photo gallery: Maleïs
A new generation of steel for Easy Open Ends
Arcelor Packaging International clearly identified the need for the development of a unique tinplate quality for end use. The opening requirements of food cans are extremely critical and at the same time appear to be contradictory. During filling and retorting (sterilisation), high pressures can be created and the ends must withstand this process and subsequent rough handling during conveying, paletization and transport. However, once in the hands of the consumer, the opening mechanism must be without constraint.
benefits:The Easy Opening end mechanism has shown that the properties of the tinplate used are very critical for the production of steel for Easy Opening ends. In particular, the ductility of the tinplate is a critical factor in achieving the delicate forming operation of the rivet to attach the pull tab on the end. By changing the parameters of the continuous annealing process, it was possible to influence the mechanical properties of the material and reach the specifications targeted for the new grade of tinplate.
market response:Consumer tests show that this difference in opening ability is highly appreciable. Arcelor Packaging International received a very encouraging response from brand owners both in Europe and the United States. The use of Easy Opening ends for food cans has become an important development in the United States with companies such as Campbell Soup now seriously committed to using EZO ends on most of their production. Early this summer (2003) Arcelor Packaging International supplied the first quantities of Maleïs end stock to their customers for extensive testing and so far results look extremely promising.
materials & dimensions:
“Maleïs” tinplate offers considerably lower opening forces than materials currently used. A decrease of 15 to 30 % depending on the thickness of the Maleïs grade has been achieved during extensive trials with several canmakers whilst maintaining the same performance levels.
specific features:
- Not specified -
finishes:
- Not specified -
owner: - Not specified -
company: Arcelor Packaging International
address: - Not specified -
telephone: +33/1 4125 92 00
fax: +33/1 4125 87 55
email: Barbara.Martin@packaging.arcelor.com
contact person: Barbara Martin
company: Arcelor Packaging International
company: - Not specified -
prototype: No
