What happens on the outside of a soft drink can?

The outside of a soft drink can undergoes several processes to achieve its final appearance and functionality. Here's what typically happens on the outside of a soft drink can:

1. Can Design and Artwork:

- Beverage companies design the can's appearance, including colors, logos, graphics, and any promotional elements.

2. Lithography:

- The can manufacturer applies a thin layer of white base coat to the exterior of the can.

- The desired artwork and designs are then printed using lithography, which involves transferring images from metal printing plates onto the can.

3. Lacquering and Coating:

- After printing, a layer of lacquer is applied to protect the printed artwork and enhance its appearance.

- Additional coatings, such as matte or glossy finishes, may also be applied to create different textures or effects.

4. Seaming:

- The two ends of the cylindrical can are joined together through a seaming process, creating a leak-proof seal.

5. Coding:

- Essential information, such as production dates, batch numbers, and barcodes, is printed on the can using inkjet printers or laser marking systems.

6. Quality Control:

- The cans undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure proper printing, coating uniformity, and structural integrity.

7. Can Filling:

- Once the cans are ready, they are sent to the beverage filling line, where they are filled with the carbonated soft drink.

8. Labeling (Optional):

- Some soft drink cans may have additional labels applied to provide nutritional information, promotional details, or tamper-evident features.

9. Packaging:

- Filled and sealed cans are packaged into crates, boxes, or shrink-wrapped packs for distribution to retailers and consumers.

By following these steps, the outside of a soft drink can is transformed from a plain metal cylinder into an attractive, informative, and functional container for carbonated beverages.