Watch as Bill from the Youtube channel Engineerguy explains the shape of soda cans in a fun and logical way. Don’t forget to check out the video in the next page.
#1. The shape.
A circular can would have the most diameter but would also leave too much empty space in packing, and would roll off the table. A square can would have no empty space when packing but would require super strong corner, not to mention how it would be hard to drink from. The cylinder is a meeting of the two.
#2. Blank
The first step starts with an aluminum disk that’s called a ‘blank’ which sits on a drawing die with a blank holder on top.
#3. Aluminum Cup
A cylindrical cup pressed down on the die creating a cup, which is then pressed through successive dies, until the can is thinner and taller.
#4. Three Steps To A Taller Thinner Can
The taller thinner can is the can we know today.
#5. Dome Bottom
The dome bottom allows the can to withstand greater pressure and allows the manufacturer to use less aluminum.
#6. Decoration And Taste
The inside is sprayed with epoxy lacquer to prevent the metal taste from seeping into the beverage and the outside gets a ‘decoration’ with the branding of the company from which the soda is manufactured.
#7. The Tab
The tab starts out like a 2nd class lever, sort of like a wheel barrow, but the minute you lift the end and it presses into the top, it becomes a 1st class lever, like a see-saw.
Here is an in-depth video by Youtube channel EngineerGuy that explains the shape of soda cans in a fun way:
