Overview
EN ISO 90-3:2001 - Light gauge metal containers - Part 3: Aerosol cans (ISO 90-3:2000) defines terminology and standardised methods for determining the dimensions and capacities of round, non‑refillable aerosol cans made from light gauge metal (maximum nominal material thickness 0.49 mm). This European adoption of the ISO text is intended for manufacturers, test laboratories and quality departments involved with aerosol packaging.
Key Topics
- Scope and terms: precise definitions such as aerosol can, body height, overall height, aperture, necked‑in, straight‑sided and monobloc constructions.
- Constructions and shapes: classification of cans into three‑piece, two‑piece (extruded or drawn and wall‑ironed) and monobloc types; typical shoulder and neck shapes are illustrated.
- Measurement methods:
- Diameters: internal diameters by plug gauge, external by vernier calliper.
- Heights: measured with a vernier calliper or height gauge.
- Necked‑in diameters: plug gauge applied to the internal extremity.
- Capacity determination:
- Brimful capacity (C2): water‑fill method using a transparent disc with hole(s) (two × 3 mm holes ≈7 mm apart or one × 6 mm hole); mass difference gives capacity.
- Gross lidded capacity (C1): capacity with valve, valve cup and dip tube fitted (methodology described).
- Temperature correction factors for water density when high precision is required (table for 12–30 °C).
- Required balance accuracy for weighing cans (specified ranges by mass).
- Tolerances: standardized tolerances on brimful and gross lidded capacities by capacity ranges (statistical basis noted - 99.7 % within limits).
- Designation: recommended international naming format including nominal capacity, diameter(s) and height (examples for straight, necked‑in and monobloc cans).
- Annex A: informative geometry of the top end for three‑piece necked‑in tinplate cans.
Applications
- Quality control and inspection protocols for aerosol can production
- Design and specification of aerosol packaging for product developers
- Test laboratories performing capacity and dimensional verification
- Procurement, standardised labeling and international trade compliance
- Regulatory submission dossiers where standardised container data are required
Who Should Use It
- Packaging engineers, product designers and manufacturers of aerosol cans
- Quality assurance teams and laboratory technicians
- Standards bodies, conformity assessment and regulatory authorities
- Buyers and specification authors in FMCG, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial aerosols
Related Standards
- ISO 90 series: Part 1 (Open‑top cans) and Part 2 (General use containers) - complementary guidance for other light gauge metal containers.
- Standards referenced in the bibliography for materials used in aerosol cans (material and coating standards).
