How CR Tins Are Produced: Stamping, Forming and Coating Explained

How CR Tins Are Produced: Stamping, Forming and Coating Explained

Child-resistant (CR) metal tins are widely used in cannabis, supplements, and confectionery industries. These containers combine safety, durability, and a premium look, making them an ideal choice for regulated products. But how exactly are CR tins made? In this article, we break down the process from raw metal to finished product.

1. Material Selection

CR tins usually start with tinplate or aluminum sheets. These metals are lightweight, strong, and easy to form. Manufacturers carefully choose the thickness and coating type based on:

  • Durability requirements
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Compatibility with coating and printing
  • Child-resistant lid mechanism design

Food-grade and ASTM-compliant materials are standard for cannabis and edible products.

2. Stamping the Tin Body

The first major production step is stamping, where flat metal sheets are cut and shaped into the tin body. High-precision stamping presses:

  • Cut the metal into circular or rectangular blanks
  • Form the sides and bottom of the tin
  • Create initial shapes for lids and threads if applicable

This stage ensures consistency in size and wall thickness, which is critical for the CR mechanism to function properly.

3. Forming and Deep Drawing

After stamping, the tin undergoes forming or deep drawing:

  • The metal is stretched and shaped into cylinders or other desired forms
  • Special dies are used to create uniform walls and perfect rims
  • The forming process also prepares the lid interface for the CR closure

This step requires precision because even minor variations can prevent the lid from engaging correctly in child-resistant tests.

4. Coating and Surface Treatment

Once the tins are formed, they are coated to protect against corrosion and to enhance appearance. Coatings include:

  • Powder coating for durability and matte or glossy finishes
  • Epoxy or lacquer lining for food-safe interiors
  • UV coating for color vibrancy and scratch resistance

Some brands also request embossed logos or printed designs on the tin surface, applied before or after coating depending on the technique.

5. Manufacturing the Child-Resistant Lid

The CR lid is the most technical component:

  • Common mechanisms include sliding, push-and-turn, or flip-top locks
  • Lids are molded or stamped separately, often using higher-grade metals
  • Precision tolerances are essential to ensure compliance with ASTM or CPSC child-resistance standards

Each lid is tested rigorously to guarantee that adults can open it easily while children cannot.

6. Assembly and Quality Control

After both bodies and lids are ready, tins are assembled:

  • Lids are fitted and tested for torque, seal integrity, and ease of use
  • Every batch undergoes drop tests, leak tests, and CR compliance checks
  • Only tins that meet strict quality standards move to packaging

7. Final Packaging and Shipment

Finished CR tins are packed into protective cartons, often with dividers or inserts to prevent damage during shipping. From here, they are ready for distribution to cannabis dispensaries, supplement companies, or other regulated product manufacturers.

Final Thoughts

Producing a CR tin is a precise, multi-step process involving metal selection, stamping, forming, coating, and specialized CR lid manufacturing. Understanding this workflow helps brands make informed choices about suppliers and ensures that their packaging is safe, compliant, and visually appealing.

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