Arcseam FR 330 Retort Food End Sealing Compound
A nozzle-injected, water-based elastomer sealing compound for round tinplate and ECCS food can ends that are processed, including retort sterilisation under overpressure. It is formulated to resist extrusion out of the seam at process temperature and to recover its sealing force as the pack cools.
Grade Arcseam FR 330 | Range Can-End and Seam Sealing Compounds | Technology Water-based elastomer dispersion, retort grade
Technical Data Sheet
Arcseam FR 330
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A nozzle-injected compound for round food can ends that will be processed, including retort sterilisation under overpressure. During the cycle the pack pressurises from inside as the contents heat, and the seam is loaded at the point where the compound is softest, so the grade is formulated to resist extrusion out of the seam at process temperature and to recover its sealing force as the pack cools. Deposit weight is higher than the beverage grade because a food end curl leaves more void to fill.
2. Features
- Resists extrusion from the double seam while softened at retort temperature
- Recovers sealing force as the pack cools after the process
- Deposit weight above the beverage grade, to fill the larger void of a food end curl
- Suitable for plain ends and for easy-open ends, which are lined and dried as shells before conversion
3. Recommended uses
Round food can ends, plain and easy-open, for processed packs, including pasteurised packs and packs retort sterilised under overpressure, typically at 121 to 131 degrees Celsius.
Substrates. Internally lacquered tinplate and ECCS round food ends, including easy-open ends, which are lined and dried as shells and scored and tabbed afterwards in conversion.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based elastomer dispersion, retort grade | Formulation |
| Appearance | Smooth, homogeneous fluid dispersion, free of lumps and skin | customer or supplier protocol |
| Volatile organic compound content | typically below 50 g/l, water is the principal carrier | ISO 11890-2 |
| Non-volatile matter (solids) | 48 to 58 % by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Viscosity, rotational, at 23 degrees Celsius | 2,000 to 6,000 mPa.s, spindle and speed as stated on the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 2555 |
| pH as supplied | 8.0 to 11.0 | ISO 976 |
| Density at 20 degrees Celsius | 1.05 to 1.25 g/cm3 | ISO 2811-1 |
| Sieve residue (grit) on a 100 micrometre mesh | below 0.05 % by weight | ISO 4576 |
| Dry deposit weight per end | about 60 to 250 mg per end, set by end diameter and measured curl void | In-house, gravimetric, end weighed before and after lining and drying |
| Compression set of the dried compound | 20 to 35 % | In-house, on cast test pieces, adapted from ASTM D395 Method B |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Rotary nozzle lining on round ends, with the bead injected into the curl in a single revolution and cut-off timed to close without an overlap lump. |
| End preparation | Line onto formed and curled shells of internally lacquered tinplate or ECCS with the lacquer fully cured. Set lining and drying on an unscored panel; confirm adhesion and clean chuck release on the lacquer in use. |
| Preparation and dilution | Supplied ready for use and not thinned as a matter of routine. Stir slowly to redisperse any settlement, avoid high-shear stirring that aerates the compound, and agitate gently in the day tank so solids stay uniform across the shift. |
| Dry deposit weight | About 60 to 250 mg per end, set to fill the measured curl void; check-weigh ends at intervals through the shift. |
| Drying schedule | Oven, air 80 to 160 degrees Celsius, dwell about 2 to 10 min, set by end gauge and deposit weight. Avoid skinning over trapped water, which blisters and leaves a soft core. |
| Next step | Scoring and tab attachment in conversion where the end is easy-open, then seaming. Qualification is by double-seam teardown and pack integrity after the full sterilisation cycle, on the customer's own line. |
Process. Rotary nozzle lining on round ends, oven drying.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers at 5 to 35 degrees Celsius, protect from frost and keep out of direct sun; stir slowly before use. Shelf life is stated on the label and the Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.