What is the diameter of a standard aluminum can?

Standard aluminum beverage cans have a 66.0 mm body diameter. This family includes 300ml, 330ml, 355ml, 450ml, 473ml, 500ml and 1L capacities, all using a 202 end except the 1L sharing can which uses a 209 end.

How tall is a 330ml sleek can?

A 330ml sleek can has a reference height of approximately 146 mm and a body diameter of 57.4 mm. The 355ml sleek can is about 156 mm tall, making it popular for North American craft beer.

What is the difference between sleek and slim cans?

Sleek cans are 57.4 mm in diameter and are used for premium beer, seltzers and RTD cocktails. Slim cans are narrower at 53.0 mm in diameter and are commonly used for energy drinks, wine and functional shots.

What end size fits a 1L sharing can?

The 1L sharing can has an 84.1 mm body diameter and uses a heavy-duty 209 easy open end with a 63.5 mm opening to support its larger volume and larger pour.

Do can heights vary between suppliers?

Reference heights can vary by ±2 mm depending on tooling, end profile and manufacturing tolerances. Always confirm exact drawings and samples before finalizing artwork and pallet plans.

B64 vs CDL vs RPT Ends

Understand end profiles, tab types and pressure ratings so you choose the right lid for every beverage.

B64 vs CDL vs RPT Easy Open Ends

B64 CDL and RPT aluminum can end comparison

Easy open ends are described by two attributes: profile and tab type. Profile determines strength and aluminum usage; tab type determines opening behavior and consumer experience.

Profile Comparison: B64 vs CDL

Profile	Weight	Buckle Rating	Best For
B64	Heavier	95–108 PSI	Beer, CSD, high carbonation
CDL	Lighter	85–95 PSI	Craft beer, sparkling water, juice

Tab Type Comparison: SOT vs RPT

Tab Type	Behavior	Best For
SOT (Stay-on-Tab)	Tab stays attached	Modern beer, CSD, litter-sensitive markets
RPT (Ring Pull Tab)	Tab detaches completely	Juice, tea, traditional formats, wide pour

Common End Combinations

202 B64 SOT: The workhorse for beer and carbonated soft drinks.
202 CDL SOT: Lightweight option for craft beer and sparkling water.
202 CDL RPT: Premium juice and cold-fill tea applications.
200 CDL SOT: Slim energy drinks and functional shots.
209 B64 SOT: Heavy-duty end for 1L sharing cans.

Which End Should You Choose?

Choose B64 for high-carbonation products where maximum buckle strength matters. Choose CDL when lightweighting and cost reduction are priorities and carbonation is moderate. Choose SOT for litter reduction and modern retail requirements; choose RPT for traditional opening preference or wide-pour applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between B64 and CDL ends?

B64 is a heavier profile with higher buckle strength for carbonated beverages. CDL is a lightweight optimized profile that uses less aluminum while maintaining seal integrity.

What does RPT mean on a can end?

RPT stands for Ring Pull Tab. The tab detaches completely from the end when opened, creating a traditional wide-pour opening.

Which end is best for beer?

Most beer uses 202 B64 SOT ends due to their high buckle pressure and stay-on-tab design. Craft beer may use 202 CDL SOT for lightweighting.

Can CDL ends handle carbonated drinks?

Yes, CDL ends are rated for moderate carbonation. They are commonly used for craft beer, sparkling water and juices. For very high carbonation, B64 is the safer choice.

Explore Knowledge Center

Buying Guide Manufacturing Can Sizes Can Ends Printing Coating Logistics How Many Cans in 40HQ Standard vs Sleek vs Slim B64 vs CDL vs RPT FAQ

End Selection by Beverage

Beer and CSD need high buckle strength and benefit from B64 SOT ends. Craft beer and sparkling water can use CDL SOT for lightweighting. Juices, teas and traditional markets may prefer RPT for the wide-pour opening experience.

Custom End Branding

Beyond profile and tab type, Alucan offers colored shells, colored tabs, laser-etched logos and under-tab QR codes. These options help brands stand out while maintaining full seal integrity and food-contact compliance.