This video provides an overview of the aluminum can manufacturing process, from coil to finished, palletized cans ready for shipment.

The process begins with a large coil of aluminum, which feeds into the Cupper. Here, the coil is blanked and drawn into shallow cups. Each blanked circle of aluminum is transformed into a cup shape, setting the foundation for the can body.

In the Bodymaker, the cups are transformed into cans through a process known as Draw and Ironing (D&I). During this stage, the cup is redrawn (the first draw happens inside the Cupper) to the desired diameter and then passed through ironing dies that thin and elongate the sidewalls. The bottom of the can is also domed, adding strength to withstand internal pressure.

After leaving the Bodymaker, the can has a jagged top edge. The Trimmer precisely cuts this edge to ensure a smooth, uniform height, preparing the can for the necking process.

Cans then enter the Washer, where they are cleaned to remove any oils, lubricants, or contaminants from previous stages. This step is essential for achieving a clean surface, which is critical for subsequent coating and decoration.

After washing, cans pass through the Dry-Off Oven to remove any remaining moisture. Dry cans are essential for proper adhesion in the coating and decoration stages.  Cans leaving the Dry-off Oven are known as "Brite Cans."

A Bottom Rim Coating is applied to the bottom edge of each can, enhancing its mobility along the production line. This coating prevents the can from tipping or jamming as it moves through high-speed machinery.  This coating is also very important for the filling operation, as tipped cans become more likely when they are filled with product and become heavier. 

The Decorator applies a multi-colored, high-speed label to the can’s exterior. Wet ink is precisely printed onto the can, creating the brand’s logo and design in fractions of a second.   This type of printing is known as dry-offset printing. 

The decorated cans then enter the Pin Oven, which uses heat to cure the wet ink. This curing process hardens the ink, ensuring it remains durable and resistant to smudging or abrasion.

To protect the can’s interior from reacting with its contents, an internal spray coating is applied. This food-safe coating prevents corrosion and contamination, preserving the product’s taste and quality.

The cans then go through the Internal Bake Oven to cure the internal coating, hardening it and ensuring a strong, protective layer.

In the Necker, the top of the can is shaped into a neck to fit the lid. This multi-stage process gradually reduces the diameter of the can’s opening, creating the familiar beverage can shape with a narrow top.  Modern Neckers will also: (1) Form the Flange of the neck, (2) Reform the dome of the can for thin metal gauges, and (3) Perform various quality inspections including vision inspection and leak detection.  

Finally, cans are organized and stacked by the Palletizer. Layers of cans are arranged and secured, with protective layer pads inserted between each level. The palletized cans are then prepared for shipment to filling facilities.