Explore our flagship certified food-grade aluminium and tinplate lid systems designed for seamless integration with high-speed automated canning lines globally.
In the fast-paced global beverage packaging domain, the 202 diameter easy-open lid (52.5mm nominal neck diameter) stands as the universal engineering standard for modern aluminum beverage cans, spanning standard 330ml, 355ml (12oz), 473ml (16oz), and 500ml formats. As a leading primary China 202 Can Lid Manufacturer & OEM Service Supplier, Shanghai Friend Metals Technology Co., Ltd. designs and stamps high-velocity ends engineered to withstand rigorous internal pressures up to 6.2 bar (90 psi) while guaranteeing zero micro-leakage and seamless double-seam formation.
Superior yield strength (>310 MPa) and tensile elongation ensure consistent score-line fracture during tab pull, eliminating incomplete opening or feathering defects during consumer consumption.
High-rigidity tab formation provides optimal leverage for pop-and-pull mechanics, tested to maintain pop forces under 18-24 N and pull forces under 30-38 N for ideal ergonomic satisfaction.
State-of-the-art organosol, acrylic, and BPA-NI (Non-Intent) interior lacquers sprayed at 80-120 mg/m² target weights, guaranteeing strict compliance with EU 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300.
Precision seaming performance depends on rigid tolerances. Shanghai Friend Metals manufactures 202 SOT / RPT ends matching world-standard seamer Chuck profiles (including Ferrum, Angelus, Continental, and Pneumatic Scale equipment).
| Parameters | 202 SOT (Standard Stay-On) | 202 RPT (Ring Pull Tab) | 202 EER (Enhanced Easy Open) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Diameter | 52.5 mm (202 Code) | 52.5 mm (202 Code) | 52.5 mm (202 Code) |
| Shell Material | Aluminum Alloy AA 5182-H48 | Aluminum Alloy AA 5182-H48 | Aluminum Alloy AA 5182-H48 / Ultra-Light |
| Tab Material | AA 5052-H19 / Custom Colored | AA 5052-H19 / Silver or Color | AA 5052-H19 / Ergonomic Formed |
| Nominal Thickness Gauge | 0.208 mm – 0.224 mm ± 0.005mm | 0.216 mm – 0.224 mm ± 0.005mm | 0.198 mm – 0.205 mm ± 0.004mm |
| Buckle Pressure | ≥ 6.0 Bar (600 kPa) | ≥ 6.2 Bar (620 kPa) | ≥ 5.8 Bar (580 kPa) |
| Internal Coating Systems | Modified Epoxy / Acrylic / BPA-NI | Modified Epoxy / BPA-NI Organosol | Next-Gen Polyester BPA-NI |
| External Coating | Clear / Gold / Matte / Custom Print | Clear / Gold Lacquer | Clear / Anti-Scratch Varnish |
| Enamel Rater Pass Rate | < 0.5 mA (100% 4-second 1V test) | < 0.5 mA (100% 4-second 1V test) | < 0.3 mA (High Sensitivity Test) |
The structural requirements of a 202 aluminum can lid fluctuate significantly across market categories. As a specialized B2B partner, we tailor internal lining formulations, countersink depth, and compound gasket thickness to exact product chemistry.
Beer and carbonated alcoholic drinks generate internal pressure up to 4.5 volumes of CO2. Our 202 SOT lids incorporate an optimized countersink radius and heavy-duty water-based PVC-free sealing compound, maintaining seal integrity through tunnel pasteurization (60°C–65°C / 140°F) without seam leakage or dome distortion.
Non-carbonated RTD teas, milk-based coffees, and nitrogen-dosed still juices require internal pressurization via liquid nitrogen injection prior to seaming to maintain sidewall stiffness. Our 202 ends feature high-pressure score-line resistance to avoid premature venting under elevated thermal shipping conditions.
Low pH levels (pH 2.4–3.2) in energy drinks and acidic soft drinks degrade standard lacquer coatings over extended shelf life. Shanghai Friend Metals applies double-pass interior BPA-NI organosol or modified acrylic linings, completely isolating aggressive acids from raw aluminum substrate for a guaranteed 24-month shelf life.
In dry food preservation, 202 and larger size easy-open aluminum lids (200#, 202#, 206#, 300#, 401#, 502#) are paired with tinplate or composite aluminum cans under nitrogen flush packaging to reach oxygen levels under 0.5%, protecting delicate lipids against oxidation.
The global metal packaging market is undergoing a seismic transition driven by decarbonization, stringent chemical compliance, and digital consumer interaction. Shanghai Friend Metals is at the forefront of this technological shift.
In accordance with the European Union's updated EFSA regulations and US FDA guidelines banning bisphenol compounds in food-contact materials, 100% of our production lines support next-generation BPA-NI (Bisphenol A Non-Intent) coatings utilizing acrylic and polyester chemistry without compromising flexural adhesion or corrosion barrier metrics.
By optimizing the end-curl geometry and countersink radius, our R&D center has successfully tested 0.198mm thickness 202 CDL end designs. This ultra-lightweighting delivers a 6.5% raw material savings per unit, directly lowering Scope 3 embodied carbon footprint for international brand owners.
