ISO 90-1:1997

Overview

ISO 90-1:1997 - Light gauge metal containers - Part 1: Open-top cans - is an international standard that defines terminology, dimensional measurement methods and capacity determination for rigid, light-gauge metal open-top cans (maximum nominal material thickness 0.49 mm). It applies to both round and non‑round cans and specifies how to characterize shapes, constructions (two‑piece and three‑piece), special features (necked‑in, step‑sided, beaded, diaphragmed, easy‑open), and how to determine gross lidded capacity and nominal filling volume.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Definitions and scope: clear definitions of open‑top cans, food/beverage variants, diaphragmed and easy‑open ends, and cross‑section types (round, rectangular, obround, oval, trapezoidal).
• Dimensional measurement methods:
  • Internal cross‑section measurement using a plug gauge or derived from external measurements with a vernier caliper.
  • Height (body height H1) measurement using a vernier caliper or height gauge (see informative Annex A).
  • Rules for nominal cross‑section rounding to the nearest millimetre.
• Capacity determination:
  • Gross lidded capacity (C) determined by water‑fill mass methods on empty cans (section 4) or by procedures for filled cans (informative Annex B).
  • Use of temperature correction factors and specified balance accuracies for precise mass‑to‑volume conversion.
  • Special guidance for cans with intentionally flexible (bowing) ends.
• Tolerances: standardized capacity tolerances for round and non‑round cans with statistical basis (e.g., 99.7% within limits).
• Designation scheme: recommended code letters and format to describe can type, nominal capacity/volume and characteristic cross‑section.

Applications and users

ISO 90-1:1997 is used by:

• Can designers and packaging engineers for specifying and communicating can geometry and capacity.
• Manufacturers and quality control labs for dimensional inspection, capacity verification and tolerance compliance.
• Filling and processing engineers (food and beverage) for headspace/freeboard planning and sterilization considerations.
• Procurement, regulatory and standards bodies for unambiguous product designation and conformity checks.

Practical uses include product specification sheets, inspection procedures, capacity testing protocols, and international trade documentation for open‑top cans.

Related standards

• ISO 90 (other parts): Part 2 - General use containers; Part 3 - Aerosol cans.
• ISO 1361: Diameters for round open‑top cans (referenced for beverage/non‑beverage diameters).

Keywords: ISO 90-1:1997, light gauge metal containers, open-top cans, gross lidded capacity, nominal filling volume, can dimensions, tolerances, plug gauge, vernier caliper, packaging standard.