Metal Can Defects. Identification and Classification - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

27/12/23, 12:36 Metal can defects: identification and classification - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canada.ca > Canadian Food Inspection Agency > Preventive controls > Controls for food
Metal can defects: identification and classification
On this page
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Can terminology
3.0 Can construction and integrity factor
4.0 Can examination and assessment process
5.0 Severity classification
6.0 Alphabetical index
7.0 Defect categories
8.0 Glossary (English-French)
1.0 Introduction
Can integrity - the ability of the can to deliver safe wholesome food to the consumer - may be
compromised by a wide variety of defects. These defects may arise throughout the various stages of
can manufacture, filling, closing, processing, and handling before the can reaches the consumer.
The defect types are arranged into 7 different sections to reflect the stage in which the defect is
likely to originate.
This document:
1. provides a base for assessment of container integrity using specific criteria;
2. assists in communicating the specific defect conditions which may be found using standardized
terminology; and
3. provides a severity classification of the various defect types using standard criteria.
The visual examination of commercially sterile low-acid and acidified low-acid foods packed in
hermetically sealed containers is used to help assess compliance.
A dye test can be used to detect container integrity defects that result in leakage on any area of a
container, including the scoreline, pull tab and/or double seam. Refer to The Compendium of
analytical methods, Volume 2 (MFHPB-05: Method for the determination of micro-leaks in
hermetically sealed metal and glass container, May 2003) for instructions on how to conduct a dye
test.
2.0 Can terminology

Any discussion or description of can defects requires standard terminology relating to the can
components (end, body, double seam). The terminology required to describe these components
varies with style of construction thus, only the main construction types are discussed in this section.
2.1 Three piece can bodies - soldered side seam

Body
https://inspection.canada.ca/preventive-controls/controls-for-food/metal-can-defects/eng/1510763304486/1510763304952 1/106
May vary in shape, body beads may be present, and is constructed of electrolytic tinplate (ETP).
Body bead
Ridges or rib-like indentations on the can body located singly or in clusters on the general body area
to provide resistance to lateral abuse (denting).
Flange
The outward flared edge of the can body that becomes the body hook of the double seam.
Lap
The short length of the side seam adjacent to each end where the side seam is reduced to 2
overlapping layers of metal plate bonded by solder.
Notch
The small cut-away portion of the body blank in the lap area which will reduce the amount of
material in the area where a double seam will be formed.
Side seam
The joint connecting 2 edges of the body blank (a piece of metal plate cut to individual can size).
Along most of its length this joint consists of 4 tightly interlocked and soldered layers of metal plate
(side seam fold). For a short distance adjacent to each end (lap areas) the side seam is only 2 layers
thick.
Side seam enamel margin (inside)
These are narrow strips of uncoated metal plate along the inside edges of an inside coated body
blank that will form the side seam. The margins must be present, as organic coatings in either
margin will preclude complete soldering of the side seam.
Side seam enamel margin (outside)
These are narrow strips of uncoated metal plate (approximately 1 cm wide) along the outside edges
of an outside coated body blank that will form the side seam. The margins must be present, as
organic coatings in either margin will preclude complete soldering of the side seam.
Side seam indent
A small dent usually located at each end of the side seam fold. It strengthens the side seam,
minimizes side seam bow and controls the cylinder length at the side seam.
Side seam vent
An opening in the side seam fold which allows the gases formed during soldering to escape and
permits solder to flow into the folds.
Figure 2.1.a - Three piece can - soldered side seam - closed can
Inside view showing side seam fold and lap
Figure 2.1.b - Three piece can - soldered side seam - open top can
2.2 Three piece can bodies - welded side seam

Body
Similar to soldered three piece cans, welded can bodies may vary in shape, body beads may be
present and they are constructed of either electrolytic tinplate (ETP) or tin free steel (TFS).
Side seam
The lap joint formed when connecting the 2 edges of the body blank. The 2 edges overlap by
approximately 0.5 mm. After welding, the thickness of the welded seam is approximately 1.2 times
the thickness of the body plate.
Figure 2.2.a - Three piece can - welded side seam - filled can
Figure 2.2.b - Three piece can - welded side seam - empty can
2.3 Two piece can bodies

Body
Similar to three piece cans, the body may vary in shape and material used. The body consists of an
integral end and a body wall formed from a single piece of metal plate and the top edge of the wall
has a flange.
Body bead
A side bead (alternate terms: stack, abuse, or chime bead) may be present near the bottom of the
body wall to provide resistance to lateral abuse (denting), assistance in stacking and the same
mobility (rolling) characteristic as a double seam provides to a three piece can. Other beads may
also be present to provide lateral abuse resistance.
Bottom profile
This term describes the contoured shape of the cross section of an integral end.
Countersink
This may or may not be present on integral end. Primarily used to provide strength to the integral
end.
Panels
Raised or depressed surfaces of the integral end which provide strength or alter the container
capacity. Step panels are the angular surfaces joining other panels (centre, first, second, outer,
middle, etc. - see Fig. 2.3.a.)
Reinforcement features
A series of rings, ridges or parallel lines pressed into the metal of any part of the can body or
integral end. These features provide the metal with additional strength to withstand the stresses of
retorting and handling.
Figure 2.3.a - Two piece can - integral end with countersink
Figure 2.3.b - Two piece can - integral end with flex bottom
Figure 2.3.c - Integral end of a non-round two piece can
Figure 2.3.d - Body wall of a non-round two piece can
2.4 Can ends - conventional

Canner's end
Alternate terms: cover, lid, top, packer's end, code end, customer end. This is the end applied to the
filled can by the canner. Its material and shape may vary and it may have panels and beads.
Curl
The extreme edge of the can end which is turned inward when the double seam is formed to
become the end hook.
Coding
Lettering, numbering or designs that are permanently stamped on either end, either raised
(embossed) or in relief (indented). Embossing may be done by the manufacturer of the ends or by
the canner just prior to applying the end to the filled can (code marking). Code markings applied by
the canner indicate date code and other canning information. Indelible printing, or any other type
of permanent marking, may also be used in place of embossing or indenting for coding of cans.
Manufacturer's end
Alternate terms: plant end, factory end, maker's end, bottom. This is the end applied by the can
manufacturer of three piece cans.
Sealing compound
Alternate terms: gasket compound
A sealing material consisting of a water or solvent dispersion of rubber placed in the curl of the can
end. The sealing compound's function is to effect a hermetic seal by filling the voids left after
mechanical formation of the double seam. Its primary functions are to: a) fill the void at the end of
the body hook (prime sealing area Fig. 2.7.a); b) fill the end hook wrinkles; and c) prevent any seam
areas having solely metal to metal contact.
Figure 2.4.a - Cross section of a conventional end
2.5 Can ends - full panel easy open - key-open

The key-open style of full panel easy open (FPEO) ends may vary in material, shape, and may have
reinforcement features similar to two piece bodies. A key is inserted onto the key tab and rotated,
rolling up the tab, tearing the metal along the scoreline, and rolling the end from the can.
Key tab
That portion of the can end projecting from the double seam.
Scoreline
A single or double line which follows the perimeter of the end. The metal thickness at the scoreline
is less than the rest of the end so that during key opening the metal tears along the scoreline
enabling the can to be opened without the use of other tools.
Tab hook radius
Alternate term: tonguehook radius
That part of the key tab area formed by the tab acting as an end hook (tucked into double seam).
Figure 2.5.a - FPEO key-open end
Figure 2.5.b - FPEO key-open end
2.6 Can ends - full panel easy open - pull tab

The pull tab style of full panel easy open (FPEO) ends may vary in material and shape, and may have
reinforcement features similar to two piece bodies. By lifting and pulling back on the pull tab, the
scoreline is broken. By continuing to pull, the scoreline tears along its length.
Pull tab
A ring-shaped feature attached to the end panel by the rivet. The pull tab may be constructed of
different material than the end.
Rivet
A small projection formed from the end panel to which the pull tab is attached.
Figure 2.6.a - FPEO can end with pull tab - cross section
Figure 2.6.b - FPEO can end - Hansa
Figure 2.6.c - Top - Dingley can end - bottom - Obround can end
2.7 Double seams

The double seam is the joint formed between the body and the end by the mechanical interlocking
and compression of the can flange and the end curl. For heat-treated food in sanitary cans this
seam must be hermetic: that is, it must be impervious to the flow of materials through it in either
direction.
The double seam is usually formed in 2 operations and consists of 5 layers of plate, except in the
crossover area of three piece soldered or welded cans where there are 7 layers and in the key tab
area of key-open cans where there are 6 layers. The first operation determines the amount of
material in the seam while the second operation compresses the layers together. The suggested
dimensions of a double seam will vary according to a number of factors including the shape and
size of the can, the thickness of end and body plate, and the manufacturer of the can components
and double seaming equipment.
Body hook
The flange of the can body which is turned down in the formation of the double seam.
Countersink
The dimension from the top edge of the double seam to the bottom of the countersink radius.
Crossover
Alternate term: juncture. That portion of the double seam that intersects with the side seam or lap
of the three piece can body.
End hook
Alternate term: cover hook. The curl of the can which is turned inward in the formation of the
double seam.
Free space
The difference between the measured seam thickness and the sum of the 5 plate thicknesses
making up the double seam.
Overlap
The distance which the end hook laps over the body hook.
Pressure ridge
A continuous impression around the inside periphery of the can body in the double seam area
formed by the seaming roll pressure.
Seam gap
The gap between the body hook and the seaming panel.
Seam length
Alternate terms: seam height.
This is the external dimension of the double seam parallel to the vertical axis of the can.
Seam thickness
The external dimension of the double seam measured approximately perpendicular to the vertical
axis of the can. The actual measurement assumes the same angle as the countersink wall.
Voids
The non-metal areas at the ends of the end hook and body hook. For a hermetic seal the void at the
end of the body hook must be filled with compound; this is the prime sealing area.
Figure 2.7.a - General terminology of the double seam
Figure 2.7.b - Dimensional terminology of the double seam
3.0 Can construction and integrity factor

There are a wide variety of potential can defects. This is due to the many steps involved in
producing a filled can. In order to assess can integrity, information regarding these various steps is
required.
3.1 Metal plate

Ingots of steel or aluminum of predetermined chemical composition are sent to their respective
rolling mills. Here the ingots are rolled into very long, narrow, thin (0.010 in.), continuous sheets;
these strip sheets are rolled into coils. The coils of steel are passed through a tin bath or a
chromium bath in which either of these metals are electroplated onto steel to produce electrolytic
tin plate (ETP) or tin free steel (TFS). The tin layer is approximately 15 millionths of an inch thick
while the chromium layer is 0.8 millionths of an inch thick. The coils of aluminum may or may not
receive a surface treatment. The respective metals are shipped to the can making plants in coil
form.
Once these coils arrive at the can making plant they are cut into sheets. These sheets vary in size
according to the size of can to be made but are approximately 1 metre by 1 metre.
3.2 Organic coatings

There are many types of organic coatings: phenolic, oleoresinous, acrylic, epoxy phenolic,
polybutadiene, to name a few. The type to be applied will depend on the product to be canned, the
expected shelf life and, in the case of outside coatings, appearance requirements. Organic coatings
tend to serve as a barrier between the metal and the can contents or environment.
The coatings are applied to each sheet by means of rollers. The sheets then pass through a bake
oven where the coatings are cured. Depending on requirements, the inside may be single or double
coated and the outside given a plain coat or a lithographed label. Inside coatings are applied first;
each coating is baked prior to application of the next. Aluminum and TFS are always inside coated;
TFS is always outside coated. ETP may or may not be inside or outside coated depending on
requirements.
When coating sheets are destined to become the bodies of three piece cans (soldered or welded), a
plain (uncoated) narrow strip or margin is left along the 2 sides that will form the side seam. Can
bodies cannot be soldered or welded without these margins. Margins are usually not left on sheets
from which ends or two piece cans are to be made.
3.3 Can body manufacture
3.3.1 Three piece cans - soldered

These can bodies are made only from ETP. The plain or previously coated sheets are fed into a slitter
which cuts the sheets into individual can body blanks. These blanks are then fed into a body maker
where they are slit, notched, the side seams are hooked, interlocked, tightened, fluxed and soldered
after which inside and outside side seam stripes (organic coatings) are sprayed along the side seam
if required.
Depending on requirements, the can body may be beaded. Beads are formed in: a) the bodymaker
during cylinder formation; or b) in a beader flanger after side seaming. The soldered cylinder is
flanged after which an end is applied. The open top can is then air pressure tested and palletized for
shipment to the cannery.
3.3.2 Three piece cans - welded

Sheets of steel (ETP or TFS) previously organic coated as required are similarly slit into individual can
body blanks. These body blanks are slightly longer than the perimeter of the welded cylinder. The
body blanks are fed into the body maker where the cylinder is formed. The edges forming the side
seam overlap slightly. These edges are bonded together using electric resistance or laser welding.
Once the cylinder is formed an inside and outside side seam stripe is sprayed on as required. The
cylinder is then flanged, and an end is applied. The open top can is air pressure tested in the usual
manner.
Welded can bodies may also be beaded. This operation is done after the cylinder has been welded
and side seam striped but before the end is applied. Beader flangers and Krupp can-o-mat are 2
common beading machines.
3.3.3 Two piece cans

Sheets of steel (ETP or TFS) or aluminum, previously organic coated as required, are cut into strips
which are fed into a press. A disc is cut out and then in one (single draw) or more (draw-redraw)
operations the metal is stretched and worked to the desired flanged height and bottom profile. This
basic can advances to the trim press where the extra flange metal is cut off. If the can body is to be
beaded, the can advances to a separate station (beader) where the bead is formed. This finished
container is then air pressure tested and packaged for storage and/or shipment to the cannery.
3.4 Can ends manufacture
3.4.1 Round ends
Coated or uncoated sheets are cut into strips and fed into a single or double die press. In one
operation the disc is cut out and the end profile (contour) is impressed in the metal. The disc then
drops into a curling wheel which bends the cut edge to form the curl. This round basic end
progresses to the compound line where, under a stationary nozzle, the end is rotated. During
rotation the nozzle dispenses compound into the curl area.
3.4.2 Non-round ends

These ends are cut into strips in a manner similar to round ends. They are usually held stationary
while curling rolls follow the end perimeter to form the curl. At the compound liner station the end
is again held stationary while the nozzle travels the seaming panel perimeter and dispenses
compound.
3.4.3 Pull-tab can ends

These are made from flat profile (non-beaded or basic) ends. The basic ends are fed into a
conversion press in which the end is scored, the flat profile modified with strengthening and
convenience features and the rivet is formed. Tab stock (coil of metal approximately 3 cm wide) is
fed into the press where the pull tab is formed. The pull tab then advances to the modified basic
end to which it is attached at the rivet.
It is easiest to make these type of ends from aluminum. Many types are also made with ETP and a
few are made with TFS. Steel (ETP and TFS) easy open ends may be fitted with aluminum pull tabs.
3.4.4 Key-open can ends

These ends are made in a manner similar to those described above. The key tab is an integral part
of the end curl which is die formed. The key is usually spot welded to the end panel.
3.5 Double seam formation and integrity factors

