High-precision easy-open ends, hermetic tinplate closures, and premium alloy coils engineered for global high-speed beverage and food filling lines.
An authoritative engineering review of 473ml standard and sleek can geometries, 3104-H19 alloy structural performance, and next-generation interior polymer barrier systems.
The 473ml (16 US fl oz) aluminum beverage container represents the global benchmark for craft brewing, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, energy drinks, and premium functional beverages. Drawn via high-speed Drawing and Ironing (DWI) technology, our 473ml body wall features a refined neck ratio (typically 202 neck profile matched to 66mm body diameter), maximizing top-load axial strength while offering optimal surface area for high-definition 8-to-10 color dry-offset graphic decoration.
Formed exclusively from structural-grade 3104-H19 aluminum alloy coils, our can bodies deliver an exceptional yield strength exceeding 270 MPa. The precise cold-rolled temper provides tight earing control (<1.5%), ensuring uniform height after trimming. This metallurgical stability prevents micro-fractures along the thick-to-thin body wall transitions during high-pressure carbonated filling (up to 4.5 volumes of CO2).
To preserve product taste purity and ensure strict regulatory compliance across the US FDA, European Union (EU 1935/2004), and global food safety standard (FSSC 22000), our inner lining applications utilize state-of-the-art BPA-Non-Intent (BPA-NI) polymeric coatings, high-performance acrylics, or polyester spray linings. Each 473ml can undergoes automated high-voltage Enamel Rater inspection (<2mA conductivity benchmark) to guarantee zero pinhole defects.
| Dimensional Metric | 473ml (16oz) Standard Specification | 473ml Sleek / Specialty Profile | Quality Control Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Capacity | 473 ml / 16.0 US fl oz | 473 ml / 16.0 US fl oz | ± 2.0 ml |
| Body Outer Diameter | 66.25 mm | 58.40 mm | ± 0.20 mm |
| Overall Can Height | 157.0 mm | 174.5 mm | ± 0.30 mm |
| Neck Opening Size | 202 End Diameter (52.5mm) | 200 / 202 End Profile | ISO 9001 Seamer Standard |
| Mid-Wall Gauge Thickness | 0.097 mm | 0.102 mm | ± 0.003 mm |
| Axial Load Strength | ≥ 1.10 kN (110 kgf) | ≥ 1.05 kN (105 kgf) | 100% Pass Threshold |
| Internal Pressure Rating | ≥ 6.2 Bar (90 PSI) | ≥ 6.5 Bar (94 PSI) | Destructive Hydrostatic Test |
Shanghai Friend Metals leverages state-of-the-art fully automated high-speed production lines (up to 3,000 cans/minute) coupled with coastal port logistics to deliver unmatched supply agility.
Our modern Shanghai facility houses multiple continuous high-speed Stolle and Schuler double-action cupping presses and wall-ironing lines. Real-time vision sensors monitor wall thickness, bottom dome profile, and flange width down to sub-micron accuracy, eliminating production variances before filling line integration.
Equipped with 10-color dry offset decorators and automated tactile/matte varnish application modules, we deliver photographic print resolution (up to 175 LPI). Whether executing intricate metallic effects, thermal indicator inks, or tactile grips, our pre-press digital proofing ensures perfect brand execution.
Every single 473ml can passes through high-output optoelectronic light testers capable of detecting micro-holes as small as 0.005mm. Coupled with automated inline vision inspection for neck deformities and rim scratches, we guarantee an industry-leading AQL < 0.065 acceptance standard.
From high-attenuation craft IPAs to pressurized nitrogenized cold brews, we customize internal coatings, shell alloys, and end specifications to match distinct filling thermodynamics.
Craft breweries require stringent oxygen barrier performance to prevent flavor oxidation. Our 473ml cans feature specialized ultra-smooth internal lacquers that minimize dissolved oxygen (DO) pickup during high-speed counter-pressure filling. Fully compatible with standard 202 SOT (Stay-On Tab) and LOE (Large Opening End) lids for optimal aroma release.
High-alcohol content, aggressive organic acids, and sulfur compounds in canned spirits and hard seltzers can breach conventional coatings. We specify double-cured cross-linked polymer linings engineered to withstand pH values down to 2.5 and ethanol concentrations up to 15% ABV, preventing metal dissolution and extending shelf life to 18+ months.
