Downgauging – The key to remaining competitive

Material consumption can be significantly reduced by downgauging the tinplate used for ends and decreasing the cut edge diameter of ends by using mini-seams for thin, hard materials. However, care must be taken to ensure the requisite can resistance values (buckle resistance, panel distension, pullback vacuum value). Employing the right end design (developed by FEA) and processing with a multi-stage or thermo-form tooling system offers several advantages. It keeps the end resistance values constant but reduces material thickness and increases the end resistance values with the same material. It reduces thinning of the material, especially in the countersink radius, and also cuts tin and lacquer damage in countersink and panel beads. Furthermore, it keeps the countersink depth constant even at fluctuating temperatures, which is extremely important for EOE shells. Finally, and thanks to a special Cantec seam, it reduces conversion of the seaming machines for seaming DR material ends to a minimum for canmakers and fillers.