Ends are applied to the vast majority of food cans by machines called double seamers. The double
seamer takes its name from the fact that the double seam is formed in 2 distinct operations. In the
majority of double seamers these 2 operations are performed by seaming rolls. The can body and
end are clamped on a seaming chuck by a load applied vertically to the base plate or lifter (see
Figure 3.5.a). The first operation roll, tucks the end curl under the can flange such that they become
interlocked (Fig. 3.5.b). The second operation roll compresses these interlocked layers of metal,
squeezing the compound into the voids to complete an hermetic seal (Fig. 3.5.c). In canneries the
double seamers are more appropriately called closing machines. These are variously equipped to
apply an end to a filled can under a number of specific conditions dependent on the product and
the packer's needs such as vacuum closure, steam flow closure and vacuum gas closure.
Figure 3.5.a - Basic double seamer design
Figure 3.5.b - First operation seam formation
Figure 3.5.c - Second operation seam formation
3.5.1 Can closing terminology

Some of the terminology associated with the can closing operation is as follows:
Base plate
Alternate terms: lifter, lifter plate.
The part of the double seamer which positions and holds the can body along with the end against
the chuck during the seaming operation.
Base plate pressure
Alternate term: lifter pressure.
The force exerted by the base plate as it holds the can body and end up against the chuck.
Chuck
The part of the double seamer which fits inside the end countersink. It acts as an anvil by
supporting the end and the body against the pressure of the seaming rolls.
Clinching
The operation of bending the curl of the end under the flange of the body to hold the end loosely in
place. This action, used in some seaming operations, is performed by a separate machine (clincher)
prior to double seaming.
First operation
The initial step in double seam formation in which the curl of the end is tucked under the flange of
the can body so that the 2 are interlocked.
Knock-out
The part of the double seamer located in the middle of the seaming chuck which pushes against the
seamed end, ejecting the can from the chuck upon completion of the second operation.
Pin height
The distance between the highest part of the base plate and the lowest part of the chuck in their
seaming position.
Second operation
The finishing part of the seaming operation where the hooks formed in the first operation are
ironed tightly against each other forcing the sealing compound into the voids to effect an hermetic
seal.
3.5.2 Double seam integrity factors

The prerequisites for achieving good double seam integrity are:
1. properly formed and undamaged cans and ends
2. the absence of other material in the seaming areas (for example, product, excess solder or
sealing compound, foreign material)
3. the presence and proper placement of sealing compound in order to fill the prime sealing area
which will prevent leakage
4. the proper mechanical interlocking of the body flange and end curl resulting in overlap; and
5. the compression of the interlocked flange and curl to form the body hook and end hook which
are tightly interlocked
If the first 3 prerequisites are satisfied then final seam appraisal is based on the latter 2
prerequisites, namely overlap and tightness rating/pressure ridge. The various measurements of
the double seam that may be taken aid in a decision that the overlap and tightness will be sufficient
to ensure the sealing compound is properly held under compression.
(a) Overlap
The body and end hooks must overlap sufficiently to ensure that the sealing compound is properly
held under compression with the correct seam tightness. The length of the overlap varies with the
dimensional guidelines for each seam. In each case, however, a minimum length is provided in the
accepted double seam guidelines. See Table 4.1.5.
Percent overlap
This is defined as the ratio of the overlap length (A), relative to the internal seam length (C),
expressed as a percent. See Figure 3.5.2.a.
% Overlap = A÷C × 100
Body hook butting
This is another method of quantifying the void in the prime sealing area in the double seam. It is
defined as the ratio of the internal body hook length (B), relative to the internal length of the double
seam and is usually expressed as a percent (percent body hook butting), see Figure 3.5.2.a.
Note:
Body hook butting may be taken separately as one of the factors of the double seam integrity. Body
hook butting calculations cannot be substituted for overlap measurement in evaluating a double
seam. Body hook butting should be considered as one of the factors that may be used for assessing
double seams; overlap, tightness and pressure ridge are other important factors. The length of the
body hook in relation to the internal length of the seam must be sufficient to ensure that it is
embedded in the lining compound. Experience indicates that a minimum of 70% body hook butting
is required to ensure an adequate seal.
Formula for body hook butting - using optical method for measurements:
% Body Hook Butting = B÷C × 100
Formula for body hook butting - when doing a tear down:
% Body Hook Butting = (BH − 1.1tb ÷ SL − 1.1(2te + tb)) × 100
Where BH = Body Hook Length (use the minimum of the readings taken at points of routine
measurement Fig. 4.1.2.a)
tb = Body plate thickness
SL = Seam Length
te = End plate thickness
Double seam length - Alternate terms: height
This dimension is an indicator of overlap in that as the length increases, relative to the ideal, the
overlap is usually reduced. Seam length is partly dependent on the roll groove profile and the
degree of seaming roll wear.
Figure 3.5.2.a - Overlap and body hook butting
(b) Tightness
The double seam must be sufficiently tight to hold the sealing compound under compression but
not so tight that the metal plate is deformed with the possibility of metal fracturing.
There are 2 aspects that must be taken into consideration when judging seam tightness:
1. the tightness rating, which is a measure of the degree of wrinkling of the end hook; and
2. the pressure ridge
Other external double seam measurements which indicate proper seam tightness are:
1. double seam thickness
2. crossover thickness; and
3. free space
1) Tightness rating
When straight edges of plate are folded over on themselves, the fold is smooth. When curved edges
are folded over on themselves, the fold is not smooth, that is to say, it is wrinkled. The degree of
wrinkling increases as the radius of curvature decreases. When fitting an end that is either partly or
totally round, wrinkles form on the end hook in the first operation. The degree of wrinkling is
reduced when the double seam is compressed in the second operation. The double seam must be
sufficiently tight so that the free space is low, but not zero. This will ensure that the sealing
compound is properly held under compression.
The tightness rating is a measure of the degree of wrinkle left on the end hook on the completed
double seam.
2) Pressure ridge/pressure area
The pressure ridge or pressure area is an impression on the inside of the can body in the double
seam area and is formed by the second operation seaming roll pressure. In suitably tight seams the
impression should appear continuous and uniform along the entire periphery. The size of
impression may vary from a faint continuous line approximately 3 mm below the body hook radius,
to an obvious 3 mm wide area of compression (pressure area) in which the appearance of the body
is slightly altered. The degree of impression is dependent on the body plate temper, the can size and
style, and the double seaming equipment used.
The presence of an excessive pressure ridge should be avoided. There are occasions when a
pressure ridge may be faint, absent or excessive but the seam may be satisfactory when other
parameters are measured. The presence of a pressure ridge will depend on chuck design and
temper as well as the type of container.
3) Double seam thickness
This dimension is an indicator of double seam tightness. For a given can, the thickness range should
not exceed accepted double seam guidelines.
Since end and body metal thicknesses sometimes vary on the same container, the actual thickness
of the 5 layers of metal would be calculated as:
(2 × body metal thickness) + (3 × end metal thickness) = Calculated double seam thickness (with no
sealing compound)
In order to allow for seaming compound and normal seaming characteristics, a measured double
seam thickness should not exceed this calculated thickness by more than 33% in the prime sealing
area. The measured double seam thickness should not exceed the calculated double seam thickness
by more than 33% in the prime sealing area.
4) Crossover thickness
This is the maximum thickness of the double seam where it intersects the lap.
5) Free space
The difference between the measured seam thickness and the sum of the 5 thicknesses making up
the seam. This calculation may be used as an indicator of tightness; however, it must not be used to
replace tightness rating.
Free space = seam thickness − (2 × body plate thickness + 3 × end plate thickness)
4.0 Can examination and assessment process

4.1 Double seam examination and measurement
The process of assessing the double seam embodies 3 aspects, each of which provides varying
amounts of qualitative and quantitative information:
1. visual inspection and external measurements to provide an initial assessment of double seam
integrity
2. seam teardown to provide an assessment of tightness by conducting a tightness rating and
pressure ridge evaluation; and
3. seam cross sectioning to provide an assessment of optical overlap at the point of sectioning
(where optical methods are used)
4.1.1 Visual inspection

A careful external visual examination of the can and its seams is the primary means of detecting
container and seam defects:
1. Remove the label from the can
2. Grasp the can body with one hand and rotate the double seam between the thumb and
forefinger of the other hand and carefully examine the seam around the entire perimeter of
both can ends
3. Check for any double seam defects as described in Section 7
4. Ensure that the can ends, body and side seam are also inspected for possible defects. See
Section 4.2
4.1.2 External seam measurements
(a) Points of seam measurements

All measurements should be recorded and the can marked in such a way that these external
measurements can be directly related to the corresponding internal (teardown) measurements
when the body hook and end hook are no longer engaged. It is most useful to take seam
measurements at the points which indicate possible problems, such as sharp seams or excessive
thickness. Averaging of double seam dimensions must not be done. Measurements are not usually
taken at the crossover.
Round cans
Seam measurements on round cans should be made at 3 points around the circumference of the
can. Record the measurements which are approximately 120 degrees apart and at least 1 half-inch
away from the side seam crossover of a three-piece can.
Non-round cans
Seam dimensions of non-round cans are measured using the same method as for round cans;
however, due to the irregular shapes of non-round cans, measurements should be taken at
additional points as indicated in Figure 4.1.2.a. (Individual can makers publish guidelines which may
specify alternate points which provide equivalent assurances of seam quality.) Additional points may
also be cut, especially where irregularities are noted. Cans having a key tab must also have
measurements taken at the centre of, and immediately adjacent to, the tab.
Most 'hidden' defects (those that are not immediately obvious during visual examination of the
double seam) manifest themselves by an increased thickness measurement at the defect.
Therefore, after visually examining a double seam for obvious defects, a seam micrometer should
be guided around the entire periphery of the can to determine excessively thick measurements.
These points should be marked, the length and thickness measurements recorded, and a seam
section cut (Section 4.1.4.c) to show the seam profile. In this manner, a number of
sections/measurements could be obtained from the points of concern. 'Routine' measurements
could then be obtained from the remaining portion of the double seam. It is imperative (when this
initial examination method is employed) that diagrams, demonstrating where the
sections/measurements were taken, be constructed in order that common problem locations can be
identified.
In cases where this initial examination reveals no seam thickness profile anomalies, the points for
suggested routine length and thickness measurements for the various non-round shaped cans are
illustrated in Figure 4.1.2.a.
Key-open non-round cans have an extra metal thickness at the tab. Specific can seam dimensional
guidelines obtainable from the manufacturer should be used to evaluate this part of the seam.
Measure in the same way as any other can.
Description for suggested points of routine measurement on non-round cans

Figure 4.1.2.a - Suggested points of routine measurement on non-round cans
Note: Measurements should be taken as identified in published can maker's guidelines. These
guidelines may specify alternate points and frequencies which provide equivalent assurance of the
seam quality.
a. X = seam thickness, length and end hook
(measure adjacent to corner radius)
b. = body hook and countersink

Description for rectangular and square
meat cans c. = at set-up or when problem is noted,
thickness, length and end hook should also
be measured on the side seam side and
side opposite
d. Overlap - measure at maximum measured
seam length away from corners
a. X = seam thickness, length, body hook and

end hook
b. O = Countersink
c. Overlap - measure at maximum measured
Description for "D" shaped meat cans
a. X = seam thickness, length, body hook, end

hook and countersink
b. Overlap - measure at maximum measured
Description for irregular shaped meat

cans
Figure 4.1.2.b - Suggested points of measurement on non-round meat cans
Note: Measurements should be taken as identified in the can maker's guidelines. These guidelines
may specify alternate points and frequencies which provide equivalent assurance of the seam
quality.
(b) Seam Length Measurement

Hold the flat surface of the micrometer against the can body as shown in Figure 4.1.2.c.
When using the micrometer, remember to:
1. Make sure it is zeroed. This is done by closing the moveable shaft onto the stationary anvil (zero
position). The zero gradation mark on the rotatable barrel should match exactly with the index
line on the stationary body member. If the zero gradation mark is more than one-half a division
of the smallest graduations from the index line, an adjustment to the micrometer is required.
2. Hold at a right angle to the seam
3. Do not overtighten
Figure 4.1.2.c - Seam length measurement
(c) Seam thickness measurement

Balance the micrometer with the index finger immediately above the seam until the anvil assumes
the same angle as the taper of the countersink wall as shown in Figure 4.1.2.d.
Figure 4.1.2.d - Seam thickness measurement
(d) Countersink depth measurement

Prior to using the countersink gauge, ensure that the point is tightly screwed onto the shaft. Place
the bar of the gauge on a flat surface, preferably a block of machined steel large enough to detect
warps in the bar (the bar of a second countersink gauge is useful for this purpose). In this position
the point of the gauge is at the zero position and the dial of the gauge should also read zero. To
adjust the "zero" on the dial, loosen the knurled screw near the top of the dial, rotate the outer scale
until the zero and the indicator coincide, and tighten the screw to lock the gauge at the zero
position.
Rest the bar of the depth gauge on top of the seam across the top of the can as shown in
Figure 4.1.2.e. Position the point of the depth gauge pin (shaft) at the lowest point adjacent to the
countersink wall (but away from the crossover of three piece cans) as shown in Figure 4.1.2.f.
Figure 4.1.2.e - Countersink gauge
Description for position of countersink gauge point

Figure 4.1.2.f - Position of countersink gauge point
4.1.3 Seam teardown and internal measurements

By tearing down the double seam, the following internal parameters may be measured and
evaluated: tightness rating, body hook, end hook, internal droop, pressure ridge, crossover rating
and jumped seam. These internal measurements must correspond to their respective external
measurements (length, width, etc.), thus it is necessary to mark the can appropriately prior to
teardown.
It is extremely important to recognize and understand that the quality of the double seams cannot
always be judged on measured dimensions alone. Visual inspection for tightness and visible
abnormalities are equally important. Dimensions outside the can maker's guidelines do not
necessarily mean that seam integrity is compromised. It means that the seam should be carefully
evaluated. Final judgement must be based on the amount of deviation along with all of the other
measurements and observations.
Can makers supply guidelines to their customers and indicate frequency of tests as well as points of
measurement. These can makers' guidelines recognize the need to check certain attributes at
certain points on the can. Not all tests need to be performed at every check.
(a) Cut out the centre section of the can end (with either a sanitary type can opener or with tin snips)
approximately 1 cm (⅜") from the double seam as shown in Figure 4.1.3.a. In the case of the FPEO
pull tab can, the hole cutting/trimming is eliminated by simply pulling the tab and removing the can
end.
Figure 4.1.3.a - Removing centre of can end

(b) Remove the remainder of the can end using nippers as shown in Figure 4.1.3.b.
Figure 4.1.3.b - Removing can end

(c) Cut through the double seam at least 1 inch from the side seam lap using the nippers as shown
in Figure 4.1.3.c.
Figure 4.1.3.c - Double seam cutting

(d) Remove the stripped part of the end by gently tapping with the nippers as shown in
Figure 4.1.3.d. Take care not to distort the can body hook.
Figure 4.1.3.d - Removing stripped part of end

(e) Measure the end hook length using the seam micrometer as shown in Figure 4.1.3.e.
Figure 4.1.3.e - End hook measurement

(f) Measure the body hook length using the seam micrometer as shown in Figure 4.1.3.f.
Figure 4.1.3.f - Body hook measurement

(g) Inspect the pressure area on the inside of the can body near the bottom of the double seam as
shown in Figure 4.1.3.g. The pressure ridge should appear as a continuous and visible impression
(but not excessively deep) around the inside periphery of the can body (see section 3.5.2 for further
information on pressure ridge).
Description for pressure ridge/area

Figure 4.1.3.g - Pressure ridge/area
(h) Inspect the inside of the end hook and assess the wrinkles in terms of the tightness rating.
Due to the nature of the seaming process, wrinkle formation on the end hook during the first
operation seaming process is unavoidable especially in the case of non-round cans where there is a
sharp change in the radius of the seam. These wrinkles should be ironed out during the second
operation.
The wrinkles remaining at the end of the second operation may be either looseness wrinkles or
ghost wrinkles. The ability to differentiate between these 2 wrinkles is required in order to
estimate tightness, as only looseness wrinkles are assessed.
Looseness wrinkles
The presence of looseness wrinkles indicates incomplete tightness in the double seam.
These wrinkles have 3 dimensions:
1. length - the distance the wrinkle extends from the edge of the end hook to where it fades out
toward the end hook radius;
2. depth - the distance the wrinkle projects from the face of the end hook toward the can body;
and
3. width - the distance the wrinkle extends along the cut edge of the end hook, that is to say, its
circumferential length.
As the double seam becomes tighter these dimensions decrease. The length of any looseness
wrinkles remaining after the second operation may be visually estimated and used as an indication
of the double seam tightness provided that other seam parameters are within the double seam
guidelines. By grading residual wrinkles in a normally formed seam, a reliable method of estimating
seam tightness has been established.
There are various ways of expressing the tightness rating (see Figure 4.1.3.h and Table 4.1.3). The
most commonly used North American system is % Tightness which is the estimated ratio of the
length of smooth (unwrinkled) portion of end hook compared to the end hook length, expressed as
a percent. The tightness rating is based on the length of the longest looseness wrinkle on the entire
end hook. Looseness is the opposite of the tightness rating, (for example, 60% tightness rating is
equivalent to 40% looseness).
Since a looseness wrinkle has 3 dimensions, the classification of the tightness should not be based
only on the length of the wrinkle. It should also take into account the depth and width of the
wrinkle. One of the ways of overcoming the problem of evaluating the double seam tightness would
be to also evaluate the free-space and the percent compactness, according to the specifications
provided by the can maker.
The minimum acceptable percent compactness is 75% in the prime sealing area.
Ghost wrinkles
Ghost wrinkles have length and width but no depth. The face of the hook is smooth indicating that
the double seam has been suitably compressed or ironed out. These "wrinkles" are usually the
remains, that is to say, shadows of second operation wrinkles that have been completely ironed out.
They may also be indicative that compound between the body hook and cover hook was highly
compressed. In either event, since the end hook is smooth, ghost wrinkles are not indicative of
looseness.
Description for tightness rating

Figure 4.1.3.h - Tightness rating
Table 4.1.3 - Different methods for expressing tightness rating

Looseness Tightness rating Tightness rating
wrinkle % tightness Metal Box Co.
Zero 100 0
1/10 90 0
⅛ 0 1
Looseness Tightness rating Tightness rating

wrinkle % tightness Metal Box Co.
2/10 80 1
¼ 75 2
3/10 70 2
⅜ 0 3
4/10 60 3
½ 50 3
6/10 40 4
7/10 30 4
8/10 20 4
9/10 10 4
Full length 0 4
Looseness wrinkle length expressed as a fraction of the end hook length.
Description for end hook tightness

Figure 4.1.3.i - End hook tightness
Tightness rating - non-round cans

In the case of non-round cans, there will be differences in the tightness rating at different points on
the seam perimeter. In areas of the seam where the perimeter is straight, the tightness can be
expected to be similar to that found in round cans. However, where there is a sharp change in seam
radius at corners, there is necessarily less tightness as the curve radius is quite small and a relatively
large amount of metal must be bent and accommodated in this radius. The setup aim must result in
a tightness rating which will meet the accepted can manufacturer's guidelines for the specific can
and can end; efforts to improve this are apt to lead to seam defects such as vees or cutovers. When
cans are encountered with loose seams (see 7.5.15 loose seams), several considerations must be
taken into account:
1. The quality and tightness of the seam at the straight profile areas; if the seam at this portion of
the profile is of low quality, the significance of extensive wrinkles at a corner is greater than
with a good quality straight seam, as this indicates that the producer has little control over the
overall seam quality, and the wrinkles may not be solely the result of the small radius
2. For non-round cans exhibiting marginal seam tightness on the corners, the presence of a
pressure ridge should be a major factor in determining acceptability of the seam. In
combination with excessive wrinkle length and bowed seams, the lack of a pressure ridge may
indicate insufficient seam tightness
3. The presence of seam defects or out of specification seam dimensions; as in all seams, the
presence of defects or dimensions outside specifications should be heavily weighed when
judging the acceptability of seam tightness in non-round cans. The combination of excessive
wrinkle length and dimensions outside of specifications (especially thickness) or seam defects
will normally result in an unacceptably loose seam
4. The flatness of the end and body hooks; curved or bowed end hooks or body hooks may
produce an unacceptably loose seam while still producing an acceptable pressure ridge and an
acceptable wrinkle length (this will usually result in the thickness of the seam being out of
specification)
(i) Inspect the inside of the end hook on either side of the crossover of three piece cans for
looseness indicative of a jumped seam, as shown in Figure 4.1.3.j. (See section 7.5.9 - jumped seam.)
Description for jumped seam

Figure 4.1.3.j - Jumped seam
(j) Inspect the inside of the end hook at the crossover of three piece cans for the amount of internal
crossover droop (juncture rating) as shown in Figure 4.1.3.k. The amount of internal droop at this
point should not exceed accepted can maker's guidelines.
Description for internal crossover droop

Figure 4.1.3.k - Internal crossover droop
(k) Determine the plate gauge thickness by removing the enamel coatings of a section of end plate;
methyl ethyl ketone or steel wool may be used. Measure the end plate thickness using a
micrometer with a domed anvil. Do not use the double seam micrometer.
(l) Optical (actual) overlap - Optical overlap measurements using a seam saw and seam projector
will provide the actual overlap at the point of cross sectioning (see Section 4.1.4).
Technical note:
The presence of the key tab adds an extra layer of metal to the double seam in the tab area. This will
result in a corresponding reduction in overlap. The overlap in the key tab area must comply with the
minimum length in the accepted can maker's guidelines.
(m) Calculation of theoretical overlap - It should be noted that use of the calculation for
theoretical overlap has more variability and has been demonstrated to both overestimate and
underestimate the actual overlap as measured optically. There is no accurate substitute for optical
measurement. For those who wish to include this factor in their records, a theoretical overlap may
be calculated as follows:
Calculated overlap = Body hook + end hook + end plate thickness - seam length.
To determine the theoretical overlap, an adjustment factor is added to the calculated overlap. The
following table of adjustment factors used by the B.C. Salmon Canning Industry is included as an
example.
Calculated overlap
Calculated overlap Calculated overlap Adjustment factor Adjustment factor
imperial metric imperial metric
under 0.030" 0.76 mm 0.008" 0.20 mm
0.030" to 0.039" 0.76 mm to 0.99 mm 0.007" 0.18 mm
0.040" to 0.049" 1.00 mm to 1.24 mm 0.005" 0.13 mm
Over 0.050" 1.27 mm 0.002" 0.05 mm
4.1.4 Seam cross sectioning and direct internal measurements

In routine teardown examinations of a double seam, both teardown and optical methods may be
used for routine measurements. In routine destructive examinations of a double seam, either
method, teardown or cross section, is acceptable to determine seam tightness and overlap/seam
profile respectively.
The use of theoretical overlap is not an accurate substitute for optical overlap. Teardowns or cross
sections are carried out individually on different sample units or alternatively may be carried out on
the same unit utilizing more than 1 unit if needed to attain the suggested number of measurement
points.
(a) Cross sectioning

The preparation of double seam cross sections provides direct measurement of the seam
dimensions and integrity factors such as actual overlap and percent body hook butting. Cross
sections can be prepared by either filing, sawing with a hand-held jeweller's saw, or sawing using a
double or single blade seam saw.
The type, size and location of defect, as well as whether the inspection is being carried out in the
field or lab will determine which method(s) is/are best suited. For example, a file would be useful for
field inspections, and where a saw (hand held or electric), is not readily available. A jeweller's saw
would be useful for field inspections and where use of an electric seam saw might totally obliterate
the defect; that is, a cut made by the seam saw is wider than the total width of the defect at the
point of occurrence.
Filing
Cut across the double seam by filing at right angles to the seam using a flat file having a safe edge.
Hold the file so that the safe edge is against the proposed cross section which will minimize the
tendency to produce a burr on the can.
Jeweller's saw
Cut sections of the seam using a jeweller's saw, from points on the seam appropriate to the type of
container, or from seam defects which have tentatively been identified/rated visually. Use the
jeweller's saw so that the cutting motion is only made in the direction of the teeth and not with a
back and forth motion. The blade must be tight in the saw frame and the blade moved through the
cutting motion with a light but steady downward pressure. Proficient use of the jeweller's saw will
come with practice. Make 2 cuts into the can body and end, one of which passes through the center
of the defective area. Once the seam cuts have been completed, remove the seam section by
snipping the body and end plate with a pair of snippers.
Seam saw
For round cans, cut sections of the seam using a double blade seam saw (Figure 4.1.4.a), from 3
points which are approximately 120 degrees apart and approximately 1 inch away from the side
seam crossover. For non-round cans, the seam sections would be cut at the points identified in
Figure 4.1.2.a.
Figure 4.1.4.a - Seam saw
(b) Seam projection

Clean/polish the seam section with either a fine stone or emery cloth.
Seam projector
Ensure that the machine is properly calibrated as per manufacturer's instructions. Clamp the section
in position on the seam projector, Figure 4.1.4.b. Project the double seam image and use the
calipers in the instrument to directly measure the overlap, the body hook, end hook, and internal
seam length as shown in Figure 4.1.4.c.
Figure 4.1.4.b - Seam projector
Description for double seam image measurements

Figure 4.1.4.c - Double seam image measurements
Hand held (pocket) seam scope
Position the seam section in an inverted position on the tip of your thumb and forefinger, then
position the bevelled end of the pocket seam scope next to the seam piece in such a manner that
the seam piece is within the field of vision and in focus. If measurements are to be taken of any of
the seam parameters, position the graduated scale so that the scale and seam piece are in focus
and the particular parameter being measured is incorporated within the scale range (1 Division on
the scale = .002"). Good illumination of the seam section is required when using the pocket seam
scope.
Technical note:
If the seam parameter being measured indicates a borderline accept/reject situation, the
observations made with the pocket seam scope should be confirmed through use of the more
accurate seam projector.
Description for pocket seam scope

Figure 4.1.4.d - Pocket seam scope
(c) Seam evaluation

Remove the end hook from the balance of the double seam and check the pressure ridge, evidence
of jumped seam, juncture rating, and tightness rating as per Section 4.1.3(g) to (j).
4.1.5 Double seam guidelines

The can manufacturer provides a guideline for each can size and style outlining the seam
measurements and tolerances for which the double seam was designed to ensure an hermetic
container. Inspection procedures must be implemented which enable the can manufacturer or the
cannery to hold for investigation (HFI), any product which does not comply with accepted
guidelines.
These can maker's guidelines will vary according to whether the cans are steel or aluminum, two or
three piece, soldered or welded, and round or non-round. An example of HFI guidelines for three
piece round sanitary cans is included in Table 4.1.5. These tentative double seam dimensional
guidelines provide HFI limits for round sanitary food cans used by North American manufacturers.
These guidelines are not necessarily applicable to cans of other shapes or manufacture.
It is extremely important to remember that the quality of double seams cannot be judged on
dimensions alone. Visual inspection for tightness and for any visible abnormalities is equally
important.
When one or more measurements fall outside the adjustment limits, check another sample
immediately. If it too is outside the limits, take whatever corrective action is indicated.
Dimensions outside of the adjustment limits do not necessarily mean that the seam is
unacceptable. This means that you must decide if the seam is adequate. Final judgement must be
based on the amount of deviation along with all of the other measurements and observations.
In making your determination, the prime considerations are overlap and tightness. The seam may
be considered satisfactory when overlap and tightness are within adjustment limits and other
dimensions are within hold for investigate limits with no serious defects and the seam is properly
formed.
When the total seam evaluation indicates questionable performance, the cans should be held for
further investigation such as sorting, leakage tests, incubation for spoilage, or simply holding to
determine whether any spoilage develops. The type of action required depends upon the
circumstances.
Table 4.1.5 An example of double seam measurement guidelines for hold for investigation levels
in three piece round sanitary food cans
Evaluating double seam tightness

Hold for Hold for
Nominal Set up Operating investigation investigation
Item diameter aim limit steel ends alum. ends
Body hook 202 .075 - .075 ± .008 n/a n/a
length 1 .080
Body hook 207.5 - .080 - .080 ± .008 n/a n/a
length 1 401 .085
Hold for Hold for

Nominal Set up Operating investigation investigation
Item diameter aim limit steel ends alum. ends
Body hook 404 - 603 .082 - .082 ± .010 n/a n/a
length 1 .087
End hook length 202 - 211 .65 Min. n/a n/a
2

2

2
Optical overlap 202 .035 Min. .030 Min. .030 Min.

Optical overlap 207.5-211 .040 Min. .030 Min. .030 Min.
Optical overlap 300-303 0040 Min. .035 Min. {not developed}
Optical overlap 307-401 .045 Min. .035 Min. .035 Min.
Optical overlap 404 .045 Min. .035 Min. .035 Min.
Optical overlap 502 - 610 .050 Min. .035 Min. {not developed}
% tightness 202 - 401 80 - 70 - 100% 60% or less 70% or less
100%
% tightness 404 90 - 80 - 100% 60% or less 70% or less
100%
% tightness 502 90 - 80 - 100% 70% or less {not developed}
100%
% tightness 603 - 610 90 - 90 - 100% 70% or less {not developed}
100%
1 Based on the highest and lowest readings obtained on a can sample.
2 Based on the lowest reading obtained on a can.

Information source: Can Manufacturers Institute - Voluntary Industry Can Standards
4.2 Can integrity examination and evaluation process
4.2.1 Filled can

After examining the double seams, the rest of the can should be examined prior to teardown. The
following points provide a checklist.
a. Inspect the metal plate for flaws or damage. Areas susceptible to metal fracture include
scorelines, pull tab rivet, embossing, and panel steps.
b. Inspect the side seam of welded or soldered cans.
c. Ensure the ends are not distended. For vacuum-packed products, under constant conditions of
fill and closure, the end deflection or centre panel depth may be used as an indicator of internal
vacuum. It should be recognized that end deflections of empty cans vary considerably and may
influence the end deflection of the closed can. Temperature also affects the end deflection.
End deflection is a measure from the top edge of the double seam to the geometric centre of
the end. A calibrated gauge, similar to the countersink gauge, is used by resting the bar along
the top of the seam and away from the crossover. The point of the gauge is positioned at the
approximate centre of the can end. Ensure that the embossed coding does not interfere with
the measurement.
d. Check that the can does not feel light, hollow, or dry. The weight of the can in comparison to an
average weight can will provide an indication of whether or not the can may have leaked.
4.2.2 Pressure testing

Pressure testing may be used as part of a container integrity examination. This is a test by which a
standard pressure of air is forced into the can by means of a special instrument used specifically for
this purpose.
This test is most commonly applied to emptied cans. The can bodies must be completely dry and
the compound lining free from oil and water before and during pressure testing. The can is then
placed right side up in the pressure testing instrument and submerged in water. By placing the can
right side up, all the critical areas of the can are exposed to the pressure including the scoreline, the
double seam, and the pull tab rivet. Pressure must be increased slowly and the cans must show no
sign of leakage below 69 kPa (10 psig). If a can leaks below 69 kPa (10 psig) pressure, a serious
defect is considered to exist and further investigations must be conducted to determine the source
of that defect. For cans which are not intended to hold vacuum, non-round or cans with easy-open
scoreline features, a maximum pressure of 48 kPa (7 psig) should be used.
These tests may be used to aid in the detection of hidden defects, but a successful leakage test (that
is to say, the can does not leak) does not in any way lessen the seriousness of any other defect
which may be present. There may be instances when this factor becomes of paramount importance
and should be included in a risk assessment.
Figure 4.2.2 - Pressure testing device
4.2.3 Vacuum testing

Leakage testing can also be conducted by drawing a vacuum on a clean empty can, utilizing
appropriate equipment and conditions to ensure that any leakage can be easily identified. The
vacuum test is recommended for non-round cans. The vacuum (in inches of water gauge) will
depend on the can size and shape and is normally specified by the can maker.
4.2.4 Dye testing

The dye test using a water-based or mostly water-based dye such as Zylox is the preferred
laboratory diagnostic testing method for any can size or shape for testing for leakage paths.
Solvent-based dyes are best used for scorelines, side seams and plate fracture testing. Water-based
dyes, such as Zyglo, are recommended for double seam testing.
The dye test(s) should be performed as suggested by the dye manufacturer, or can manufacturer.
Government inspections will follow the official procedures.
Easy open ends can be tested for leakage paths in the score, rivet or embossed areas using a
penetrating dye. Either a fluorescent dye or a dye requiring a developer may be used to detect a
loss of hermetic seal. This procedure can be conducted on unused ends and on cans which have
been emptied and thoroughly washed and dried.
4.2.5 Pull tab testing

Pull tabs and scorelines should be tested using the dye test method. It is not necessary for these
tests to use the water-based dye. A solvent-based dye would be acceptable.
5.0 Severity classification

In addition to defect category and type, can defects are also classified according to severity. The
following are the definitions used for severity classification of hermetically sealed and sterilized
cans.
5.1 Serious
A serious condition is one which provides evidence that:
a. there is, or has been, microbial growth in the container contents; or
b. the hermetic seal of the container has been either lost or seriously compromised; or
c. the container is unsuitable for distribution and sale as stipulated in the Food and Drugs Act,
section 4, and/or section 27.003 and 27.005 of the Food and Drug Regulations.
5.2 Minor
A minor condition is one which is clearly an abnormal container characteristic, but one which does
not result in loss or potential loss of container integrity (hermeticity), and consequently does not
represent a potential public health risk.
6.0 Alphabetical index

This section provides an index of defect terminology, including alternate terminology, specific defect
types, and associated defect conditions.
Index of defect terminology

Terminology Section
Abrasion 7.7.1
Acid salts corrosion 7.3.1
Blown can 7.6.2
Terminology Section
Body blank inverted 7.3.7
Broken chuck 7.5.1
Buckled body 7.3.28
Buckled can 7.6.3
Burned weld 7.3.17
Burrs on curl 7.4.1
Cable cut 7.7.5
Chalkly side seam 7.7.2
Clinched only 7.5.2
Clipped curl 7.4.5
Clipped flange 7.3.29
Coater ash 7.2.3
Coating drip 7.2.1
Coating inside out 7.3.27
Coating skips 7.2.2
Coating, damaged 7.7.7
Cocked body 7.3.14
Coil weld 7.1.4
Cold solder 7.3.2
Compound skips 7.4.4
Compound smear 7.4.4
Corrosion 7.7.3
Crushed 7.7.4
Cutover 7.5.3
Cut seam 7.7.5
Cut-down flange (C.D.F.) 7.5.4
Damage to scoreline/pull tab 7.7.6
Damaged coating 7.7.7
Damaged curl/flange 7.7.8
Deadhead 7.5.21
Dent 7.7.9
Dirty ends 7.4.4
Terminology Section
Distorted reform ridge 7.3.3
Double body 7.3.28
Double end 7.4.2
Double seam dent 7.7.10
Droop 7.5.5
Enamel flaw 7.2.2
Excess sealing compound 7.4.4
Excessive solder 7.3.4
Excessively deep or weak scoreline 7.4.3
Eyeholing 7.2.2
False seam 7.5.6
Faulty sealing compound 7.4.4
Feather 7.5.3
Flaking coating 7.2.2
Flange burrs 7.3.20
Flange indent marks 7.7.8
Flipper 7.6.2
Fluted body 7.3.21
Flux stains 7.3.5
Foreign contamination 7.7.11
Foreign particles in coating 7.2.3
Fractured bottom profile 7.3.22
Fractured seam 7.5.7
High ends 7.3.14
Holed 7.7.12
Incomplete abuse bead 7.3.24
Incomplete bottom profile 7.3.23
Incomplete curl 7.4.5
Incomplete flange 7.3.29
Index fault 7.5.4
Inverted side coating 7.3.7
Insufficient overlap 7.5.8
Terminology Section
Insufficient solder 7.3.6
Jumped seam 7.5.9
Key tab not properly tucked 7.5.10
Key tab seamed to inside 7.5.11
Knocked-down curl (K.D.C.) 7.5.12
Knocked-down end (K.D.E.) 7.5.13
Knocked-down flange (K.D.F.) 7.5.14
Laminated plate 7.1.1
Lip 7.5.22
Loose seams 7.5.15
Malformed abuse bead 7.3.24
Metal plate flaw 7.1.1 or 7.1.2
Mis-locked side seam 7.3.8
Mis-notch 7.3.9
Misembossing 7.6.1
Mushroomed flange 7.7.8
Necked-in-can 7.3.10
No second operation 7.5.16
Notcher trim still attached 7.3.11
Off-register body blank coating 7.3.12
Open lap 7.3.13
Open weld 7.3.18
Out of square body 7.3.14
Overfill 7.6.2
Panelling 7.6.3
Peaked can 7.6.4
Peeling coating 7.2.2
Perforation 7.1.2
Pin lip 7.5.22
Pin-hole 7.1.2
Plate stain 7.1.3
Pleats 7.5.17
Terminology Section
Pucker 7.5.18
Pull tab rivet fracture 7.4.6
Pulled seam 7.7.10
Puncture 7.7.12
Pushed-in bottom 7.5.13
Rim dent 7.7.10
Rust 7.7.3
Scored 7.7.13
Scoreline, damaged 7.7.6
Scoreline, excessively deep 7.4.3
Scrap-in-die marks (bodies) 7.3.25
Scrap-in-die marks (ends) 7.4.7
Scuffed seam 7.5.21
Seam inclusions 7.5.19
Sharp seam 7.5.3
Side seam droop 7.5.20
Skidder 7.5.21
Solder pellets 7.3.15
Solder, cold 7.3.2
Solder, excessive 7.3.4
Solder, incomplete 7.3.6
Spinner 7.5.21
Split droop 7.5.19
Springer 7.6.2
Spur 7.5.22
Swell 7.6.2
Thick lap 7.3.4
Torn droop 7.5.12
Torn seam 7.7.5
Trim press marks 7.7.8
Turned back corner 7.3.19
Turned back flange 7.7.8
Terminology Section
Turned back lap 7.3.16
Turned can 7.3.6
Vee 7.5.22
Weak lap 7.3.13
Weld joint 7.1.4
Wire edge 7.5.3
Wrinkled curl 7.4.8
Wrinkled flange 7.3.26
7.0 Defect categories

