Overview
ISO 90-2:1997 - Light gauge metal containers: Definitions and determination of dimensions and capacities - Part 2: General use containers defines terminology and measurement methods for rigid light‑gauge metal containers (maximum nominal material thickness 0.49 mm) intended for general use. The standard covers both round and non‑round shapes and specifies how to determine cross‑sections, heights and two key capacity values (gross‑lidded and brimful). It also gives rules for tolerances and an international designation system.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Definitions and types: Precise definitions of general use containers and common constructions - full‑friction cans, pails, lever‑lid, slip‑lid, flat‑top and cone‑top cans - plus cross‑section types (round, rectangular, obround, oval, trapezoidal).
- Constructions and shapes: Three‑piece and two‑piece constructions; cylindrical and tapered shapes; special features such as necked‑in, step‑sided, beaded and curled bodies.
- Dimensional measurement:
- Internal cross‑section measured with a plug gauge or derived from the external cross‑section using a vernier caliper.
- Nominal cross‑sections rounded to the nearest millimetre.
- Height measurement procedures referenced in Annex A.
- Capacity determination:
- Capacities determined gravimetrically by weighing water filled into the can.
- Definitions of nominal filling volume/mass, gross‑lidded capacity (C), brimful capacity (C2) and head space (K).
- Practical filling procedures (hole drilling or use of a transparent disc), handling guidance to avoid deformation, and removal of surface water before weighing.
- Correction factors for water density as a function of temperature and required balance accuracy levels (specified in the standard).
- Tolerances and statistics:
- Tolerances on gross‑lidded and brimful capacities are tabulated (Table 3).
- Statistical requirement: at least 99.7% of cans must fall within specified limits.
- Designation: Recommended international coding using code letters (e.g., Cy, N, T, S, D), nominal volume/mass, and characteristic cross‑section dimensions.
Applications and users
ISO 90‑2:1997 is practical for:
- Container designers and manufacturers defining dimensions and verifying capacities.
- Quality control and laboratory staff performing capacity and dimensional testing.
- Purchasing and specification engineers who need standardized designations and acceptance criteria.
- Regulators and certification bodies assessing compliance with dimensional and capacity tolerances.
Keywords: ISO 90-2:1997, light gauge metal containers, dimensions, capacities, gross‑lidded capacity, brimful capacity, nominal filling volume, plug gauge, vernier caliper, tolerance, container designation.
Related standards
- ISO 90‑1: Open‑top cans (Part 1)
- ISO 90‑3: Aerosol cans (Part 3)
These parts complete the ISO 90 series covering light gauge metal containers.
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