Can Printing FAQ

Digital can printing is a relatively new technology whereby ink droplets can be printed directly onto the surface of a can with astonishing accuracy. Unlike offset printing, which has significant setup costs, lead times, and large minimum order quantities; digital can printing requires only approved artwork to start production with no setup costs. We can queue multiple jobs to run sequentially without stopping and print samples in less than a second, even in the middle of a print job.

From a design standpoint, digital printing frees up creativity in ways that have previously been limited by other printing technologies. Offset printing, for example, can only print a small number of colors and must leave a small gap between colors. This forces artists and designers to work around these limitations. With digital, the biggest limitation is your imagination.

Full coverage can printing
Millions of colors
Subtle shading, gradients, and photorealism
Resolution up to a staggering 1,200dpi
Pin sharp text as small as 2pt (3pt negative)
360° seamless print with no overlap
Low minimum order quantities
Shorter lead times
Environmentally friendly

We currently print on 12oz and 16oz cans with a white base coat. We can also print on brite cans.

No! We have an inventory of cans at our headquarters just waiting to be printed and delivered to you. Due to the very precise nature of digital can printing, our printer must be specially configured to each can based on manufacturer, lot, etc.

4 layers (1,556 cans) with 1 layer (389 cans) per SKU.

Yes, we do a full coverage print leaving only a small amount of the can exposed at the bottom. However, due to the distance between the inkjet nozzles and the top tapered section of the can, printing here will have less definition. To minimize this effect, avoid text and small graphics at the very top of the can. There is a portion that is considered safe for text and small graphics. Please see our artwork templates.

Yes! You can download them here:
7.5oz Sleek
12oz
12oz Sleek
16oz
19.2oz

Start with our can printing templates and follow the instructions provided, If you need additional help our art department is ready to assist you.

Yes, but it will need to modified somewhat. Please contact our art department for more information.

Yes! Please contact our art department to explore all the ways to take you beverage packaging to the next level.

Possibly if our schedule and availability permit it. There is a cost associated with this service. Please inquire about availability.

Digital printing uses CMYK ink colors as well as white and varnish which is different from the PANTONE® color space. We have an array of tools to allow us to fine tune and color match, but due to the differences in the color spaces, some PANTONE® colors may be approximated. After passing our rigorous testing, a physical sample will be provided to ensure the color accuracy is up to your standards.

Yes! We do this by printing on brite cans. For silver we simply leave knockouts in the design to allow the aluminum substrate to show through. For every other metallic color, such as gold, we would print directly on the substrate, but without any opaque white ink.

No, all of our printed cans are odorless, regardless of finish. Immediately after printing, a faint odor may be detected. Cans wrapped on pallets can trap this odor. It dissipates quickly when exposed to air.

Yes! Unlike cans with labels or shrink sleeves (which must be completely removed), our cans are 100% recyclable with no additional burden on the consumer.

They come on plastic pallets with plastic slip sheets.

Yes we can! But seriously, we don’t just print – we’re your one stop shop for all things canning. We know cans inside and out so if you have a question, our can-do experts are at your service.