Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common questions about aluminum beverage cans, easy open ends, ordering, and OEM services.
🥫 Product Specifications
What aluminum can sizes does Alucan offer?
We offer 12 standard sizes across 4 body types: Standard (330ml, 355ml, 450ml, 473ml, 500ml), Sleek (269ml, 330ml, 355ml), Slim (180ml, 250ml), and Stubby (250ml). Custom sizes available for OEM projects.
What is the difference between Standard, Sleek, and Slim cans?
Standard cans have a classic cylindrical profile (66.3mm diameter). Sleek cans are more slender (58.3mm diameter) with a modern profile. Slim cans are ultra-narrow (50.8mm diameter), ideal for energy drinks. Each type serves different market preferences and filling requirements.
What easy open end sizes are available?
Standard EOE sizes: 200 SOT (for slim cans 180ml-250ml), 202 SOT (for standard/sleek cans 269ml-500ml), 202 RPT, and 206 RPT (for large cans). All sizes available with BPA-NI coating for欧美 markets.
What is SOT vs RPT?
SOT (Stay-On-Tab) ends have a tab that remains attached to the can end after opening, reducing litter. RPT (Ring Pull Tab) ends have a tab that detaches completely when opened. SOT is the global standard for environmental compliance; RPT offers larger aperture for thicker beverages.
What internal coatings are available?
We offer: BPA-NI (BPA non-intent) - preferred for欧美 markets; Water-based modified epoxy - standard option; Specialty barrier coatings - for specific product requirements. All coatings are FDA and EU EC 1935/2004 compliant.
What can dimensions are compatible with standard filling equipment?
Standard cans (66.3mm diameter) use 202 SOT ends and are compatible with most global filling lines. Sleek cans (58.3mm) use 202 SOT ends. Slim cans (50.8mm) use 200 SOT ends. Contact us to verify compatibility with your specific equipment.
📦 Ordering & Pricing
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Plain (blank) cans: 1×40HQ container per SKU (approximately 100,000-180,000 cans depending on size). Printed cans: 300,000 pieces per design. Easy open ends: 200,000 pieces per SKU. Sample orders available for qualified new clients.
What is the pricing for aluminum cans?
Pricing varies by size, quantity, coating, and printing requirements. FOB prices start from approximately: 330ml/355ml plain cans from $0.06-0.08/unit; printed cans from $0.08-0.12/unit. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing.
What is the production lead time?
Plain cans: 25-35 days production + shipping. Printed cans: 35-45 days (includes artwork approval and plate making). Custom sizes: 45-60 days. Express orders available upon request for urgent requirements.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept T/T bank transfer (recommended for large orders), L/C at sight (for established clients), and PayPal (for sample orders). Currency: USD, EUR, CNY. Standard terms: 30% deposit, 70% balance before shipment.
Can I get samples before placing a full order?
Yes. Sample orders are available for qualified new clients. Sample cans and easy open ends can be provided for quality verification, filling tests, and performance evaluation before committing to full production runs.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. We offer tiered pricing based on order volume. Larger orders receive better unit pricing. Contact us with your requirements for a detailed pricing structure.
🎨 Custom Printing
What printing methods are available?
We use CMYK offset lithography for high-quality full-color printing. This method provides superior color reproduction, sharp details, and consistent quality across large runs. Screen printing available for specialty effects.
How many colors can be printed?
Standard printing offers 6-8 colors including CMYK plus custom spot colors. This allows for photographic quality images and precise brand color matching including Pantone colors.
What finishes are available?
Gloss: Shiny, reflective finish for vibrant colors. Matte: Non-reflective, sophisticated look. Tactile (soft-touch): Velvet-like texture. Temperature-sensitive inks: Color changes with temperature. Combination finishes available.
What file formats do you accept for artwork?
We accept AI, EPS, PDF, PSD, and TIFF files. Vector artwork preferred for logos and text. Our prepress team will assist with color separation, trapping, and plate making. We provide digital proofs and physical samples for approval.
Can you match specific brand colors?
Yes. We can match Pantone, RAL, or custom brand colors with high precision. Provide your color codes (Pantone, CMYK, RGB, or HEX) and we will create accurate color proofs for approval.
How long does artwork approval take?
Typical turnaround: 3-5 business days for digital proofs. Physical samples add 7-10 days. Rush services available for urgent timelines. We recommend allowing 2 weeks for complete artwork approval process.
🚢 Shipping & Logistics
How are cans packaged for shipping?
Cans are packed in export-grade cartons with protective interleaving. Standard packaging: 3,600-4,800 cans per carton (varies by size). Pallets: 20-24 cartons per 40ft container. Custom packaging available for retail-ready requirements.
What shipping methods do you offer?
Sea freight: Most economical option (20-40 days). Air freight: For urgent samples or small orders (5-10 days). Express courier: For samples only (3-7 days). We handle all export documentation and customs clearance.
Do you provide quality inspection reports?
Yes. We provide pre-shipment inspection reports including: dimensional checks, pressure tests, coating adhesion tests, print quality verification, and packaging integrity checks. Photo and video reports available.
What are the shipping costs?
Shipping costs depend on destination, volume, and shipping method. We provide CIF and FOB pricing options. For FOB orders, you arrange shipping. For CIF orders, we handle logistics at competitive rates through established freight partners.
✓ Certifications & Quality
What quality certifications do you hold?
ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management. ISO 13485 - Medical devices. IATF 16949 - Automotive. FSSC 22000 - Food safety. BRC Packaging - Global standard. FDA - Food and drug administration registration.
Are your products food-grade certified?
Yes. All Alucan cans and easy open ends are food-grade certified with FSSC 22000 and BRC Packaging standards. Internal coatings are FDA and EU EC 1935/2004 compliant. BPA-NI coating available for markets with specific BPA restrictions.
Can you provide certificates of analysis?
Yes. We provide certificates of analysis (COA) including: material composition, coating specifications, pressure test results, and compliance declarations. Third-party testing reports available upon request.
Do you conduct pressure testing?
Yes. All cans undergo pressure testing to verify burst strength (minimum 6.2 bar / 90 psi). We test samples from each production batch and provide test reports with every shipment.
🏭 OEM Services
Can you manufacture custom can sizes?
Yes. We have tooling capabilities for custom can dimensions beyond our standard sizes. Custom size projects typically require MOQ of 500,000+ pieces and lead time of 45-60 days. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Do you offer custom easy open end designs?
Yes. We offer custom EOE configurations including: custom tab designs, specialty coatings, brand embossing, promotional tabs, and pull-ring variations. MOQ varies by complexity.
What markets do you serve?
We serve beverage brands in 50+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and Middle East. We have extensive experience with international compliance requirements and market-specific regulations.
Can you help with artwork design?
Yes. Our design team can assist with artwork preparation, including: layout design, color optimization, print technical specifications, and 3D mockups. We ensure artwork meets printing requirements for optimal results.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to answer your specific questions and provide custom recommendations.