Explore our core OEM metal packaging components engineered for ultra-high-speed beverage filling lines and strict food safety compliance.
An authoritative breakdown of metallurgical composition, double-seam precision, and internal lacquer engineering for the 16 US fl oz (473ml) standard beverage format.
The global beverage industry has experienced a structural pivot toward the 473ml (16oz pint) aluminum can format. Driven by consumer demand for premium craft beers, ready-to-drink (RTD) spirit cocktails, energy drinks, cold-brew coffees, and functional sparkling waters, the 473ml container balances single-serve satisfaction with optimal shelf impact. However, securing a reliable, high-volume wholesale supply of 473ml aluminum cans requires deep insight into structural metallurgy, neck-down geometry, interior lining chemical inertia, and high-speed filling line seam tolerances.
Drawn & Ironed (DWI) manufacturing allows the mid-wall gauge to be reduced to 0.095mm while maintaining a 0.260mm bottom dome for maximum axial strength under carbonation load.
Equipped with next-generation non-BPA epoxy-acrylic and polyester water-borne linings engineered to withstand organic acids, alcohol up to 15% ABV, and high SO2 levels.
Standardized 202 neck geometry allows seamless integration with 202 SOT (Stay-On Tab) and RPT (Relieable Pull Tab) easy-open lids, minimizing seamer tooling modification costs.
Our global 473ml aluminum cans are engineered using premium-grade 3104-H19 aluminum alloy coil for the container body. This specific manganese-magnesium hardened alloy offers exceptional formability during high-speed cupping and wall ironing while guaranteeing tensile strengths exceeding 290 MPa. The bottom dome profile features an optimized structural radius calculated via Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to withstand static internal pressures over 6.2 bar (90 PSI), effectively eliminating dome reversal during warm weather storage or pasteurization cycles.
| Specification Parameter | 473ml (16oz) Standard Can | 355ml (12oz) Standard Can | 500ml European Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Volume | 473 ml / 16.0 US fl oz | 355 ml / 12.0 US fl oz | 500 ml / 16.9 US fl oz |
| Brimful Capacity | 492 ml ± 3 ml | 373 ml ± 3 ml | 520 ml ± 3 ml |
| Body Outside Diameter | 66.00 mm | 66.00 mm | 66.00 mm |
| Overall Can Height | 157.00 mm ± 0.3 mm | 122.00 mm ± 0.3 mm | 168.00 mm ± 0.3 mm |
| Neck Finish Diameter | 202 Diameter (52.5mm) | 202 Diameter (52.5mm) | 202 Diameter (52.5mm) |
| Substrate Alloy | 3104-H19 Aluminum | 3104-H19 Aluminum | 3104-H19 Aluminum |
| Axial Load Buckle Strength | > 1,000 N (100 kgf) | > 950 N (95 kgf) | > 1,050 N (105 kgf) |
| Internal Pressure Resistance | > 6.2 bar (90 psi) | > 6.2 bar (90 psi) | > 6.2 bar (90 psi) |
Beverages containing aggressive liquid matrices (such as high-acid sour beers, craft ciders, wines, and pre-mixed spirits) interact aggressively with unpassivated aluminum. Our 473ml cans utilize dual-stage electrostatic spray technology to apply a 100% BPA-NI (Bisphenol A Non-Intent) internal lacquer layer at a dry film weight of 5.5 to 8.5 g/m², validated by 100% Enamel Rater electrical conductivity testing (< 2.0 mA pass threshold). This prevents metallic ion migration and guarantees flavor stability across a 12 to 24-month ambient shelf life.
How China's integrated aluminum ecosystem delivers unmatched cost efficiency, massive throughput capacity, and stringent international quality controls.
China's metal packaging ecosystem provides a complete vertical value chain—from bauxite processing and high-precision coil rolling (such as 3104, 5182, and 8011 alloys) to high-speed can drawing, high-definition dry-offset printing, and automated palletization. Our manufacturing centers leverage automated production lines capable of operating at 3,000 cans per minute per line.
By controlling raw coil slitting, lacquer synthesis, and end-stamping within localized industrial hubs in China, we eliminate multi-tier middleman margins. This allows us to offer global beverage brands competitive wholesale pricing without compromising raw material purity or dimensional consistency.
To ensure zero defect rates on high-speed customer filling lines, our facilities integrate multi-point inline inspection technology:
Addressing the complex supply chain demands of importers, craft beverage co-packers, and enterprise brand owners worldwide.