7.1 Metal plate manufacturing defects
7.2 Coating application defects
7.3 Can body manufacturing defects
7.4 Can end manufacturing defects
7.5 Double seam defects
7.6 Other manufacturing defects
7.7 Handling defects
7.1 Metal plate manufacturing defects
7.1.1 Defect: Laminated plate
Classification:
A plate lamination is considered a serious metal plate defect.
Description:
Metal body or end plate which can be separated into 2 layers of metal which are not bonded.
Common sources:
1. Folds or layers of plate rolled into a single plate thickness in the rolling mill. These folds or
layers do not bond together during rolling and will separate when the metal is worked during
can manufacture.
7.1.2 Defect: Pin-hole
Classification:
A pin-hole is considered as a serious metal plate defect.
Description:
A hole in the metal plate originating in the rolling mill. These will vary in size from barely visible to
large irregular shaped holes with rough edges.
Common sources:
1. Foreign particles may be rolled into the plate during the rolling operation in the mill; they do
not bond with the plate. Large particles will extend to both surfaces of the plate. When the plate
is worked during can manufacture or flexed during retorting, these particles may pop out
leaving a hole (pin-hole) in the plate.
7.1.3 Defect: Plate stain
Classification:
Plate stain is considered as a minor metal plate defect.
Description:
Readily visible stains on the metal plate surface. If the metal plate is coated, these stains may be
visible through the coating.
Common sources:
1. This condition originates during plate fabrication
Photo not available.
7.1.4 Defect: Weld joint
Classification:
A weld joint is considered a serious metal plate defect when packed with a corrosive product,
when there are gaps in the continuous weld such as in spot welds or when the weld is weakened to
the point that it fails under finger pressure.
Description:
An obvious, black line (joint) approximately 5 mm (3/16") wide running across the can end or body.
They seldom result in leakage although there is potential for corrosion along this weld which may
lead to perforation.
Common sources:
1. These joints are made in the steel mill when 2 coils of plate are joined (arc welded) together
7.2 Coating application defects
7.2.1 Defect: Coater drip
Classification:
A coater drip is considered a minor defect unless careful examination proves that the defect is a
serious defect. A coater drip is considered a serious coating application defect if a hole and/or
plate corrosion is detected, after a thorough examination, which would include opening the can or
removal of the coater drip to determine the condition of the metal plate.
Description:
A drop of coating, exterior or interior, often appearing as tiny hard metallic bubbles of coating. A
coating drip may resemble a scrap-in-die type defect.
Common sources:
1. Drips or splashes from the coating operation
Inside view of A
7.2.2 Defect: Coating skips
Classification:
Coating skips are considered serious coating application defects if:
1. internal and contents are corrosive; or
2. external and plate is corroded
Coating skips are considered minor coating application defects if:
1. external and no corrosion; or
2. internal and contents are non-corrosive
Description:
Any discontinuity (bare spots, hairline skips, eyeholing) in the coating. Corrosion or sulphide
production (reaction with product) may be present. See also section 7.7.3 - corrosion
Common sources:
1. Dirt, grease or other foreign material on the metal plate prior to coating
2. Misapplication of the coating to the metal plate
7.2.3 Defect: Foreign particles in coating
Classification:
A minor coating application defect.
Description:
Small particles in the coating surface, often black in colour. Coating ash may appear as a line on the
body wall of two piece cans as the result of the drawing operation.
Common sources:
1. Coating ash or charred particles of coating, dirt or other foreign particles that may adhere to
the wet coating before it is baked
Outside view
Inside view
7.3 Can body manufacturing defects
Three piece soldered
7.3.1 Defect: Acid salts corrosion
Classification:
Acid salts corrosion is considered a serious three piece can defect.
Description:
Acidic residues on the outside of the side seam area that result in rusting, or any deposit of salts on
the inside of the can.
Common sources:
1. Acidic residues on the side seam solder, picked up from the solder bath when it is charged with
"acid crystals" used to keep the solder roll clean and "tinned"
7.3.2 Defect: Cold solder
Classification:
Cold solder is considered a serious three piece can defect.
Description:
A discontinuity (gaps or voids) or a rough and spongy irregularity of the side seam solder fillet
which could result in a pathway through the side seam. The cold solder condition will most easily
occur in the lap area at the extremities of the side seam, but cannot be properly checked unless the
side seam and double seam are torn down for examination.
Common sources:
1. Solder temperatures too cold
7.3.3 Defect: Distorted reform ridge
Classification:
A distorted reform ridge is considered a serious three piece can defect.
Description:
Creasing of the body and flange area on the reform ridge of reformed cans such that it affects the
integrity of the double seam or fractures the metal plate.
Common sources:
1. Improper flattening of can body cylinders
2. Improper reforming of flattened can body cylinders
7.3.4 Defect: Excessive solder
Classification:
Excessive solder is considered a serious three piece can defect, if:
1. a solder ridge ½ the can height in length by 0.4 mm (1/64") in thickness on the outside is found;
or
2. the excess solder interferes with the forming of the double seam
Description:
Excessive solder at the customer lap area of the side seam which may cause deformation of the
double seam at the crossover, resulting in excessive side seam droop, a raised seam, or a jumped
seam. Excessive solder may also cause a pleat to form in the side seam lap. A thick lap is a condition
where the side seam contains excess solder between the laps.
Common sources:
1. Improper wiping of the solder
7.3.5 Defect: Flux stains
Classification:
Flux stains are considered as minor three piece can defects.
Description:
Dark brown resinous staining on the inside surface of the side seam or lap. The fluxes used for the
manufacture of food cans in Canada are non-toxic and will not impart off-odors or off-flavours to
the product.
Common sources:
1. Excessive flux during the side seam soldering operation
7.3.6 Defect: Insufficient solder
Classification:
Insufficient solder is considered a serious three piece can defect if the solder fillet is incomplete
along the outside of the side seam and is accompanied by a defective sweat.
Description:
Solder voids in the outside side seam fillet resulting in incomplete soldering of the side seam. The
fillet is the strip of solder deposited along the intersection of the 2 walls of folded metal plate of the
side seam. A turned can, depending on the degree of turning, results in a solder void or an
incomplete fillet along the outside of the side seam.
A sweat is the action of bonding together, by application of heat, of surfaces to which solder has
already been applied. A defective sweat is the result of improper solder temperature or incorrect
flux application.
Common sources:
1. Contamination of the side seam area such that solder bonding is prevented
2. Improper or insufficient flux application
3. Turning of the can body prior to solder application
4. Excessive wiping of the solder
5. Solder temperature too hot
Contamination
Excessive wiping
7.3.7 Defect: Inverted inside coating
Classification:
The inverted inside coating is considered a serious three piece can defect for a soldered can. On a
welded can it is considered a minor defect unless there is product/container incompatibility.
Description:
The inside coating margin pattern is visible. Plain rectangular areas show at each end of the side
seam. These plain areas are normally concealed in the side seam. Soldering will be incomplete due
to coated areas in the side seam fold.
Common sources:
1. Misfeed (backward feed) of sheets to slitter (machine which cuts sheets into body blanks)
2. Misfeed (backward feed) of body blanks to body maker
7.3.8 Defect: Mis-locked side seam
Classification:
A mis-locked side seam is considered a serious three piece can defect.
Description:
Failure of the side seam hooks to interlock along their entire length. Complete soldering of the side
seam is not always possible. The side seam most probably will not leak.
Common sources:
1. Misassembly of the side seam hooks
2. Side seam hooks damaged prior to assembly
3. Improperly formed side seam hooks
7.3.9 Defect: Mis-notch
Classification:
A mis-notch is considered a serious three piece can defect when a 0.8 mm (1/32") gap extends into
the depth of the flange.
Description:
A gap in the side seam lap area where the notched or cut away section is not overlapped by metal
plate resulting in an incomplete flange.
Common sources:
1. Misalignment during notching of the body blank
7.3.10 Defect: Necked-in can
Classification:
A necked-in can is considered a serious three piece can defect. This classification only applies to
those cans which were not designed to be necked-in.
Description:
A can body which has an end diameter that is unintentionally smaller than the main body cylinder
diameter. Either one or both ends of the body cylinder may be necked-in.
Necked-in cans are now commonplace in the beverage industry and the technology may appear in
other food containers. Necked-in cans are intentionally necked-in to strengthen the can body. The
can ends for such cans are intentionally smaller in diameter.
Common sources:
1. Misassembly of the body blank edges during formation of the side seam
7.3.11 Defect: Notcher trim still attached
Classification:
Notcher trim still attached is considered a serious three piece can defect due to additional metal
formed into the double seam.
Description:
Extraneous metal at the side seam lap area having the shape of the section of body blank that is
normally cut away prior to the formation of the side seam hooks.
Common sources:
1. Notching die failed to make a clean cut
7.3.12 Defect: Off-register body blank coating
Classification:
An off register body blank coating is considered a serious three piece can defect when complete
soldering of the side seam is not possible.
Description:
An off register or misplacement of the inside and/or outside coating. This may result in coating of
the margin(s) along the body blank edges which will form the side seam. This misplaced coating
prevents soldering. The side seam margin will appear elsewhere on the can body giving the can a
turned appearance.
Common sources:
1. Off register coating application
2. Off register slitting of sheets into body blanks
7.3.13 Defect: Open or weak lap
Classification:
Open or weak lap is considered a serious three piece can defect if the solder bond at the lap is
broken either before or after flexing the lap inward 2.4 mm (3/32").
Description:
A condition where light finger pressure on an empty can will cause the bonded (soldered) lap joint
to open. When empty cans with weak laps or open laps are seamed, the lap joint solder frequently
fractures resulting in an open lap and leakage. Such an open lap is sometimes difficult to observe,
and cans with this defect appear "normal" except for gross liquid loss.
Common sources:
1. Solder temperatures too hot or too cold
2. Improper or insufficient flux during soldering
3. Laps insufficiently tightened (see section 3.3.1)
7.3.14 Defect: Out of square body
Classification:
An out-of-square body is considered a serious three piece can defect.
Description:
A can body with a step in the flange of the lap area due to the lap members being misaligned by
0.79 mm (1/32") or more. Also called "high ends".
Common sources:
1. Misalignment of the body blank edges during formation of the side seam
2. Out-of-square body blank
7.3.15 Defect: Solder pellets
Classification:
The occurrence of extraneous, loose or easily dislodged solder pellets, flakes, or strings of solder
are considered serious as a product contaminant. The presence of solder pellets will seldom
compromise can integrity, unless they are in the double seam (see seam inclusions 7.5.19).
Description:
The presence of solder droplets or pellets adhering to the inside surface adjacent to the side seam
of the open-top can. Solder pellets are considered foreign material in the can.
Common sources:
1. Solder splash during the side seam soldering operation
7.3.16 Defect: Turned back lap
Classification:
A turned back lap is considered a serious three piece can defect.
Description:
A condition where one of the overlapping edges (laps) of the can body has been turned back during
formation of the side seam. Such a defect will most probably result in an open (leaking) side seam.
Common sources:
1. Damaged slit notch (a step in forming the lap)
Three piece welded
7.3.17 Defect: Burned weld
Classification:
A burned through weld is considered a serious weld defect.
Description:
Excessive local heat due to the presence of foreign materials. This results in a burned through
condition.
Common sources:
1. Foreign material in weld, for example, inside or outside coating, dirt, oil or grease
2. Contaminated weld wire
7.3.18 Defect: Open weld
Classification:
An open weld is considered a serious weld defect.
Description:
An incomplete or parted side seam weld bond.
Common sources:
1. Incorrect side seam overlap
2. Insufficient current
3. Damaged or defective body blank
4. Tapered side seam overlap
5. Cold or weak weld
7.3.19 Defect: Turned corner
Classification:
A turned back corner is considered a serious weld defect.
Description:
A triangular hole at either end of the side seam.
Common sources:
1. Corner of body blank turned back prior to welding
2. Unwelded or weakly welded area of side seam turned back during flanging and/or double
seaming operation
Open top - can interior
Can exterior
Two piece integral end
7.3.20 Defect: Flange burrs
Classification:
Flange burrs are considered as serious can manufacturing defects if the burr protrudes greater
than or equal to 0.50 mm (0.020"). Flange burrs are considered minor can manufacturing defects,
if the burr protrudes between 0.50 mm and 0.25 mm (0.020" and 0.010").
Description:
A rough protrusion of metal plate (a burr) on the cut edge of the flange.
Common sources:
1. The flange trim press does not cleanly shear the flange to the desired length
7.3.21 Defect: Fluted body
Classification:
A fluted body defect is generally considered a minor defect. If the flutes extend into the flange area
it is considered a serious defect, when the degree of wrinkling is sufficiently pronounced so as to
interfere with the formation of double seams, compromising its integrity.
Description:
One or more deep wrinkles on the tapered body.
Common sources:
1. Can body moves during the drawing operation
7.3.22 Defect: Fractured bottom profile
Classification:
Fractured bottom profile is considered a serious two piece can defect if:
1. there is a complete fracture of the countersink radius; or
2. the metal stress on the countersink radius weakens or scores the metal at the radius and a
fracture is imminent
Description:
A fractured bottom profile radius of a two piece style can or a pinched bottom profile radius which
may fracture during processing or handling.
Common sources:
1. Inadequate lubrication of the plate prior to drawing
2. Misaligned punch and die
7.3.23 Defect: Incomplete bottom profile
Classification:
An incomplete bottom profile is considered a minor two piece can defect provided that the can
does not buckle during retorting.
Description:
The integral end profile is not completely formed. This end is then weaker and may buckle during
retorting.
Common sources:
1. The punch does not complete its stroke into the die
7.3.24 Defect: Malformed abuse bead
Classification:
A malformed or incomplete abuse bead is considered a serious can manufacturing defect if the
metal plate is deeply abraded or creased.
Description:
The abuse bead on the two piece body is misaligned or incomplete. The metal plate may be
abraded, creased or dented to varying degrees.
Common sources:
1. The can slips during the beading operation resulting in an incomplete abuse bead
2. The can misfeeds at the entrance to the beading machine
7.3.25 Defect: Scrap-in-die marks
Classification:
Scrap-in-die marks are considered serious can manufacturing defects if:
1. the metal plate is fractured; or
2. the marks are sharp, angular, deep impressions and indicative of potential fracture with
handling; or
3. the marks have broken the inner coating, exposing metal which will react with a corrosive
product; or
4. the formation of the flange is affected
Scrap-in-die marks are considered minor can manufacturing defects if the marks are smooth,
round, and the impressions are shallow.
Description:
An abnormal mark or impression in the metal plate which may vary in size, shape, and depth. If the
scrap mark affects the formation of the flange, double seam defects may result.
Refer to the section on damaged coating (7.7.7) for additional information on fractured coating.
Common sources:
1. Pieces of metal plate (scrap) or other foreign material caught in the die during formation of the
two piece can body
7.3.26 Defect: Wrinkled flange
Classification:
Wrinkled flange is considered a serious two piece can defect when the degree of wrinkling is
sufficiently pronounced so as to interfere with the formation of the double seam, compromising its
integrity.
Description:
Wrinkles in the walls of a two piece style can body extending into the flange area. The resulting
flange thickness may be outside of guidelines, or wrinkles may form open channels through the
double seam.
Common sources:
1. Improper drawing characteristics of the metal plate, such as temper
2. Can body blank moves during the drawing operation
Other can body defects
7.3.27 Defect: Coating inside out
Classification:
Coating inside out is considered a serious defect for three piece cans and for two piece cans, if the
metal is exposed to a corrosive product, otherwise coating inside out is considered a minor defect
for two piece cans.
Description:
The inside coating is on the outside of the can, and the outside coating, if present, is on the inside of
the can. In three piece cans, this results in coating being present in the area to be soldered which
will preclude complete soldering of the side seam. In two piece cans, the hermeticity of the can will
not be affected, however, the incorrect (outside) coating, if present, will be in contact with, and may
react with, the product.
Inside coating on the outside - outside

coating
Inside coating on the outside - outside Three piece cans
coating
Two piece cans
Three piece can - inside view

Three piece can - outside view
7.3.28 Defect: Double body
Classification:
A double body is considered a serious can body defect for both two piece and three piece cans.
Description:
In a three piece can, this defect occurs when 2 body blanks form the body of one can. The double
seams are often thicker and longer but otherwise normal in appearance. Often the outer body will
buckle and the side seam may appear mislocked or incompletely soldered.
Common sources:
1. Two body blanks which are "stuck together" when fed into the body maker
2. One body cylinder slid inside the other following formation of the cylinders on the roll former of
three piece cans
3. Two tapered two piece bodies nested tightly together
4. Two pieces of metal plate formed together into a two piece body
Body buckling Two bodies formed together
Three piece cans
Two piece can - double body
7.3.29 Defect: Incomplete flange
Classification:
An incomplete flange is considered serious if the flange is reduced by 0.4 mm (.016") or more. An
incomplete flange is considered minor if the flange is reduced by less than 0.4 mm (.016").
Description:
Clips or cuts in the flange resulting in reduced or zero overlap in the double seam.
Common sources:
1. Plate misfeed under die
2. Inadequate trim allowance on strip
3. Plate moves during the draw
4. Starting flange on drawn can (1st operation) too short
7.4 Can end manufacturing defects
7.4.1 Defect: Burrs on curl
Classification:
Burrs on curl are considered serious can end manufacturing defects if the burr protrudes greater
than or equal to 0.5 mm (.020"). Burrs on curl are considered minor can end manufacturing
defects if the burr protrudes between 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm (0.020" and 0.010").
Description:
A rough protrusion of metal plate (a burr) on the cut edge of the curl.
Common sources:
1. The end press does not cleanly shear the curl to the desired size
No photo available
7.4.2 Defect: Double end
Classification:
A double end is considered a serious container defect.
Description:
Two ends are seamed onto one end of a can body. The double seam has the appearance of
additional thickness and length, and may have numerous droops or vees along the double seam.
Common sources:
1. Two strips of end plate are stuck together as they enter the end press. The resulting ends have
2 thicknesses of plate that are curled together and only the inner end is compound lined
2. Two independently formed ends are stuck together and double seamed onto a body
7.4.3 Defect: Excessively deep or weak scoreline
Classification:
Excessively deep scoreline is considered a serious can end manufacturing defect if any of the
following conditions are present:
1. the scoreline is fractured; or
2. scorelines are not within can maker's guidelines (see description below)
Other serious scoreline defects are:
Misembossing (7.6.1)
Corrosion (7.7.3)
Damage to Scoreline (7.7.6)
Description:
The scoreline is a thin single or double line around the end panel where the plate gauge is
mechanically reduced by the scoring punch. If the panel is scored too deeply it may fracture or be
weakened to the extent that it will break during processing or handling.
An excessively deep scoreline defect should be assessed with reference to the can maker's
guidelines, which must include the minimum residual thickness of the scoreline. Its resistance to
leakage testing, dye testing or scoreline testing may also be used.
Common sources:
1. Defective manufacture (such as excessive score depth)
2. Corrosion on scoreline (internal or external)
3. Embossing on or near scoreline
4. Damaged pull tab (scoreline has been stressed due to movement of pull tab)
5. Physical abuse or stressing of scoreline
6. Defective metal plate
7. Canning defects due to processing deficiencies (such as overfilling of cans)
No photo available.
7.4.4 Defect: Faulty sealing compound
Classification:
Serious
If the faulty compound or faulty application precludes the formation of an hermetic seal (compound
skips, missing compound, dried out or runny compound) or if the compound interferes with the
formation of the double seam (excess compound).
Minor
If the compound is smeared on the inner surface of the end panel as it is non-toxic and does not
impart off-odours or off-flavours.
Description:
The improper application of the sealing compound to the can end. The result can be excessive
sealing compound, uneven distribution of compound, voids or gaps in the compound on the inside
of the end curl. Other faults may be smearing of the sealing compound elsewhere on the end or
spraying the sealing compound on the outside of the end curl (called "dirty ends").
Common sources:
1. Plugged or partially plugged compound lining nozzle

