What Is the Manufacturing Process for Aluminum Containers?

Of all the packaging materials used, aluminum is by far the most common. By looking around, you will see all types of items that were made from aluminum circles. For example, hairspray is often encased in an aluminum aerosol bottle, energy drinks come in aluminum cans, and even air freshener that you spray around the house is in a can made from aluminum.

Although aluminum containers are in abundance, the way these containers are manufactured remains a mystery for most people. For containers made of aluminum to be manufactured, an impact extrusion process is used. Prior to the process starting, a metal slug is completely cooled and lubricated.

To begin the process, the slug has to be placed on a die. This die is located below the punch. From there, the punch comes into contact with the slug. Once that happens, the slug becomes deformed while it is reshaped around the punch. With a single impact, the slug is shaped. With that done, a counterpunch mechanism takes the slug off the workpiece.

Although this particular method is often used for aluminum circle production, it works for many other softer metals, as well, including tin, magnesium, mild steel, titanium, and brass. The impact extrusion process offers numerous advantages from a technical and economic standpoint. Containers made from aluminum circles can be made fast, they are lighter weight, the quality is superior, and they tend to last longer.

There is one drawback when manufacturing containers using aluminum circles this way. Compared to the coil-to-can method, the impact extrusion process is less environmentally friendly. In particular, there is roughly 30% to 40% less aluminum used with the coil-to-can method. However, because aluminum circles are easily recycled, any products made from this material are much more environmentally friendly than those made from other materials are.

Aluminum is critical for the packaging industry, since it is sustainable and cost-efficient. Therefore, the impact extrusion process for making containers from aluminum circles is very important. Without this process, trendy packing designs seen today would be nonexistent. Presentation is vital to good marketing and branding, which is why so many industries want containers that are unique and appealing. This is also why only the best aluminum circles suppliers should be considered. With this method of manufacturing, companies can offer end-users products that are fascinating and aesthetically pleasing.