Integrating laser-etched high-resolution 2D QR codes on the underside of the 202 Stay-On Tab or on the shell surface enables anti-counterfeiting verification, direct-to-consumer promotional marketing, and digital supply chain tracking at mass production speeds up to 2,500 ends per minute.
Navigating global supply chain volatility demands a manufacturing partner with vertical raw material access, massive throughput capacity, and rapid port dispatch capabilities. Based in Shanghai, China, Shanghai Friend Metals Technology Co., Ltd. provides unequaled cost efficiency and delivery reliability.
Our state-of-the-art facility operates automated high-speed conversion presses capable of producing over 3 billion ends annually. Multi-cavity dies paired with optical vision inspection systems detect dimensional flaws under 0.02mm in real-time.
We maintain direct strategic partnerships with premier domestic aluminum smelters and coil slitters, ensuring steady reserves of 3104-H19, 5182-H48, and 8011 coil stock. This buffers our global B2B clients against world market aluminum price spikes and mill lead-time delays.
Located adjacent to Shanghai Port—the world's largest container throughput hub—we streamline ocean freight transport to Europe, North America, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and LATAM with typical lead times of 15 to 20 days from contract confirmation.
The ongoing global regulatory crackdown on single-use plastics (SUP Directives) has accelerated a massive transition toward 100% infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging. Over 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in active commercial use today.
Aluminum beverage cans and 202 ends offer lightweight freight ratios, lower cube volume during transport, zero risk of shatter loss compared to glass bottles, and significantly faster chill conductivity in retail refrigeration.
Used beverage cans (UBC) paired with 202 easy-open lids can be recycled and turned back into a fresh can on store shelves within 60 days, requiring 95% less energy than primary aluminum extraction from bauxite ore.
Custom tab coloring (red, black, blue, gold), deep tactile embossing, and laser-engraved logos on 202 Stay-On Tabs deliver immediate visual differentiation in crowded retail beverage aisles.
A high-quality 202 can lid is only as good as the double-seam created during filling line operations. Shanghai Friend Metals provides complete technical assistance for seamer chuck setup, roll profile matching, and double seam teardown evaluation.
We supply detailed target specifications for Seam Thickness, Seam Width (Length), Body Hook, Cover Hook, and Overlap percentages (≥ 55% target) to guarantee zero post-seaming micro-leakage on customer lines.
Every production batch undergoes continuous online vision scanning, optical score depth evaluation, buckle pressure testing, and high-voltage 100% pinhole detection before automated palletizing.
Each shipment is accompanied by Mill Test Certificates (MTC), Food Contact Migration Test Reports (FDA 21 CFR 175.300, EU 1935/2004, GB 4806.10), Heavy Metal RoHS/REACH statements, and ISO 9001 / FSSC 22000 factory audit records.
Select from our complete range of high-precision aluminum easy-open ends, sleek/slim beverage can bodies, and specialized food packaging closures.
Expert technical answers curated by our senior metal packaging engineering team to assist B2B procurement managers, packaging engineers, and plant operations directors.
In global metal packaging terminology, "202" refers to the nominal diameter code in the US industry standard system. The first digit represents inches (2 inches), and the next two digits represent sixteenths of an inch (02/16 inches). Thus, a 202 diameter end corresponds to approximately 2 and 2/16 inches (nominal 52.5mm outer neck fit), making it the universal standard closure for 202 necked-in aluminum cans worldwide.
SOT (Stay-On Tab) features an engineered lever tab that opens the scored panel inward while remaining permanently attached to the lid shell. SOT is the obligatory global standard for carbonated beverage and beer cans to prevent environmental littering. RPT (Ring Pull Tab) allows the entire ring tab and tear panel to detach completely from the lid upon opening, commonly specified for certain canned food, juice, or specialized non-carbonated applications.
Yes, absolutely. Shanghai Friend Metals manufactures 202 easy-open ends using advanced BPA-NI internal lining systems (acrylic, modified polyester, or polyorganosol). All coatings are independently certified by accredited testing laboratories (SGS / Intertek) for total compliance with European Union Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, US FDA 21 CFR 175.300, and China National Food Safety Standard GB 4806.10.
Our standard 202 SOT ends are engineered and tested to withstand minimum internal buckle pressures of 6.0 to 6.2 Bar (600–620 kPa or ~90 psi). This high pressure threshold prevents end-dome buckling during pasteurization thermal cycles, altitude changes during air/ground transport, and high carbonation levels typical of craft beer, sparkling water, and energy drinks.
For standard stock 202 clear/silver lacquered SOT ends, trial orders start from 200,000 pieces (shipped in standard ocean export pallets with polyethylene moisture protection sleeves). Custom colored tabs, laser-etched QR codes, or custom top-shell lithography printing orders typically require an MOQ of 500,000 to 1,000,000 units with standard manufacturing lead times of 15 to 21 days from proof approval.
Our engineering department provides precise CAD dimensional drawings detailing end curl angle, countersink depth, core height, and gasket weight. Before mass shipment, we can dispatch sample lot lots for your plant engineers to conduct double-seam setup, seam teardown analysis (evaluating seam tightness, cover hook, body hook, and overlap) on your specific seaming equipment.
