Tinplate cans utilised for food packaging come in various shapes, including the common cylindrical cans, square cans, and rectangular cans. While the physical attributes such as shape and size vary, tinplate cans are primarily classified into two main types: two-piece tinplate cans and three-piece tin cans. Here's a breakdown of these types and their applications in the food packaging industry:
Two-piece tinplate cans, as the name suggests, consist of only two components: the cylindrical body with a bottom and the lid. These cans are typically manufactured through a process called metal drawing, where a single piece of metal is shaped into a cylinder and topped with a lid. The thickness of the cans varies depending on the type of food being stored, with thinner cans used for beverages and thicker ones for foods like sardines, tuna, and meat.
Single-Drawn Cans: Made in a single drawing operation, these cans are commonly used for items like tuna, sardines, and ready meals.
Drawn & Redrawn Cans: Tall and large cans designed for storing sizable portions of food, such as salmon and canned fruit. These cans undergo multiple drawing operations to achieve the desired shape.
Drawn and Wall-Ironed (DWI) Cans: Tall cans primarily used for beverages and beers, manufactured through a process called wall ironing, which enhances the can's length and thickness uniformity.
Drawn and Ironed (DI) Cans: Similar to DWI cans but utilised for packaging food products and pet food. These cans typically lack decorative elements.
Three-piece tinplate cans are traditional cans consisting of a separate body, lid, and bottom. Unlike two-piece cans, three-piece cans allow for opening at both ends. These cans are commonly used for food packaging, although they can also accommodate non-carbonated beverages..
