Graphics Specifications for Aluminum Cans

Artwork for aluminum can printing has a number of special requirements that must be addressed before it is ready for production.

Templates

Baixicans templates all indicate the same basic information regardless of size.

Litho Limits / Window

The window is the total area available for graphics for a particular can size. It is recommended that a design includes an extra .125 inches ( 9 points / 3.175 mm) of bleed beyond the window edge to allow for printing plant variations within a particular can size.

Copy Limits / Shaded Area

In general, do not extend text or other design elements beyond the copy limits / shaded area except for the background color.

Horizontal stripes can extend if the ends line up with each other and they do not mix with other colors.

If a design includes images these should be cut off at the overlap unless there is no background color and it would not wrap around onto other elements. If the image is designed for wet on wet printing and it would only mix with itself, it may extend into the overlap.

Do not mix colors any more than absolutely necessary.