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.