The mass of a standard 12-ounce aluminum beverage can typically falls within a range of 14.9 to 17.5 grams. This weight can vary slightly due to manufacturing processes, the specific alloy used, and any design variations such as embossed features or different can heights. A 16-ounce can naturally weighs slightly more, generally around 19-21 grams.
Understanding the weight of aluminum cans is crucial for various industries. Beverage manufacturers rely on this information for packaging, shipping, and cost calculations. Recycling facilities use average can weights to estimate the volume of recycled aluminum. Furthermore, this seemingly simple metric plays a role in engineering and design considerations, affecting everything from vending machine mechanisms to the structural integrity of stacked pallets during transportation. Historically, can weights have decreased significantly as manufacturing technologies advanced, contributing to resource efficiency and cost savings.