2. Improper feed of ends to sealing compound applicator
3. Faulty compound formula
Excess compound
Compound skip
Compound smear Dirty ends
Peeling compound
7.4.5 Defect: Incomplete curl
Classification:
An incomplete curl is considered as a serious can end manufacturing defect if the curl is reduced
by more than 0.4 mm (0.016").
An incomplete curl is considered as a minor can end manufacturing defect if the curl is reduced
by less than 0.4 mm (0.016").
Description:
Clips or cuts in the end curl resulting in loss of overlap.
Common sources:
1. Plate misfeed under die
7.4.6 Defect: Pull tab rivet fracture
Classification:
A fractured pull tab rivet is considered a serious defect.
Description:
A break in that portion of the end panel from which the rivet is formed.
Common sources:
1. Pull tab not properly aligned with rivet maker
2. Rivet flattened too tightly
3. Lack of lubricant on the rivet area during drawing
No photo available.
7.4.7 Defect: Scrap-in-die marks
Classification:
Scrap-in-die marks are considered serious can end manufacturing defects if:
1. the metal plate is fractured; or
2. the marks are sharp, angular, deep impressions and indicative of potential fracture with
handling; or
3. the marks have broken the inner coating exposing metal which may react with the product; or
4. formation of the flange is affected
Scrap-in-die marks are considered minor can end manufacturing defects if the marks are smooth,
round, and the impressions are shallow.
Description:
An abnormal mark or impression in the metal plate which may vary in shape, size, and depth. If the
scrap mark affects the formation of the curl, double seam defects may result.
7.4.8 Defect: Wrinkled curl
Classification:
A wrinkled curl is considered as a serious can end manufacturing defect when the degree of
wrinkling is sufficiently pronounced so as to interfere with the formation of the double seam,
compromising its integrity.
Description:
Wrinkles formed in the curl of can ends. The resulting curl thickness may be outside of guidelines,
or wrinkles may form open channels through the double seam.
There are certain cases in which a certain degree of wrinkling in the curl of the can end is
introduced by the design of the can end. If such is the case, the wrinkles will be considered as a
defect when they are outside of the guidelines of the can end maker.
Common sources:
1. Faulty curler setting
7.5 Double seam defects
7.5.1 Defect: Broken chuck
Classification:
A broken chuck is considered a serious seam defect, due to absence of tightness at the point of the
defect.
Description:
A portion of the double seam which is not properly ironed-out because of a void in the chuck lip
(insufficiently tight), and appearing as an irregularity on the countersink wall of the seam.
Common sources:
1. Chipped seaming chuck caused by a jam-up, or improper set-up
7.5.2 Defect: Clinched only
Classification:
Clinched only is considered as a serious double seam defect.
Description:
Only the clinching operation was completed. Cans are removed to check the clinching operation;
these cans must be replaced so that the seaming operation will be completed.
7.5.3 Defect: Cutover
Classification:
A cutover is a sharp seam that has fractured and is considered a serious seam defect. A sharp
seam is considered a minor seam defect.
Description:
A sharp seam is a sharp fin of metal formed when the seaming panel radius of the end is forced
over the top of the seaming chuck flange during the seaming operation. Cutovers are sharp seams
which have fractured and often occur at the crossover and with product inclusions but may occur all
the way around the double seam; are best detected by running a finger around the inside of the
seam.
Alternate terms: wire edge, feather, feather edge
Common sources:
1. Excessive solder in the lap
2. Worn seaming chuck
3. Worn seaming rolls
4. Chuck set too low in relation to first operation seaming rolls
5. Second operation rolls set too tight
6. Excessive base plate pressure
7. Vertical play in the seaming head
8. Excessively long body hook
9. Inclusion of product in the seam
10. Excessive sealing compound
Cutovers are often accompanied by other external double seam defects (as shown above KDC
with Cutover)
7.5.4 Defect: Cut-down flange (CDF)
Classification:
A cut-down flange is considered a serious seam defect due to the absence of overlap.
Description:
A portion of the body flange which is torn or cut with part of the flange turned back against the can
body, without being engaged with the end hook, and may protrude below the bottom of the normal
seam. Severe forms of this defect result in a hole in the can body just below the double seam.
A unique type of CDF is the "index fault" found on reformed cans which consists of a characteristic
tear in the flange approximately 10-15 mm from the reform ridge on the can body, due to flange
damage caused by the reformer picker finger.
Common sources:
1. Flange damage during handling of open top cans
2. Flange damage during filling
3. Flange damage from other canning line equipment
4. Flange damage from the grip chain during formation of the can body cylinder
5. Mis-indexing of collapsed can body blanks during reforming
7.5.5 Defect: Droop
Classification:
The only true assessment is done in a teardown where optical seam measurements of the overlap
and seam tightness are assessed applying can manufacturing guidelines.
Any droop assessed as having 25% or less optical overlap will be classified as a serious double
seam defect.
Any droop assessed as having 25% to 50% optical overlap will be classified as a minor double seam
defect.
When a visual assessment is carried out, the droop will be considered a serious double seam defect
if it extends more than 20% of the seam length, or more than 1 cm (⅜") along the seam, or if there is
more than one droop on the double seam (confirmation of the classification must be from optical
overlap measurements as indicated above).
Description:
A smooth projection of the end hook of the double seam below the bottom of the normal seam. A
droop which shows signs of second operation roll marks will be assessed for classification in terms
of overlap; otherwise see fractured seam (7.5.7).
Common sources:
1. Inclusion of product or foreign material in the double seam
2. Excessive amount or unequal distribution of sealing compound
3. First operation seam too loose or too tight
4. Worn first operation roll groove
5. Body hook too long
7.5.6 Defect: False seam
Classification:
A false seam is considered a serious seam defect due to the absence of overlap.
Description:
A defect where a portion of the body flange is bent back against the body, without being engaged
with the end hook, but does not protrude below the bottom of the end hook radius. This is similar
to a knocked-down flange defect where the body flange is visible below the end hook radius. This
defect is difficult to observe and requires close visual inspection of the underside of the double
seam where sometimes 2 layers of metal can be seen. Confirmation of this classification often
requires a seam cut to observe the configuration of the end curl and body flange.
Common sources:
1. Flange damage (bent flange) during shipping, depalletizing, filling the can; from feed screw, the
clincher, the seamer; or from product or foreign material on the flange
2. Mushroomed can flange
3. Damaged or bent end curl
4. Misalignment of can during assembly
7.5.7 Defect: Fractured seam
Classification:
A fractured seam is considered a serious seam defect when the metal is fractured.
Description:
A fracture or break in the end hook radius. This defect may be difficult to observe without
magnification. Seams which show second operation roll marks should be closely examined for this
defect, particularly at the side seam or if a droop is present.
Sometimes designated: Cut Seam (see cut seam 7.7.5)
Alternate term: split droop
Common sources:
1. Seam too tight

2. Excessive solder in the lap
3. Defective end plate
4. Excessive sealing compound
5. Inclusion of product or foreign material in the seam
6. Excessively long end hook resulting from first operation being too tight
7.5.8 Defect: Insufficient overlap
Classification:
Any portion of the double seam having an optical overlap of less than 25% of the internal seam
length is considered to contain a serious double seam defect.
Description:
The can manufacturer provides a guideline for each can size and style outlining the seam
measurements and tolerances for which the double seam was designed to ensure an hermetic
container. Adequate overlap is an essential requirement for the integrity of a double seam.
The body and end hooks must overlap sufficiently to ensure that the sealing compound is properly
held under compression with the correct seam tightness. Calculating overlap by formula provides
only an estimate of the overlap. There is no accurate substitute for optical measurement.
Common sources:
1. Improper mechanical interlocking of the body flange and end curl
2. Incorrect setting of seaming rolls, lifters or base plate loads

3. The presence of other material in the seaming areas (for example, product, excess solder,
excess sealing compound, foreign material)
4. Damaged or incomplete flanges or curls
No photo available.
7.5.9 Defect: Jumped seam
Classification:
A jumped seam is considered a serious seam defect due to inadequate seam tightness.
Description:
Externally, this defect may appear as a looseness of the seam at one side of the crossover. Internally
this defect appears as 2 or 3 looseness wrinkles at one side of the crossover. The defect occurs when
the seaming rolls jump off the extra thickness of the crossover area. The side of the crossover on
which the defect occurs depends on the seaming roll direction in relation to the crossover.
Common sources:
1. Operation of the closing machine at excessive speed
2. Sluggish acting second operating seaming roll cushion spring
3. Second operation seaming roll cushion spring too weak. This defect would be identified on tear
down
4. Broken cushion spring. This defect would be observable externally
5. Can lap too thick at double seam area
6. Excessive external solder at can body lap
7. Insufficient seam tightness setting
7.5.10 Defect: Key tab not properly tucked
Classification:
Key tab not properly tucked is considered a serious double seam defect if:
1. there is insufficient overlap (see 7.5.8) present at the key tab area of the double seam; or
2. there are vees present adjacent to key tab; or
3. there is evidence of leakage
Description:
The key tab portion of end curl not properly incorporated into the double seam resulting in reduced
or no overlap. The key tab may be cocked (crooked) or extended downward (partially or completely).
Vees may be present on either side of the key tab and the double seam may be fractured.
Common sources:
1. Defective/damaged can end
2. Defective/damaged body flange
3. Improper adjustment of seamer

4. Worn 1st or 2nd operation rolls
5. Overfilling of cans with product
6. Defective sealing compound
7.5.11 Defect: Key tab seamed to inside
Classification:
A key tab seamed to the inside of the double seam is considered a serious double seam defect.
Description:
The key tab is not visible from the exterior of the can. There may be vees on either side of the area
where the key tab is normally located. The tab is seen on the inside of the can when opened.
Common sources:
1. Misfeed of the end to the double seamer
2. Key tab damaged prior to seaming
7.5.12 Defect: Knocked-down curl (KDC)
Classification:
A knocked-down curl is considered a serious double seam defect due to the absence of overlap.
Description:
A portion of the end hook which is not engaged with the body hook but is turned down against the
can body exposing the cut edge of the end plate. Variations of this defect can range from a 'V' with
the edge of the end plate exposed, to complete knocking-down of the end hook all the way around
the can.
Common sources:
1. Inclusion of product or foreign material in the seam
2. Chuck set too low in relation to the base plate
7.5.13 Defect: Knocked-down end (KDE)
Classification:
A knocked-down end is considered a serious seam defect, due to the absence of overlap.
Description:
Severe distortion of the can end, as though struck by a downward blow inside the countersink, such
that the hooks are disengaged or fail to engage, and part of the curl is pulled back to expose the
flange. In severe forms of this defect the end curl is pulled back to expose (form) a hole in the can
end.
Alternate term: pushed-in bottom
Common sources:
1. Scrap jammed in the seaming head
7.5.14 Defect: Knocked-down flange (KDF)
Classification:
A knocked-down flange is considered a serious seam defect due to the absence of overlap.
Description:
A portion of the body flange which is bent back against the body, without being engaged with the
end hook, and protruding below the bottom of the end hook radius. This is similar to a false seam
defect where the body flange is not readily visible below the end hook radius. Severe forms of this
defect involve knocking-down of both the flange and body leaving a distinctive gap between the can
end and body. When caused by a feed screw (spacer) on the canning line, the defect has a distinctive
"V"-shaped dent to the flange and body with a "signature" scratch down the centre.
Common sources:
1. Flange damage during filling
2. Flange damage during shipping or depalletizing
3. Flange damage from canning line screw feed
4. Flange damage from the clincher or seamer
5. Flange damage from product or foreign material on the flange
6. Mushroomed can flange
7.5.15 Defect: Loose seams
Classification:
A loose seam is considered a serious double seam defect if:
1. seam tightness is less than the minimum required by the can manufacturer's guidelines; or
2. for round can product where can manufacturer's published guidelines are not available,
tightness ratings as specified in table 4.1.5 will be applied; or
3. containers which are non-round and are designed for no vacuum, and where can
manufacturer's guidelines are not available, tightness ratings are less than 50%, and for other
non-rounded containers and where manufacturer's guidelines are not available, tightness
ratings as specified in table 4.1.5 will be applied; or
4. there is any evidence of leakage; or
5. the percentage "free space" exceeds 33% of the combined metal thickness comprising of the
double seam or the percentage "compactness" is less than 75% in the prime sealing area
Description:
A loose seam is normally characterized by one or more of the following conditions: rounded
appearance of the double seam profile (a bowed seam configuration); seam thickness which
exceeds accepted can manufacturer's guidelines; the can has a faint or no pressure ridge; and a low
tightness rating. In severe examples of loose seams, the body hook and the end hook of a cut out
(seam saw cross section) double seam may slide apart. This slippage condition in the double seam
would demonstrate loose seam condition.
Common sources:
1. Loose 1st operation
2. Loose 2nd operation
3. Worn 1st or 2nd operation rolls
4. Improper roll profile
5. Defective can end
6. Poor can end design
7. Pre-wrinkle in seaming panel or end curl
7.5.16 Defect: No second operation
Classification:
No second operation is considered as a serious double seam defect.
Description:
Only the first operation was completed. Cans are removed to check the first seaming operation;
these cans must be replaced so that the second operation seaming will be completed.
Normal double seam no second operation
7.5.17 Defect: Pleats
Classification:
A pleat is considered a serious defect if the pleat extends to the bottom of the double seam.
Description:
A pleat is a fold in the end hook which may be accompanied by a small vee-shaped projection of the
end hook radius and the metal of the fold may be fractured. A pucker is intermediate between a
wrinkle and a pleat, where the end hook is locally distorted downwards; it may or may not be
externally visible.
Common sources:
1. Clincher or first operation rolls set too loose
2. Worn rolls
3. Second operation rolls set too tight will aggravate the pleat or pucker
5. Residual wrinkle along end curl
Inset shows the end curl
7.5.18 Defect: Pucker
Classification:
A pucker is considered a serious defect if there is insufficient overlap (see 7.5.8).
Description:
A pucker is intermediate between a wrinkle and a pleat where the end hook is locally distorted
downwards; it may or may not be externally visible.
Common sources:
1. Clincher or first operation rolls set too loose
2. Worn rolls
3. Second operation rolls set too tight will aggravate the condition
5. Residual wrinkle along end curl
Serious pucker, minor pucker
7.5.19 Defect: Seam inclusions
Classification:
Seam inclusions are considered as serious double seam defects.
Description:
Extraneous material or product included in the double seam.
Common sources:
1. Product over flange
2. Scrap metal from a filler jam up
3. Solder pellets
Parchment paper formed into double seam
7.5.20 Defect: Side seam droop
Classification:
The only true assessment is done in a teardown where optical seam measurements of the overlap
and seam tightness are assessed applying can manufacturing guidelines.
Any side seam droop assessed as having 25% or less optical overlap will be classified as a serious
double seam defect.
Any side seam droop assessed as having 25% to 50% optical overlap will be classified as a minor
double seam defect.
When a visual assessment is carried out, the droop will be considered a serious double seam defect
if it extends more than 20% of the seam length, or more than 1 cm (⅜") along the seam, or if there is
more than one droop on the double seam (confirmation of the classification must be from optical
overlap measurements as indicated above).
Description:
A smooth projection of the end hook of the double seam below the bottom of the normal seam at
the crossover. A slight droop at the crossover may be considered normal because of the additional
plate thicknesses incorporated in the seam structure. However, excessive droop at this point is not
acceptable.
Common sources:
1. Excess external solder at the can body lap
2. Can lap too thick at the double seam area (thick lap)
7.5.21 Defect: Spinner
Classification:
A spinner is considered a serious seam defect due to inadequate tightness.
Description:
A spinner is an incompletely ironed out double seam. It occurs when the chuck slips on the can end.
This defect is characterized by part of the seam having normal thickness and part of the seam being
loose (thick). This defect may be accompanied by a scuffing of the countersink wall radius caused by
the chuck slipping. First operation spinner shows signs of vees around can, second operation
spinner has incomplete double seam.
Deadhead
This terminology applies for can revolve closing machines.
Spinner
This terminology applies for can standstill closing machines.
Alternate terms: deadhead, skidder, incomplete double seam

Associated Conditions: scuffed seam
Common sources:
1. Insufficient lifter pressure
2. Improper end fit with chuck, size or taper, either too loose or too tight
3. Worn seaming chuck
4. Incorrect pin height setting. Chuck set too high in relation to base plate
5. Seaming rolls binding
6. Oil or grease on seaming chuck or lifter
7. Any vertical play of seaming chuck spindle
8. Improper timing
Top view showing incompletely ironed out double seam
Countersink wall radius showing scuffing caused by chuck slipping
7.5.22 Defect: Vee
Classification:
Vees are considered to be serious double seam defects due to the absence of overlap at the point
of the vee.
Description:
A sharp 'V' shaped projection of the end hook of the double seam below the bottom of the normal
seam which results in no overlap.
Alternate terms: lip, spur
Common sources:
1. Inclusion of product/bones or foreign material in the double seam
2. First operation seam too loose
3. Worn first operation roll groove
Multiple defects may occur - as shown a knocked down curl plus a serious vee
7.6 Other manufacturing defects
7.6.1 Defect: Misembossing
Classification:
Misembossing is considered a serious can end defect if:
1. the metal shows signs of fracture at the the point of embossing; or
2. any part of the embossing has struck a sensitive area such as an easy open pull ring or
scoreline
Description:
Misembossing includes sharp, illegible, misplaced, or multiple embossing. Sharp embossing may
fracture the coating, leading to corrosion and perforation, or it may fracture the metal plate.
Misplaced embossing which interferes with the pull tab or is on the scoreline or reinforcement lines
or rings is likely to cause a fracture of the metal plate.
Common sources:
1. A can end going through the embosser twice
2. Excessive embossing pressure
3. Mismatched embossing dies
4. Misfeed of can into embosser
7.6.2 Defect: Overfill, flipper, springer and swell
Classification:
Must be treated as a serious container defect unless testing proves otherwise.
Description:
The terms overfill, flipper, springer, and swell are used to describe cans which have end(s) distended
to varying degrees from several causes. The cans must be checked for microbial growth, chemical
reaction such as hydrogen gas production, internal corrosion or weight.
Common sources:
1. Overfilling or failure to draw a proper vacuum
2. Microbial spoilage with gas production resulting from under processing
3. Microbial spoilage with gas production resulting from post-process contamination
4. Microbial gas production during time lag between closing and processing
5. Hydrogen gas production from a chemical reaction of product with the metal plate
7.6.3 Defect: Panelling
Classification:
Panelling is considered a serious container profile defect if the can body has been sharply
distorted such that the internal coating has fractured or the double seam or side seam has been
distorted.
Description:
A permanent distortion (collapsing) of the can body generally observed on larger sized containers.
Appears as flat, vertical panels or indentations of the can body.
Common sources:
1. Excessive closure vacuum
2. Excessive external pressure on the can during processing
3. Excessive pressure during cooling
4. Inadequate plate gauge or temper
7.6.4 Defect: Peaked can
Classification:
A peaked can is considered a serious container profile defect if the can end has been sharply
distorted such that the metal plate or coating has fractured or the double seam has been distorted.
Description:
A permanent outward distortion of the can end in the form of pyramidal-like deformities near the
double seams, resulting from a large differential between internal and external container pressures.
Excessive peaking will adversely affect the integrity of the double seam.
Alternate terms: buckling, buckled end
Common sources:
1. Insufficient closure vacuum