Sourcing 473ml (16oz) aluminum cans internationally involves balancing shipping logistics, minimum order quantities (MOQ), custom printing graphics, and inventory holding costs. Global beverage brands require a supplier who acts as a long-term strategic supply partner rather than a transactional seller.
Packaged using heavy-duty wooden pallets, top protective frames, kraft slip sheets, and heat-shrink film hooding. A standard 40ft High-Cube container holds up to 74,000 standard 473ml cans (unprinted/bright) or 68,000 printed cans.
State-of-the-art 8-color dry offset printing, offering matte varnish, tactile varnish, spot gloss, metallic sheen finishes, and temperature-sensitive thermochromic ink applications.
While fully custom-printed cans typically require minimum runs of 100,000 units per artwork SKU, we maintain warehouse safety stock of plain bright 473ml cans available from 1x 40ft HQ container.
Full documentation, international food-contact certifications, and regional market entry support for global distribution.
Exporting food and beverage packaging into key international regions (North America, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East) demands uncompromising adherence to strict health and safety frameworks. We furnish complete chemical, physical, and food-contact compliance dossiers with every export shipment.
Entering new geographic markets often requires modifying can end profiles or seamer tooling settings. Our localized engineering support team provides:
Key drivers propelling the shift toward infinitely recyclable aluminum metal packaging across global beverage categories.
The global metal packaging market is undergoing rapid evolution driven by sustainability mandates, consumer convenience preferences, and manufacturing technological breakthroughs. Key trends reshaping wholesale demand for 473ml aluminum containers include:
Aluminum is infinitely recyclable—roughly 75% of all aluminum ever produced remains in active use today. Driven by EU Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and North American plastic reduction mandates, brands are replacing single-use PET bottles with 473ml aluminum cans.
The rapid expansion of premixed cocktails, hard seltzers, and wine-based spritzers has made the 473ml format the default choice for premium single-serve offerings in North America and Western Europe, offering superior light barrier protection against flavor degradation.
Innovations in 3104 alloy tensile treatment allow container wall thickness reduction without sacrificing column strength. Furthermore, utilizing low-carbon "Green Aluminum" smelted using renewable hydroelectric energy significantly lowers Scope 3 carbon footprints.
Tailored structural configurations designed for distinct beverage viscosity, pasteurization, and carbonation environments.
Requirement: Low dissolved oxygen (DO) pick-up, tunnel pasteurization resistance (up to 68°C hold time), and oxygen barrier ends.
Solution: 473ml Standard 3104-H19 cans paired with 202 SOT B64 or CDL end profile, internal lining formulated for high yeast viability and hop aroma retention.
Requirement: High carbonation levels (up to 4.2 volumes CO2), taurine/citric acid corrosion protection, and striking retail presentation.
Solution: Reinforced bottom dome 473ml body with customized 8-color high-definition printing and high-resistance BPA-NI organosol liner.
Direct technical answers to common questions asked by beverage fillers, brand managers, and procurement officers.
For plain, unprinted bright 473ml cans held in inventory, shipment can be dispatched from our Shanghai facility within 7 to 10 working days. For custom-printed cans requiring pre-press proofing and artwork plate engraving, production lead times generally range from 20 to 30 days after final design approval.
Unprinted bright 473ml cans have an MOQ of one full 40ft High-Cube container (approx. 74,000 units). For custom 8-color printed cans, the standard MOQ is 100,000 units per design SKU to optimize printing plate setup costs and lacquer run efficiencies.
We conduct rigorous pack-compatibility testing before mass production. Our 100% BPA-NI internal spray system is applied with automated film-thickness monitoring, verified by Enamel Rater electrical conductivity testing (< 2.0 mA) to prevent pinholes, micro-fissures, or beverage taste alteration.
Yes. Our 473ml cans feature a standard 202 neck specification (52.5mm opening), fully compatible with industry-standard double-seaming machines including Ferrum, Angelus, Cask, Wild Goose, and Pneumatic Scale seamers using 202 B64, CDL, or SuperEnd profiles.
Cans are stacked on heavy-duty, heat-treated wooden pallets fitted with robust top frame boards, heavy kraft paper slip sheets between layers, and enclosed in heavy-gauge stretch hood plastic film with desiccant packs to prevent moisture condensation during transit.
Explore our broader line of aluminum coils, easy-open ends, powder packaging lids, and specialized tinplate closures.
