ISO 24021-2:2024

Overview

ISO 24021-2:2024 - Light gauge metal containers - Vocabulary and classification - Part 2: General cans defines the terminology and establishes a classification scheme for general cans made from light gauge metal (nominal thickness ≤ 0.49 mm). It is part of the ISO 24021 series and continues the work of Part 1 (open-top cans and ends) by focusing on cans used across food, chemical, gift and other markets. Materials explicitly covered include tinplate / tin-free steel (TFS), chrome-plated steel, stainless steel (Cr ≥ 10.5 %, C ≤ 1.2 %) and laminated steel.

Key technical topics and requirements

This standard is primarily a vocabulary and classification document; it does not include external normative references. Major technical topics defined and organized include:

• Materials terminology
  • Plain plate (ETP/TFS), coated tinplate/TFS, laminated steel, primary vs secondary metal.
• Manufacturing technique terms
  • Cutting angle, pre-bending, drawing, forming, flanging, necking/expanding, welding, embossing, curling, seaming roll/chuck/rail.
• Seam and joint definitions
  • Double seam structure, body hook and cover hook, seam thickness/width/gap, length and rate of overlap.
• Quality and defect terminology
  • Wrinkles/tightness ratings, cold weld, splash, welding pin hole/puncture, false seam, dead head, jumped seam, lip, creasing, mismatch, poor compound lining.
• Inspection and testing terms
  • Dimension measurement, appearance inspection, hermetic seal inspection, drop test, axial load strength, aggressive (corrosion) test, enamel rate value (ERV).
• Classification categories
  • General can; for liquid food, dry food, industrial, other purposes; material-based classes such as stainless steel general can, plain steel general can, coated steel general can. (See Annex A for classification details.)

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 24021-2:2024 is intended to improve technical communication, specification and trade for light gauge metal containers. Typical users include:

• Can manufacturers and converters (design, production, process control)
• Brand owners and packagers in food, beverage, chemicals, cosmetics, gifts and consumer products
• Quality assurance and inspection laboratories (seam analysis, leak testing)
• Procurement and specification engineers (material and acceptance criteria)
• Standards committees, test houses and certification bodies

Practical value / Benefits

• Provides a common vocabulary for terms like double seam, seaming roll, seam gap and common defects, reducing misunderstandings across suppliers and buyers.
• Supports consistent classification (Annex A) to help specify cans by application (liquid food vs dry food vs industrial).
• Facilitates quality control, inspection protocols and contractual specifications for light gauge metal containers and general cans.

Keywords: ISO 24021-2:2024, light gauge metal containers, general cans vocabulary and classification, tinplate, stainless steel cans, double seam, seaming, hermetic seal.