized in the U.S. Aside from making the cans more attractive on store shelves, at least one international marketer used the innovation to foil imitators, since they could not acquire the customized shaped cans. Since the shaped cans may require a special mold, and always an extra operation by the can manufacturer, they are understandably more costly. The embossing/debossing process may also be rate limiting. There are engineering limits to the degree to which can bodies may be shaped and even the shape itself. They are best discussed with the can supplier. Aluminum cans are a large and growing segment of the aerosol container industry. In 2005, they constituted 15.8% of the total number of U.S. aerosol cans. Ten years later, in 2014, they contributed 22.5%. The four major U.S. suppliers are CCL Containers, EXAL Corp., Ball Corp. and Montebello. Former suppliers were Alentuy (Venezuela) and the Peerless Tube Co. Peerless operated from about 1951 until the 1980s and in the early years was the largest aluminum aerosol can supplier in the country. In 1952, they produced Monobloc aluminum cans as large as 76 x 232 mm. When filled with a high density 80% chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) insecticide formula, this giant can could safely hold fills of up to 2.5 pounds (40oz. or 1,134g). Most of these firms also produced aluminum cigar tubes, aluminum screw-cap bottles and similar products. Imports from Canada, Mexico, Brazil and China are sometimes seen. The Swiss-owned Impacta, S.A. operation in Brazil is a large exporter. Even larger is the COMC Holding Co. Ltd. (part of the COFCO Group) in China. Along with Euro Asia Packaging Co. Ltd. and four other Chinese firms, they have a capacity of 920 million cans per year—more than twice the domestic consumption. CCL Containers owns can-making plants in Mexico and Canada, while EXAL has plants in Argentina and Europe. It follows that aluminum aerosols are imported into the U.S. as needed (as in special diameters) or when economic factors are favorable. Aluminum aerosol units are immediately available in ten diameters: 22, 25, 35, 38, 45, 50, 53, 55, 59 and 66mm. In fact, diameters as small as 12 and 16mm can be obtained from a few specialty houses for products such as key chain counter-assault pepper sprays and mouth fresheners. Each diameter is represented by several standard heights. A few others may be cycled and produced when there is a sufficient order backlog. With very large orders, special heights can be purchased, but this is rarely necessary. For any given diameter the slug (planchet or puck) thickness will be the major factor controlling the height of the “cup” produced by the impact extrusion process. Engineering considerations dictate the range of finished can heights that can be created for each slug diameter. For the popular 45mm Two-piece 211x604 Ball Corporation lined tinplate can. Tinplate CC&S 114 x5 09 "Athena" shaped can. Maximum embossed diameter: 2.50" Monobloc 14 x 50mm plain interior aluminum can, with 13mm ferrule. (Composite image, cap shown on and off). Evolution of the Aerosol Can 22 Spray June 2016
Spray June 2016
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