Complex Packaging Behaviour

Mechanical stability and the perfect condition of the internal and external coating are amongst the most important quality parameters for our beverage cans.

Performance of cans and can ends

The quality parameters for the metals and coatings include the necessary mechanical resistance and sound condition to withstand the different process loads which occur during filling, handling and subsequent storage and distribution. Another important factor is the perfect opening capability of the can end. Various tests are performed to determine whether and how these process loads affect the can and the can end.

Buckling

Tests are performed to determine the buckling behaviour of the metal can and can end material under pressure build-up during beverage heat treatment and the resistance of the beverage can to the internal pressure build-up caused by the beverage.

Stackability

Special methods are used to test the stability of the container under axial pressure load. The behaviour of the can under actual conditions is simulated both in the filling and sealing process and also during storage on pallets.

Foaming

Carbonated beverages should neither foam over nor lose an excessive amount of carbon dioxide during the filling process or when the can is opened. The Technical Center has therefore developed testing methods to detect the conditions under which such a reaction occurs. Such adverse effects can therefore be eliminated when developing new coating materials.

Opening Function

Specially designed test and examination equipment is used to simulate the correct opening of the can end. This guarantees that the consumer is able to open the can without any problem whilst the stability of the pre-determined breaking point is maintained, even after the can has been subjected to technically induced loads, e.g. during pasteurisation and handling processes.

Stress Corrosion Cracking

Stress corrosion cracking leads to premature bursting of the can end score. The cracking is caused by specific salt contents and a damp atmosphere. In order to avoid this, our customer technical service advises customers on the most effective method to de-ionise process water. A special test has been developed in which our beverage can is subjected to an aggressive atmosphere similar to that found at the various customers' plants. The results are then used to optimise our cans.

Stability

Specially designed testing and examination equipment is used to simulate and measure the mechanical stability of the beverage can end vis-à-vis the internal pressure built up by the can, so-called buckling stability.