Inside the Brewery: A Step-by-Step Guide to How Beer Cans are Made

Beer is one of the oldest and most beloved alcoholic beverages in the world. But have you ever wondered how beer cans are made? This inside the brewery guide will take you through the step-by-step process of how beer cans are made, from the raw materials to the finished product.

Raw Materials

The first step in making beer cans is to gather the raw materials needed for the manufacturing process. The main raw materials used in making beer cans include:

Aluminum:

Aluminum is the primary material used in the production of beer cans. It is lightweight, durable, and recyclable, making it an ideal choice for packaging beer.

Ink and Coating:

Ink and coating are used on the surface of the cans to add color and protect the aluminum from corrosion. Ink is applied to the surface of the cans to create the desired design and coating is then applied to protect the ink and aluminum from abrasions and damage.

Lubricant:

A lubricant is applied to the surface of the aluminum sheet to prevent scratching during the manufacturing process.

Manufacturing Process

After gathering the necessary raw materials, the manufacturing process of beer cans begins. The process is broken down into five main steps:

Step 1: Sheet Rolling and Cutting

The first step in the manufacturing process is to roll out sheets of aluminum to the desired thickness. The sheets are then cut into the required sizes using a hydraulic punch.

Step 2: Cupping

The cut sheets are fed into a press where a series of punches and dies are used to shape the sheet of aluminum into a cup shape.

Step 3: Drawing and Ironing

Once the cup shape is formed, a series of tools are used to draw the sides of the cup to the desired height. The cup is then ironed out to form the shape of a beer can.

Step 4: Coating and Printing

The cans are coated with a protective layer and the desired design is printed onto the cans using ink.

Step 5: Trimming and Packaging

The final step in the production of beer cans is to trim any excess aluminum from the top and bottom of the cans. The finished cans are then packaged and shipped to breweries for use.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are beer cans eco-friendly?

A: Yes, beer cans are eco-friendly. Aluminum is the most recycled material in the world, with 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today.

Q: Why are beer cans preferred over glass bottles?

A: Beer cans are preferred over glass bottles for a few reasons. They are more lightweight, more durable, more easily recyclable, and they block out light allowing beer to stay fresher for longer.

Q: How long do beer cans take to decompose?

A: Beer cans take around 200 years to decompose in landfills.

In conclusion, knowing the process of how beer cans are made can give us a better appreciation of this beloved alcoholic beverage. The next time you crack open a cold one, take a moment to think about the intricate process that went into making that simple aluminum container.