THE DEVELOPMENT OF 5XXX ALUMINUM-ALLOYS FOR RCS APPLICATIONS

The material characteristics necessary for making aluminium ends for b everage cans have changed dramatically as the industry has evolved ove r the past 30 years. This article traces the evolution of alloys used in end-stock applications from the 1950s to the present. Early experie nces with H19 rigid-container sheet alloys that resulted in the develo pment of alloy 5182 are reviewed, with emphasis on work-hardening and partial-annealing behavior. Changes in the industry, particularly coil coating and new end designs, that drove metallurgical changes to the product are discussed.