Arccan EN 290 Easy-Open End Coating
A higher build, higher elongation coil coating for full-aperture and partial-aperture easy-open ends. The cured film takes rivet forming and scoring without cracking and holds through the process cycle with the compound in place.
Grade Arccan EN 290 | Range Metal Packaging Coatings | Technology Heat-cured higher elongation coil lacquer, binder chosen for the pack, solvent-borne or waterborne
Technical Data Sheet
Arccan EN 290
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A higher build, higher elongation coating for full-aperture and partial-aperture easy-open ends, where the cured film has to take rivet forming and scoring without cracking and then hold through the process cycle with the compound in place. Score residual thickness and the condition of the film at the score root are the properties that decide it, because a score that reads sound dry can open a continuity path once the pack has been retorted. A repair lacquer for the score and rivet area is supplied with the grade where the conversion line applies one.
2. Features
- Takes rivet forming and scoring on cured film without cracking
- Film at the score root assessed after the process cycle, not only dry
- Product side and external side film weights specified separately
- Repair lacquer for the score and rivet area supplied where the conversion line applies one
3. Recommended uses
Full-aperture and partial-aperture easy-open ends on tinplate, tin-free steel and aluminium, including ends for packs that are retorted after seaming.
Substrates. Tinplate, tin-free steel and aluminium easy-open end stock in coil.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Heat-cured higher elongation coil lacquer, binder chosen for the pack, solvent-borne or waterborne | Formulation |
| Appearance | Smooth, uniform cured film free of visible craters. Continuity is assessed by electrical test on converted ends, not by visual inspection | Visual inspection |
| Dry film weight | 7 to 12 g/m2 on the product side, 4 to 7 g/m2 on the external side | Gravimetric weight difference on sampled panels, film thickness to ISO 2808 |
| Cure schedule, coil line | 232 to 249 degrees C peak metal temperature, dwell 20 to 60 s | Peak metal temperature by traced thermocouple, terminology to EN 13523-0 |
| Cure state, solvent rub | 50 or more MEK double rubs with no breakthrough to metal | ASTM D5402, EN 13523-11 on coil-coated stock |
| Adhesion, cross-cut on flat and formed areas | Classification 0 to 1 | ISO 2409 |
| Flexibility, cupping and bending | 8 to 9 mm cupping indentation with no cracking or loss of adhesion, T-bend rating agreed by grade and gauge | ISO 1520 cupping, ISO 1519 cylindrical mandrel bend, EN 13523-7 T-bend on coil-coated stock |
| Reverse impact, film in tension | 1.0 to 2.5 J with no cracking or loss of adhesion | ASTM D2794 reverse impact, ISO 6272-1 falling weight, EN 13523-5 on coil-coated stock |
| Score and rivet integrity | No cracking at the rivet or the score root, and continuity held on converted ends before and after the process cycle, acceptance set by the canmaker | Enamel rater on converted ends, customer or supplier protocol |
| Resistance to liquids, pack simulants and process cycle | No blistering, softening or loss of adhesion after the declared process cycle with the compound in place | ISO 2812-1 on panels, with the pack result decided on filled and seamed packs in a packing trial |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Coil coater, product side and external side. |
| Surface preparation | Clean tinplate or tin-free steel coil, or cleaned and pretreated aluminium coil, as supplied for easy-open end stock. |
| Dilution | Supplied at application viscosity for the route agreed. Adjust only with the diluent and within the limit stated by Arctic for the grade supplied, and recheck viscosity after any addition. |
| Applied film weight | Typically 7 to 12 g/m2 dry film on the product side and 4 to 7 g/m2 on the external side. |
| Cure schedule | 232 to 249 degrees C peak metal temperature with a dwell of 20 to 60 s. |
| Conversion | Shell stamped and curled, sealing compound lined into the curl and dried, then rivet formed, panel scored and tab staked on the conversion press, all on cured film. |
| Repair lacquer and testing | Where the conversion line applies a repair lacquer to the score and rivet area, use the one supplied with the grade. Test ends after conversion and again after the process cycle. |
Process. Coil coated, typically 7 to 12 g/m2 dry film on the product side and 4 to 7 g/m2 on the external side, peak metal temperature 232 to 249 degrees C with a dwell of 20 to 60 s. The shell press then stamps and curls the shell, the sealing compound is lined into the curl and dried, and the conversion press forms the rivet, scores the panel and stakes the tab, all on cured film. Ends are tested after conversion and again after the process cycle.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area away from heat sources and direct sunlight, protect waterborne grades from frost, and mix to a uniform condition before use. Shelf life is stated on the label and the Certificate of Analysis, and handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. 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.