2. Insufficient external pressure during cooling
3. Incipient spoilage before processing, resulting in vacuum loss
4. Inadequate plate gauge or temper of the end plate
5. Overfilling of the can
7.7 Handling defects
7.7.1 Defect: Abrasion
Classification:
Abrasion is considered a serious container defect when the metal has been reduced to less than
50% of its normal thickness.
Description:
A mechanical wearing of the metal plate. Abrasion results in the weakening of the metal plate
making the abraded area susceptible to either fracture or corrosion which could eventually
perforate the metal plate.
Common sources:
1. The action of moving cable or metal conveyors on stationary cans. This may occur with either
empty or filled cans
2. Cans being moved against stationary objects with sharp parts. For example loading cans into
damaged or rusted retort baskets
7.7.2 Defect: Chalky side seam
Classification:
Chalky side seam is considered a minor side seam defect.
Description:
Chalky white deposits or corrosion on the side seam solder, which are unlikely to develop into a
rusting condition.
Common sources:
1. Alkaline boiler water carry over in the 8.0 to 9.0 pH range
2. "Green" or wet pallet boards
3. Salt air exposure and/or high humidity
4. May be noted on cans stored for an extended period of time under unfavorable storage
conditions
7.7.3 Defect: Corrosion
Classification:
Corrosion is considered to be a serious container defect if:
1. the corrosion causes pitting; or
2. the corrosion is on any sensitive area of the container such as the scoreline
Description:
The deterioration of the metal plate from the inside or the outside of the container as a result of
chemical reaction which can lead to penetration of the metal plate. Most commonly seen is external
corrosion (rust) due to dampness (see also coating skips 7.2.2).
Common sources:
1. Wet cans due to either excessive post-process cooling or insufficient tipping time (drainage)
following retorting
2. Improper temperatures and humidity levels in the warehouse
3. Cans unprotected from weather during transport or storage
7.7.4 Defect: Crushed
Classification:
A crushed can is considered a serious container defect.
Description:
An extreme mechanical deformation of the metal container.
Common sources:
1. Misfeed of the filled can in conveying equipment
2. Transit damage
7.7.5 Defect: Cut seam
Classification:
A cut seam is considered a serious double seam defect.
Description:
The physical tearing or cutting through of the outer layer of metal plate on the double seam, such
that the inner layers of the double seam are exposed and the integrity of the double seam is
compromised.
Alternate terms: torn seam, cable cut
Sometimes designated: fractured seam (see 7.5.7)
Common sources:
1. Cans contacting weld beads or rough metal during conveying
2. Mishandling of the metal containers either during pre-processing or post-processing
3. The action of moving cable on stationary cans
7.7.6 Defect: Damage to scoreline/pull tab
Classification:
Damage to scoreline and/or pull tab is considered a serious can handling defect when:
1. the scoreline is broken at the point of the tab; or
2. the rivet is fractured or broken; or
3. there is any evidence of loss of hermeticity
Description:
A pull tab which has been twisted or distorted out of the horizontal or parallel plane with the can
end. The scoreline may be pierced by the point of the tab, possibly resulting in leakage. The pull tab
rivet may have been fractured or broken.
Common sources:
1. Defective can ends
2. Physical abuse
3. Embossing on or near the scoreline
4. Weak scoreline - exterior rust on scoreline (tin or tin free ends)
5. Weak scoreline - interior corrosion on the scoreline
6. Defective or damaged pull tab (score pierced by the point of the tab)
7. Weak scoreline - excessive score
8. Canning defects - overfilling, double seamer adjustment problems
7.7.7 Defect: Damaged coating
Classification:
Damaged coating is considered a serious material handling defect if metal is scored and the
product packed is corrosive.
Damaged coating is considered a minor material handling defect when exposed metal is not
susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Description:
Obvious physical damage to either the inside or outside coated surface of the can end or can body
which exposes bare metal, such as scratches, rub or scuff marks, essentially cosmetic in nature, but
susceptible to corrosion (see corrosion - 7.7.3).
While fracture of the metal plate is obviously a loss of hermetic seal, the fracture of the coating may
or may not result in reaction of the metal with the product or loss of hermetic seal. Where the metal
is coated with tin and then overlayered with an organic coating, there is a double system of
protection. If the product is very aggressive to tinplate, then the organic coating is very important. If
the product is not aggressive to tinplate, then the loss of the organic coating is not important,
especially if there is no reduction in expected shelf life of the product.
Common sources:
1. Mishandling of the coated metal plate used to manufacture can bodies or ends
2. Mishandling of the can bodies or ends following manufacture, that is to say, during shipping,
storage, processing and subsequent handling
7.7.8 Defect: Damaged curl/flange
Classification:
A damaged end curl is considered a serious handling defect when the end curl interferes with the
double seam formation.
A damaged flange is considered a serious handling defect when damage extends more than 0.8
mm (1/32") from the normal flange level or is of sufficient size to cause a defective double seam.
Description:
A dented, bent or deformed end curl on the can end(s) or flange on can body such that it may cause
seaming difficulties such as can end feed jam-ups and defective double seams.
Common sources:
1. Mishandling of the can ends or can body during the manufacturing process, in transit handling
and in storage, or during use in the cannery
2. Machine damage during manufacture
3. Scrap-in-die damage or deformation of the metal plate
7.7.9 Defect: Dent
Classification:
A dent is considered a serious container defect if the can body or end has been sharply distorted
such that:
the containers have bulged one or both ends, other than pressurized containers; or
the body dent has pulled on the double seam such that the distortion of the end seam exceeds
the countersink depth of that specific can size and results in the double seam dimensions being
outside of the can makers published guidelines; or
the metal plate has fractured, or the fracture of the coating has exposed metal which may react
with a corrosive product; or
the container shows evidence of content leakage
Description:
The pronounced mechanical distortion of the metal container resulting in either significant
reduction of the internal volume of the container or deformity of the can end or body, the double
seam, or the side seam. Dents may crease the metal plate which may adversely affect the internal
coating causing susceptibility to corrosion. Dents may distort the double seam or side seam such
that vacuum loss may occur.
Common sources:
1. Mishandling of the empty or filled cans during conveying, transporting, labelling, or preparing
the product for marketing
Lower limit of a serious body dent. Body dent is sharp and deep and the double seam has
been pulled down below the level of the countersink depth of the can.
Upper limit of a minor body dent. Body dent is sharp and deep. Need to assess the inside
coating for possible fractures, if the contents are considered as being a corrosive product
which will react with the container, and the double seam has been distorted so that the
dimensions are outside of the can maker's guidelines.
7.7.10 Defect: Double seam dent
Classification:
A double seam dent is considered a serious defect when:
1. the dent is sharp (V-shaped), and fails the leak, pressure, vacuum or dye tests; or
2. the containers have bulged one or both ends as a result of the impact to the double seam; or
3. the container shows evidence of content leakage
Description:
The mechanical deformation of the double seam (can rim) of the container, caused by a sharp blow
or excessive mechanical force to the double seam. Double seam (rim) dents can adversely affect the
integrity of the double seam resulting in a potential for post-process contamination.
Common sources:
1. Mishandling of the closed can either during pre-processing or post-processing. Post-processing
is anytime after retorting, during labelling, transport or storage
Pulled seam Rim dent
7.7.11 Defect: Foreign contamination inside
Classification:
Foreign contamination inside the can is considered a serious defect.
Description:
Any observable amount of oil, grease, glue or dirt which is present on the inside surface of can ends
or can bodies.
Common sources:
1. Grease or oil dripping from machines
2. Excess material being deposited during manufacture
3. Contamination during storage or handling of empty cans or can ends
7.7.12 Defect: Punctured
Classification:
A puncture is considered a serious container defect.
Description:
The complete penetration through the metal plate of the can body or end by a sharp object such
that there is loss of hermeticity.
Common sources:
1. Punctures from sharp corners of equipment
2. Punctures from sharp objects such as staples
3. Cuts or gashes from knives or similar tools
4. Punctures from forks on lift trucks
7.7.13 Defect: Scored
Classification:
A scored can end or can body is considered a serious can handling defect.
Description:
A sharp linear stressing (deformation) of the metal plate such that either the metal plate is fractured
(has failed), or there is potential for failure due to corrosion or stress from normal handling.
Common sources:
1. Deep scratching of the metal plate surface on either the inside or the outside of the container
8.0 Glossary (English-French)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z
Letter A
English French
Abuse bead Arête de corps ou jonc anti-choc
Abrasion Abrasion
English French
Acid salts corrosion Corrosion acide, par sels acides
Area, pressure Zone de serrage
Letter B
English French
Base plate Plateau de compression
Bead Moulure, arête
Bead, abuse Arête de corps ou moulure du corps
Bead, body Arête de corps ou moulure du corps
Bead, bottom Arête de fond ou jonc du fond
Bead, side Arête de corps
Bead, stack Arête de corps ou jonc d'empilage
Beader Moulureuse
Beader flanger Machine à moulurer et border ou moulureuse-bordeuse
Beading Moulurage
Beading machine Machine à moulurer ou moulureuse
Blank, body Flan
Blown can Boîte éclatée, éclatement, (fortement) bombée
Body Corps, cylindre
Body bead Arête de corps ou moulure du corps
Body, can Corps de boîte ou cylindre de boîte
Body, cocked Corps mal aligné
Body, double Double corps
Body, fluted Corps cannelé ou corps à facettes
Body blank Flan
Body blank, inverted Flan inversé ou flan retourné face pour face
Body buckle Flambement
Body flange Bord à sertir, rebord du corps ou bord tombé
Body hook Crochet de corps
Body hook butting Degré de croisure ou calage du crochet de corps
Body hook length Longueur du crochet de corps
Body wall Paroi du corps
English French
Bodymaker Machine à former les cylindres ou machine à former les
corps
Bottom bead Arête de fond ou jonc du fond
Bottom end Fond de fabrication
Bottom profile Profil du fond ou profil du fond de boîte
Buckle (body) Flambement
Buckle (end) Becquet, bec
Buckled can Boîte avec becquets ou becs ou boîte becquée
Burned weld Soudure brûlée
Burr Bavure
Butting, body hooks Degré de croisure ou calage du crochet de corps
Letter C
English French
Can Boîte, canette ou boîte de conserve
Can, metal Boîte métallique
Can, sanitary Boîte à conserve, boîte-conserve
Can body Corps de boîte ou cylindre
Can ends Fermetures de boîtes ou fonds de boîte
Can, drawn Boîte emboutie
Can, easy open Boîte à ouverture facile
Can, necked-in Boîte avec rétreint ou rétrécissement ou boîte à rétreint
Can, peaked Boîte avec becquets
Can, three-piece Boîte trois pièces
Can, two-piece Boîte deux pièces
Canner's end Couvercle, bout du conserveur ou fond fermeture
Chalky sideseam Oxydation de l'agrafe ou agrafe oxydée
Chuck Mandrin
Chuck (seaming) Mandrin de sertissage
Chuck lip Lèvre du mandrin
Chuck wall Lèvre du mandrin ou paroi de lèvre du mandrin
Chuck wall angle Angle de la lèvre du mandrin
English French
Chuck wall radius Rayon de la lèvre du mandrin
Chuck spindle Tige du mandrin ou arbre port-mandrin
Clincher Accrocheuse ou clincheur
Clinching Accrochage ou clinchage
Clipped curl Ourlet incomplet
Clipped flange Bord à sertir incomplet
Closing machine Sertisseuse
Closing machine (can revolve) Sertisseuse à boîtes rotatives ou tourantes
Coating Revêtements organiques
Coating, inside out Inversion
Coating skips Manques du revêtement
Coatings, organic Revêtements organiques
Cocked body Corps mal aligné ou corps désaffleuré
Coil Bobine, rouleau
Cold solder Soudage imparfait ou soudure froide
Compound Joint, joint élastique, joint en caoutchouc, joint
d'étanchéité
Compound lining Joint, joint élastique, joint en caoutchouc, joint
d'étanchéité, jointage
Compound placement Emplacement du dépôt de joint ou placement de joint
Compound smears Projections de joint
Compound, sealing Joint, joint élastique, joint en caoutchouc, joint
d'étanchéité
Corrosion Corrosion
Corrosion, acid salts Corrosion acide, corrosion par sels acides
Countersink Cuvette, contre-serti, cuvette de fond
Countersink radius Rayon de la cuvette ou du contre-serti
Countersink wall Paroi de la cuvette ou du contre-serti
Cover Couvercle, fond du conserveur, fond fermeture
Cover hook Crochet du fond ou du couvercle
Crack Fissure
Cracked plate Tôle, métal fissuré
English French
Cross-over Montage, surépaisseurs, zone de jonction du montage
et du serti
Cross-section Coupe transversale
Crushing Écrasement
Curl, clipped or incomplete Ourlet incomplet
Curl, cover Ourlet, ourlet de fond
Curl, knocked down Ourlet endommagé ou écrasé
Curler Ourleuse
Curling machine Ourleuse, machine à ourler
Cushion spring Ressort amortisseur
Cut down flange Bord à sertir déchiré
Cut-over Serti coupant, fracture du sommet du serti
Cut seam Serti déchiré ou coupé
Cutting edge Arête de coupe, bord coupant, arête coupant
Letter D
English French
Damaged Endommagé
Deadhead Serti incomplet, glissage, patinage, dérapage
Defect Défaut, anomalie
Dent Bosselure, coup, choc
Dent, rim Serti entamé
Depth, countersink Profondeur de la cuvette
Developer Révélateur
Dial Cadran
Die press Presse à matrice
Double body Double corps
Double end Double fond
Double seam Serti
Double seam cutting Coupe transversale du serti
Double seam dent Coup sur le serti
Double seam formation Sertissage
English French
Double seam, incomplete Serti incomplet, glissage, patinage, dérapage
Double seamer Sertisseuse
Doubleseaming Sertissage
Drawn can Boîte emboutie
Drawing Emboutissage
Droop Affaissement ou affaissement au montage du crochet
de fond
Droop, split Affaissement fissuré ou coupé
Droop, torn Affaissement sectionné ou déchiré
Dye testing Essai au colorant
Letter E
English French
Easy open can Boîte à ouverture facile
Easy open end Fond à ouverture facile
Edge, cutting Arête de coupe ou bord courant
Embossing Marquage en relief ou estampage du code
Enamel Émail, vernis
Enamel flaw Défaut d'émaillage ou de vernis
Enamel margin Bordure non-émaillée, reserve de vernis
End, bottom Fond, bout du fabricant ou du manufacturier, fond de
fabrication
End, canner's Couvercle, bout du conserveur, fermeture
End, easy open Fond à ouverture facile
End, Full Panel Easy Open (FPEO) Fermeture à ouverture facile, fond à ouverture facile
End, FPEO, key-open Fermeture à ouverture facile de type décollage,
couvercle à décollage
End, FPEO, pull tab Fermeture à ouverture facile de type à languette
d'arrachage, fond à anneau
End, integral Fond intégré
End, knocked down Fond endommagé
End, loose Couvercle, fond non-serti, fond lâche
End, manufacturer's Fond du fabricant ou du manufacturier, fond de
fabrication
English French
End, top Fond de fermeture, couvercle
End Contour Profil de fond
End hook Crochet du fond ou du couvercle ou de fond
End panels Macarons, fermetures
Ends Fermetures de fond ou couvercle, fonds
Ends, can Fermetures de boîtes, fonds pour boîtes
Ends, high Rebords désaffleurés
Eyeholing Auréoles de vernis ou refus de vernis
Letter F
English French
False seam Faux serti
Feather Bourrelet, plumage
First operation Première passe
Flaking Écaillage
Flange Bord à sertir, rebord
Flange, clipped Bord à sertir incomplet
Flange, cut-down Bord à sertir déchiré
Flange, knocked down Bord rabattu
Flange, mushroomed Bord champignonné
Flange, wrinkled Bord à sertir cannelé ou ondulé
Flanger Machine à border, bordeuse
Flanging Bordage
Flanging machine Machine à border, bordeuse
Flaw Défaut, anomalie
Flipper(s) Flochage, flocheuses, boîte(s) floche(s)
Fluted body Corps cannelé ou à facette
Flux Décapant
Foreign contamination Contamination par des corps étrangers
FPEO key-open end Fermeture à ouverture facile de type à décollage,
couvercle à décollage
FPEO pull tab Fermeture à ouverture facile de type à languette
d'arrachage, anneau
English French
Fracture Fissure
Free space Espace libre, écart entre épaisseur de serti et les cinq
épaisseur de métal
Letter G
English French
Gap, seam Épaisseur d'étanchéité, jeu en sommet de crochet de
corps
Gasket compound Joint élastique, joint en caoutchouc, joint d'étanchéité,
joint
Gauge Jauge ou épaisseur du métal
Groove, roll Gorge de molette
Letter H
English French
Handling Manutention
Head, seaming Tête de sertissage, station de sertissage
Height, seam Hauteur ou largeur du serti
Hermeticity Étanchéité
High ends Rebords désaffleurés
Holes Perforations, trous
Hook, body Crochet de corps
Hook, cover Crochet de fond ou de couvercle
Hook, end Crochet de fond ou de couvercle
Letter I
English French
Incomplete abuse bead Arête de corps incomplète, jonc anti-choc incomplet
Incomplete double seam Serti incomplet, glissage, patinage, dérapage
Indents Indentations, chocs
Indent marks Indentations, traces de chocs
Indenting Marquage en creux, traces de chocs
Index fault Erreur de repérage
Ingots Lingots
English French
Integral end Fond intégré
Ironed out Aplani, laminé
Letter J
English French
Jumped seam Saut de molette, saut aux surépaisseurs, saut de
molette au montage
Letter L
English French
Laminated plate Tôle feuilletée ou laminée
Lap Pastille
Lap, open Pastille ouverte
Leakage Fuite
Length (cover hook or body hook) Longueur (des crochets) de fond ou de corp
Lifter plate Plateau de compression
Lining compound Joint, joint élastique, joint d'étanchéité, joint en
caoutchouc
Lip Saillie, lèvre, picot
Lip (chuck) Lèvre (du mandrin)
Loose end Couvercle, fond non-serti ou lâche
Loose seam Serti lâche
Letter M
English French
Manufacturer's end Bout du fabricant ou manufacturier, fond de fabrication
Margin (sideseam) Bordure non-émaillée de l'agrafe, reserve d'agrafe
Metal can Boîte métallique
Metal plate Tôle, feuille de tôle, métal de base
Micrometer (seam) Micromètre à sertis
Mis-locked (sideseam) Mal agrafé (agrafe latérale ou montage)
Misembossing Marquage incorrect, estampage défectueux
Mis-notch Encoches hors normes, échancrage défectueux
Mushroomed flange Bord champignonné
Letter N
English French
Necked-in can Rétrécissement, boîte avec rétreint, boîte à rétreint
Nippers Tenailles, pinces
Notch, clip Encoche, échancrage
Notching Encochage, échancrage
Nozzle, compound Buse d'injection du joint
Letter O
English French
Off-register Décalé
Off-register body blank coating Application accidentelle de revêtement sur les bords à
souder ou travers de vernis
Offset Décentré (en mécanique) ou offset (en imprimerie)
Open cut-over Serti fissuré ou fracturé (voir "cut-over")
Open lap Pastille ouverte
Open weld Soudure ouverte ou soudure électrique ouverte
Operation, first Première passe
Operation, second Deuxième passe
Organic coatings Revêtements organiques
Out-of-square Faux-équerrage, hors d'angle
Overfills Boîtes trop remplies, excès de remplissage
Overfilled cans Boîtes trop remplies
Overlap Croisure, chevauchement
Overlap, optical Croisure réelle ou observée
Overlap, theoretical Croisure théorique
Letter P
English French
Panelling (body) Aplatissement (cylindre), corps rentré
Panels, end Macarons (fermetures)
Panel, seaming Couronne du serti
Panel steps Gradins
Peaked can Boîte avec becquets, becs, boîte becquée
English French
Peeling, enamel Pelage, décollement de l'émail ou vernis
Pellets, solder Projections de soudure
Perforation Perforation, trou
Pin height Hauteur de la tête de sertissage
Pinhole Trou d'épingle
Pin lip Lèvre, picot, saillie
Plain can Boîte non-vernie ou nue, corp non-verni
Plain tinplate Fer-blanc nu
Plate, laminated Tôle feuilletée ou laminée
Plate, lifter Plateau de compression
Plate, metal Feuille de tôle, métal de base
Pleats Plis, replis
Pressure area Zone de serrage
Pressure ridge Empreinte de serrage
Profile, bottom Profil du fond (de boîte 2 pièces)
Profile, end Profil de la fermeture, profil du fond
Profile, seam Profil du serti
Projector, seam Projecteur à serti
Pucker Fronce
Pull tab Languette d'arrachage, anneau
Pull tab end Ouverture à languette d'arrachage ou fond anneau
Pulled seam Serti déformé
Puncture Perforation, trou
Letter R
English French
Radius, countersink Rayon de cuvette ou de contre-serti
Rating, tightness Taux de serrage
Redrawing Étirage, réemboutissage
Reinforcement ridges Cannelures ou arêtes de renfort
Ridges Cannelures, empreintes
Ridge, distorted reform Empreinte de reformage distendue
English French
Rim dent Serti entamé, choc sur un bord
Rings, reinforcement Anneaux de renfort
Rivet Rivet
Roll, seaming Molette, rouleau de sertissage
Rolling mills Laminoirs
Rust Rouille
Letter S
English French
Sanitary can Boîte à conserve, boîte-conserve
Scored (can or end) Griffage, rayure ou corps ou fond incisé
Scrap-in-die marks Éraflures d'emboutissage, marques de déchet dans
l'outil
Scratches Égratignures, rayures
Scuffed Éraflé
Scuffing Trace de frottement ou d'abrasion
Sealant Joint, joint élastique, joint en caoutchouc, joint
d'étanchéité
Sealing compound Joint, joint élastique, joint en caoutchouc, joint
d'étanchéité
Seam Serti
Seam, cut Serti déchiré ou coupé
Seam, double Serti
Seam, false Faux serti
Seam, fractured Serti fissuré à la base
Seam, jumped Saut de molette, saut aux surépaisseurs, saut au
montage
Seam, loose Serti lâche
Seam, pulled Serti déformé
Seam, sharp Serti coupant
Seam, side Agrafe, agrafe latérale, montage
Seam, torn Serti déchiré
Seam gap Épaisseur d'étanchéité, jeu (voir "gap")
English French
Seam height Hauteur du serti
Seam micrometer Micromètre à serti
Seam profile Profil du serti
Seam projector Projecteur à serti
Seam saw Scie à sertis
Seam scope Loupe à serti
Seam thickness Épaisseur de serti
Seaming chuck Mandrin de sertissage
Seaming head Tête de sertissage, station de sertissage
Seaming panel Couronne du serti, couronne à sertir
Seaming roll Molette, rouleau de sertissage
Second operation Deuxième passe
Section, cross Coupe transversale
Sharp seam Serti coupant
Side bead Arête de corps
Sideseam Agrafe, agrafe latérale, montage
Sideseam, soldered Agrafe soudée à l'étain, agrafe contresoudie
Sideseam, welded Agrafe électro-soudée, agrafe soudée électriquement
Sideseam enamel margin Bordure non-émaillée de l'agrafe, réserve de vernis pour
le montage
Sideseam fold Pli de l'agrafe, pli d'agrafe
Sideseam formation Agrafage
Sideseam stripe Rechampi, rechampissage du montage
Sideseam vents Évents de l'agrafe
Skidder Serti incomplet, glissage, dérapage, patinage
Skips, coating Manques du revêtement, manques de vernis
Skips, compound Manque de joint élastique, manque de joint
Slitter Cisaille en équerre
Smears, compound Projections de joint
Solder Soudure à l'étain ou plomb
Solder, cold Soudure froide
Solder pellets Projections de soudure
English French
Solder splashes Projections de soudure
Soldered sideseam Agrafe soudée à l'étain, agrafe contresoudie
Soldering Soudage à l'étain/plomb
Space, free Espace libre (voir "free")
Spindle, chuck Tige du mandrin, arbre porte-mandrin
Spinner Serti incomplet, glissage, patinage, dérapage
Splashes, solder Projections de soudure
Split droop Affaissement fissuré ou coupé
Spring, cushion Ressort amortisseur
Springer Bombage léger ou mou
Spur Dentelure
Square, out-of- Faux-équerrage, hors d'angle
Stack bead Arête de corps, jonc d'empilage
Step panels Macarons circulaires, gradins
Stripping (doubleseam) Mise à nu du serti, décorticage du serti
Swelling Bombage
Swells Boîtes bombées
Letter T
English French
Tab, key Languette de clé ou pour clé
Tab, pull Languette d'arrachage, anneau
Tab hook radius Rayon du crochet de la languette
Tear down (double seam) Mise à nu (du serti), décorticage (du serti)
Temper Trempe
Thickness (double seam) Épaisseur (du serti)
Three-piece can Boîte trois pièces
Tightness (double seam) Serrage (serti)
Tightness rating Taux de serrage
Tin free Steel (TFS) Acier sans étain, fer chromé, ECCS
Tinplate Acier étamé, fer-blanc
Tongue Languette de clé, pour clé
English French
Tongue hook radius Rayon du crochet de la languette
Top end Couvercle, bout du conserveur, fond du conserveur
Torn droop Affaissement sectionné
Torn seam Serti déchiré
Trimmer Presse à détourer, détoureuse, ébarbeuse
Trimming Détourer, ébarber
Two-piece can Boîte deux pièces ou boîte emboutie
Letter V
English French
Vacuum closure Sertissage sous vide
Vacuum packing Empaquetage sous vide, emballage sous vide
Vee Picot en "V" ou "V"
Vents (sideseam) Évents (agrafe)
Voids Vides, interstices
Letter W
English French
Wall, body Paroi du corps
Wall, chuck Lèvre du mandrin, paroi de lèvre du mandrin
Wall, countersink Paroi de la cuvette, du contre-serti
Weld, burned Soudure brûlée
Weld, open Soudure ouverte
Welded sideseam Agrafe électro-soudée, montage soudée électriquement
Welding Soudure électrique
Width (double seam) Hauteur, largeur (serti)
Wire edge Bavure, filoche
Wrinkled Plissé, ridé, cannelé, ondulé
Wrinkles Rides, cannelures, ondulations (du crochet de fond)
Wrinkled flange Bord à sertir cannelé
Wrinkling Plissage
Date modified:
2020-07-29

