Aluminum Alloy 3104 Aluminum Can Body Stock | Thickness 0.25–0.3 mm | Width 800–1500 mm | Washed & Lubricated

Introduction                                                

The 0.25–0.30 mm 3104 aluminum can body stock (washed & lubricated) is currently the dominant alloy globally for two-piece drawn & ironed (D&I) beverage can bodies — especially for carbonated soft drinks, beer, energy drinks and non-carbonated beverages.

Compared to 3004 (older standard) or 5182 (can end stock), 3104 is the modern evolution that offers:

Optimized Mn + Mg chemistry → higher strength with controlled earing (≤2–3%)

Superior deep-draw & ironing performance → uniform wall thickness, minimal thinning

Washed & double-lubricated surface → clean, consistent high-speed drawing without galling

Lower overall can weight potential while maintaining burst & dome strength

Surface treatment:Double-sided washing → ultra-clean, no rolling oil residue,Dual lubrication (one side forming lubricant + opposite side drawing aid),Temper: H19 (work-hardened for drawing & ironing),Compliance: FDA 21 CFR 175.300, EU 10/2011, GB 4806 (food-contact safe after lacquering)

Product Parameters:                                                  

Advantages

Core Benefits:

Case Studies  

1.Ball Corporation Lightweight Beverage Can Program (Global)

Thickness: 0.26–0.28 mm 3104 washed & lubricated

Result: 8–10% weight reduction vs previous 3004 stock, maintained burst strength

2.Crown Holdings Sleek & Standard Can Lines (Europe & Americas)

Thickness: 0.27 mm 3104 body stock

Result: earing rate <2.5%, high-speed drawing at 2000+ cpm, zero flange defects

3.Can-Pack Middle East & Asia Can Production

Thickness: 0.25 mm 3104 premium grade

Result: lowest trimming waste, excellent printability after drawing

4.Coca-Cola & Pepsi Global Lightweight Can Initiative

Thickness: 0.26 mm 3104 body stock

Result: 5–7% material saving, superior dome strength & stackability

5.Red Bull & Monster Energy Sleek Can Bodies (Global)

Thickness: 0.27–0.28 mm 3104 lubricated stock

Result: tight dimensional control, high-speed necking & flanging

International Applications

Two-piece beverage can bodies — carbonated soft drinks, beer, energy drinks, iced tea, sparkling water

High-speed can making lines — Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Ardagh, Can-Pack, CANPACK

Premium & lightweight can programs — Coke, Pepsi, Heineken, Red Bull, Monster

Emerging markets & hot-fill cans — non-carbonated beverages, juices, RTD coffee/tea

Export & OEM can stock supply — Asia, Europe, Middle East, North & South America

Mega Trends

Thinner gauges:0.23–0.26 mm 3104/3105 for next-gen lightweight cans

Lower earing & higher dome strength:advanced alloy chemistry & texture control

Pre-lacquered / pre-printed body stock:inline coating & printing on can lines

95%+ recycled content:traceable 3104 with full CO₂ passport & mass-balance certification

Smart cans:QR/NFC printed directly on body stock for brand engagement

Extreme lightweighting:sub-10 g aluminum beverage can body target

Upcoming Applications

Ultra-lightweight 0.20–0.23 mm aerosol & beverage cans

Aluminum bottle stock for premium spirits & RTDs

Space mission lightweight beverage & food cans

Mars habitat recyclable aluminum food containers

FAQ (USA/Europe/Middle East/Asia Buyers)

Q1: Why choose 3104 over 3004 for modern can body stock?

A: 3104 is the newer generation alloy with optimized chemistry for lower earing (<3%), higher post-drawing strength and better high-speed formability. It enables thinner gauges (0.25–0.27 mm) with the same or better performance than classic 3004.

Q2: What earing rate can be expected & how does it affect trimming waste?

A: Typical earing ≤2–3% (depending on tooling & lubrication). This reduces trimming waste by 20–40% compared to older alloys. We provide earing test reports & flange height uniformity data for each coil.

Q3: Can you provide full FDA / EU 10/2011 / GB 9685 compliance & migration test reports?

A: Yes — complete certificate package + third-party migration reports (SGS/Intertek) for direct food/beverage contact. Supports full regulatory dossiers for USA, EU, China,etc.

Q4: Minimum order quantity & lead time for custom width or lubrication level?

A: MOQ 3–5 tons (depending on width); standard widths 15–25 days; custom width or lubrication adjustment 25–35 days. Sample coils free with freight collect.

Q5: How does 3104 perform in high-speed can lines (2000+ cpm)?

A: Excellent — uniform thickness tolerance (±0.005 mm) & consistent lubrication ensure stable drawing, ironing, trimming & necking. We provide high-speed line trial data & recommendations.

Q6: Is 3104 suitable for lightweight cans (sub-10 g body weight)?

A: Yes — optimized strength & formability allow gauges down to 0.23–0.25 mm while maintaining burst/dome performance. Lightweighting test results & dome reversal data available.  

Call to Action                                                                                                        

Want can body stock that delivers lower earing, higher strength & lighter cans at the best value?

Contact us to learn about 0.27 mm washed & lubricated sample coil + earing & formability test report + real beverage can line reference package

24-hour rapid quote

Contact Dingang immediately — produce lighter, stronger, more sustainable cans!

T: 0086 13961220663 

E:gavin@cnchangsong.com