The Analysis of Mechanical Properties of 3XXX Series Aluminum Sheets Used for Beverage Can Production

Materials used for the production of aluminum beverage cans must meet strict strength and plastic requirements. Meeting these requirements by manufacturers ensures minimization of defects in optimized production line, trouble-free operation and good efficiency of production. Depending on some factors, such as: chemical composition of the 3104 aluminum alloy, sheet rolling method, lubricant layer and cooling method, the final product may be characterized by different mechanical parameters. In this study properties of six types of sheets from four different suppliers have been measured. Thickness distributions have been analyzed both on the width and length of the supplied coils. Sets of samples have been prepared for the research, cut out from the coil in three directions 0°, 45° and 90° of the rolling direction. On the basis of the uniaxial tension tests, yield strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation have been determined. The results have been summarized taking into account their variable values depending on sampling directions. Forming limit curves have been defined for the examined sheets. In order to identify the effect of selected data on wall thickness of both final and semi-products, thickness measurements have been conducted for the drawn cups and cans on different forming stages.