Aerosol cans are a critical component of aerosol products, serving as pressurized containers. Due to their convenience, ease of use, and storage benefits, an increasing number of products are adopting aerosol packaging. These cans are widely used across various industries, including food, industrial manufacturing, daily necessities, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive care.
When deciding to package a product in aerosol form, several factors regarding the container must be considered. These include the material—whether tinplate or aluminum—the capacity (in milliliters), the type of propellant gas to be filled, and whether the solution may corrode the can. Each of these aspects should be evaluated based on the product’s specific characteristics. Below, we outline key considerations for selecting the most suitable aerosol can.
First and foremost, aerosol cans function as pressurized containers. To ensure safety, they must possess high pressure resistance. Since the contents are often chemical-based, the can must also exhibit strong corrosion resistance. Additionally, the container must be compatible with the valve and plastic actuator, emphasizing the need for solid Cooperative performance (compatibility). The exterior design and print quality are equally important, as the can’s appearance plays a significant role in attracting consumers on retail shelves.
The primary indicator of product safety is pressure resistance. This refers to the can’s ability to withstand internal pressure and is measured through two key parameters: deformation pressure and burst pressure. Deformation pressure is the point at which the can undergoes permanent transformation under gradually increasing pressure, while burst pressure is the level at which the container ruptures. According to national standards, aerosol cans must have a deformation pressure of at least 1.2 MPa and a burst pressure no lower than 1.4 MPa.
Comparisons between tinplate and aluminum aerosol cans reveal that aluminum cans generally outperform tinplate ones in both deformation and burst pressure tests. In seal integrity and safety assessments—such as pressure resistance experiments conducted in a constant-temperature water bath at 50°C—aluminum cans demonstrate superior performance when internal pressure is increased by 1.5 times. However, aluminum cans involve more complex manufacturing processes and are typically more costly.
Corrosion resistance is another essential factor, indicating the inner wall’s ability to resist erosion from the contents. Both tinplate and aluminum cans can be used with liquefied propellants like dimethyl ether. Still, the internal coating of aluminum cans tends to be more robust and durable due to differences in production techniques. For instance, transparent polyurethane coatings applied to aluminum cans offer enhanced corrosion resistance.
For highly corrosive formulations, a dual packaging system (binary packaging) can be adopted. This innovative approach involves placing a separate pouch inside either a tinplate or aluminum can. The solution remains within the pouch, while the propellant occupies the space between the pouch and the can. This method is gaining popularity, especially in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, for products such as sunscreen sprays and nasal rinses.
In summary, selecting the right aerosol can requires careful evaluation of product properties and performance needs. SAILON Can Making specializes in the R&D, production, and sales of aerosol solutions, offering support for a wide range of products including sunscreen sprays, nasal washes, sprayable cooking oil, aerosol paints, and insecticides. We provide end-to-end services covering raw materials, formulation, technology, equipment, and even factory setup. Feel free to reach out for professional consultation.