Metal Can Defects. Identification and Classification - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Metal Can Defects. Identification and Classification - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Metal Can Defects. Identification and Classification - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

27/12/23, 12:36 Metal can defects: identification and classification - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Metal can defects: identification and classification

2.0 Can terminology

2.1 Three piece can bodies - soldered side seam

Inside view showing side seam fold and lap

2.2 Three piece can bodies - welded side seam

2.3 Two piece can bodies

Figure 2.3.a - Two piece can - integral end with countersink

Figure 2.3.c - Integral end of a non-round two piece can

Figure 2.3.d - Body wall of a non-round two piece can

2.4 Can ends - conventional

Figure 2.4.a - Cross section of a conventional end

2.5 Can ends - full panel easy open - key-open

Figure 2.5.a - FPEO key-open end

Figure 2.5.b - FPEO key-open end

2.6 Can ends - full panel easy open - pull tab

Figure 2.6.b - FPEO can end - Hansa

2.7 Double seams

Figure 2.7.a - General terminology of the double seam

Figure 2.7.b - Dimensional terminology of the double seam

3.0 Can construction and integrity factor

3.1 Metal plate

3.2 Organic coatings

3.3 Can body manufacture

3.3.1 Three piece cans - soldered

3.3.2 Three piece cans - welded

3.3.3 Two piece cans

3.4 Can ends manufacture

3.4.1 Round ends

3.4.2 Non-round ends

3.4.3 Pull-tab can ends

3.4.4 Key-open can ends

3.5 Double seam formation and integrity factors

Figure 3.5.a - Basic double seamer design

Figure 3.5.b - First operation seam formation

Figure 3.5.c - Second operation seam formation

3.5.1 Can closing terminology

3.5.2 Double seam integrity factors

Figure 3.5.2.a - Overlap and body hook butting

4.0 Can examination and assessment process

4.1.1 Visual inspection

4.1.2 External seam measurements

(a) Points of seam measurements

Description for suggested points of routine measurement on non-round cans

b. = body hook and countersink

a. X = seam thickness, length, body hook and

a. X = seam thickness, length, body hook, end

Description for irregular shaped meat

(b) Seam Length Measurement

Figure 4.1.2.c - Seam length measurement

(c) Seam thickness measurement

Figure 4.1.2.d - Seam thickness measurement

(d) Countersink depth measurement

Figure 4.1.2.e - Countersink gauge

Description for position of countersink gauge point

4.1.3 Seam teardown and internal measurements

Figure 4.1.3.a - Removing centre of can end

Figure 4.1.3.b - Removing can end

Figure 4.1.3.c - Double seam cutting