For liquid nitrogen dosing or high-temperature pasteurization applications, can body structural pressure resistance is paramount. Our enhanced bottom dome geometry withstands internal expansion spikes, while high-tensile 5182-H48 easy-open lids ensure consistent pop-and-pull opening forces under elevated headspace pressure.
Streamlined container packaging, anti-corrosion ocean transit protection, and direct-to-filling-line delivery models designed for global B2B procurement managers.
473ml empty can bodies are stacked on international standard heat-treated fumigated wooden pallets or reusable plastic pallets. Separated by high-burst kraft slip sheets, capped with rigid top frames, and shrouded in heavy-duty VCI anti-moisture shrink wrap, container shipments resist ocean freight humidity and transit vibration.
Maximizing cube utilization reduces landed freight cost per unit. A standard 40ft High Cube container accommodates up to 109,000 to 118,000 stacked 473ml cans depending on pallet tier heights, providing exceptional ocean transport economics to major North American, European, and LATAM ports.
Every shipment leaves our factory accompanied by Mill Test Certificates (MTC) tracing raw coil alloy heat numbers, Enamel Rater inspection logs, axial crush test reports, and official Food Contact Declarations of Compliance (FDA / EU), guaranteeing frictionless customs clearance.
Pioneering closed-loop aluminum circularity, post-consumer recycled (PCR) alloy integration, and advanced carbon-footprint reduction frameworks.
Aluminum packaging is the ultimate sustainable circular solution. By utilizing up to 75%+ Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) aluminum alloy in our coil supply chains, Shanghai Friend Metals helps global beverage brands reduce scope 3 carbon emissions by up to 95% compared to primary aluminum smelting.
Our ongoing R&D efforts focus on lightweighting body wall profiles without compromising axial column crush strength or dome buckle integrity. By optimizing the transition zones along the bottom rim, we remove excess material, reducing shipping weight while preserving mechanical resilience.
Complementing traditional high-volume dry offset printing, our technological roadmap integrates ultra-short-run direct-to-can digital printing capabilities. This enables craft beverage brands to execute small-batch promotional runs and limited seasonal SKUs with zero printing plate setup fees.
Explore our broader product matrix including slim beverage cans, aroma-preservation powder ends, and high-purity aluminum coils for packaging converters.
Direct technical answers from Shanghai Friend Metals engineering team on 473ml can specifications, seamer calibration, internal linings, and ocean logistics.
For plain unprinted (bright) 473ml aluminum cans, our minimum order quantity starts at one 20ft container (approx. 55,000–60,000 pieces). For custom high-definition 8-to-10 color printed cans, our standard MOQ is 100,000 pieces per artwork SKU. This threshold ensures optimal efficiency on our ultra-high-speed dry offset printing decorators and minimizes ink changeover scrap.
For craft beers and carbonated soft drinks (pH > 3.8), standard BPA-Non-Intent (BPA-NI) epoxy or modified acrylic coatings provide superior taste neutrality and enamel stability. For high-acid RTD cocktails, wine spritzers, or beverages containing organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric) with pH values between 2.5 and 3.5, we recommend our specialized high-crosslink polyester or vinyl-organosol linings tested to prevent metal migration and guarantee 12-to-18 month shelf-life integrity.
Yes. Our 473ml cans feature standardized 202 neck profiles designed strictly in accordance with international ISO and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) engineering guidelines. They seamlessly integrate with global rotary and inline seamers including Angelus, Ferrum, Cask, Wild Goose, and Palmer lines without requiring custom tooling adaptors.
Every pallet of 473ml cans is secured with top-frame pressure boards, banded with high-tensile PET strapping, and fully wrapped in heavy-duty VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) anti-moisture stretch hood film. Desiccant packs are inserted into each ocean container to prevent atmospheric condensation ("container rain") during long-distance transit across maritime climate zones.
Absolutely. Shanghai Friend Metals provides complete double-seam specification sheets with every shipment, detailing target countersink depth, seam length, seam thickness, body hook, and cover hook overlap percentages (minimum 55% overlap ratio). Our packaging engineers are also available for virtual seamer setup guidance.
