As a professional can-making enterprise integrating production, R&D and sales, Zhangzhou Yucheng Metal Products Co., Ltd. has been deeply engaged in the metal packaging industry since 1996. With decades of food can manufacturing expertise and a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, we have become a trusted supplier of both three-piece and two-piece metal packaging solutions for the global market.

A 3 Piece Can, also known as a Three-Piece Can or Three-Piece Metal Tin Can, is a classic and highly versatile metal container constructed from three distinct components: a cylindrical can body, a bottom end, and a can lid (either a normal lid or an easy open end). Unlike two-piece cans where the sidewall and bottom are pressed from a single piece of material, three-piece cans are manufactured from a flat steel sheet (tinplate or TFS) which is cut, rolled, and side-seamed to form a cylindrical body. The bottom end is then double-seamed onto one end of the can body, while the lid is seamed onto the opposite end after filling. Three-piece cans have been the industry standard for metal food packaging since the 19th century, with an application history dating back to 1810 when British inventor Peter Durand first used tinplate to produce food canning containers.

The 3 Piece Can offers several compelling advantages that have made it the preferred packaging solution for countless food products worldwide.

Superior Structural Integrity
Three-piece cans are manufactured using premium food-grade tinplate (electrolytic tinplate, or ETP) or tin-free steel (TFS) , typically with material thicknesses ranging from 0.19 to 0.27mm. The side seam is joined using advanced electric resistance welding technology, ensuring a strong, reliable seal that meets rigorous food safety requirements. After welding, the side seam undergoes specialized Outside Side Seam (OSS) coating and Inside Side Seam (ISS) powder lacquer application, which restores corrosion resistance where the tin layer may have been compromised during the welding process.

Versatile Shape and Sizing Options
One of the most significant advantages of three-piece cans is their exceptional size and shape versatility. Unlike two-piece cans which require dedicated tooling for each new dimension, three-piece cans can be easily scaled to virtually any diameter and height without extensive retooling. This makes them an economical choice for small-to-medium batch production runs, with significantly lower initial tooling costs compared to two-piece alternatives. Our three-piece can solutions are available in round, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, and other custom shapes, catering to the unique geometry requirements of diverse food products.

Excellent Airtight Sealing and Extended Shelf Life
Our 3 Piece Cans are engineered with double-seaming technology, where the can body and end components are mechanically interlocked and compressed to form a hermetic seal. This airtight barrier effectively blocks oxygen, moisture, and light, preserving the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of the contents. After filling and thermal sterilization, our three-piece cans achieve commercial sterility and can deliver a shelf life of up to 36 months (three years) for properly processed food products. The robust construction also withstands high-temperature sterilization processes common in commercial food canning, including retort and pasteurization, making them ideal for shelf-stable foods requiring extended preservation.

Customizable Internal Coatings for Food Safety
Recognizing that different food types require specific internal protection, we offer a full range of internal lacquer coatings tailored to your product characteristics. The inner surface coating serves as a critical barrier layer, preventing food acids from reacting with the steel. Available options include: Gold Epoxy Phenolic lacquer, the industry standard for acidic and sulfur-containing foods such as fish, meat, fruits, and tomato products, offering excellent adhesion and flexibility; White Polyester (BPA-NI) coating, developed specifically for high-safety applications such as infant formula and sensitive foods, containing zero Bisphenol-A and meeting strict EU regulations; Aluminized spray coating, applied to the side seam area to restore protection where the tin layer was melted during welding; and Meat Release lacquer, designed for processed meat products including luncheon meat, corned beef, and pâté, which facilitates clean product release from the can interior.

Vibrant Lithographic Printing and Brand Enhancement
Our three-piece cans feature high-resolution lithographic printing applied to flat tinplate sheets before they are cut and formed into cans. This process enables CMYK full-color printing, PMS color matching, and special effects such as embossing, debossing, matte/gloss varnish contrasts, and anti-counterfeit coatings. The ink is cured at approximately 180°C in wicket ovens, ensuring exceptional durability that withstands retort sterilization and global distribution without fading or degradation.

Beads and Necking for Enhanced Performance
To improve can strength, facilitate stacking, and enhance shelf presentation, our three-piece cans can be engineered with beads (also known as ribbing or annular rings) and necked-in top profiles. Beads are circumferential indentations formed into the can body that increase structural rigidity, allowing the can to withstand higher axial compression loads during pallet stacking and transportation. Necking refers to reducing the diameter of the can’s top opening, which reduces lid diameter and material consumption while improving double-seaming integrity. These design features are particularly valuable for large-volume distribution where cans are stacked multiple pallets high.

Wide Range of Application Categories
Our 3 Piece Cans are widely used across a diverse range of food packaging applications, including: Canned fruits and vegetables (peaches, pears, pineapples, corn, beans, tomato paste); Canned meat and seafood (tuna, sardines, salmon, corned beef, luncheon meat, chicken, ham); Milk powder and dairy products (infant formula, protein powder, coffee creamer); Beverages (tea, coffee, juice, functional drinks, plant protein beverages); Ready-to-eat meals (soups, stews, pasta dishes, curries); Pet food (wet dog food, wet cat food); and Dry food products (nuts, powdered supplements, spices).

In the beverage sector, three-piece cans are particularly well-suited for non-carbonated beverages—including tea drinks, protein beverages, functional energy drinks, eight-treasure porridge, juices, and coffee—since they do not require the internal pressurization that carbonated beverages demand. Within the Chinese market alone, three-piece cans in beverage applications accounted for approximately 82% of the total three-piece can market size as of 2023, reaching a value of 13.497 billion RMB.

Distinction from Two-Piece Cans
While two-piece cans (formed from a single piece of metal with a seamless body and integrated bottom) dominate the carbonated beverage industry due to their lightweight and high-speed production advantages, three-piece cans maintain a strong and enduring presence in food packaging markets. Two-piece cans are most commonly found in beer, soda, and carbonated soft drinks, whereas three-piece cans excel in versatility—accommodating a far wider range of shapes, sizes, volumes, and food product types. Three-piece cans also generally offer lower upfront tooling costs, making them the preferred choice for small-to-medium batch production and custom-sized runs, while two-piece can production is more economical for very high-volume, standardized sizes.

Quality Assurance and Certifications
At Zhangzhou Yucheng, quality and food safety are our highest priorities. Our three-piece cans are manufactured in full compliance with ISO 9001 quality management systems and can be produced to meet EU, FDA, FSSC22000, and GB/T standards. Our internal coatings comply with GB/T 41899-2022 (General quality requirements for coated tinplate and ECCS used in food containers) and GB/T 36003-2018 (Food can made of tinplate or electrolytic chromium-coated steel). We continuously invest in advanced production and testing equipment to ensure every can meets the highest international food packaging standards.

With decades of industry expertise, robust quality control systems, and responsive after-sales service, we ensure that every customer requirement is met with professionalism and care. Choose Zhangzhou Yucheng for reliable, versatile, and high-performance three-piece can solutions—where time-tested tradition meets modern packaging excellence.