When ordering a can seamer, you’ll need to choose an end type. If you’re new to canning, that term might sound more complicated than it is.
A can end is the lid your machine seams onto the can. Choosing the correct end type helps ensure your cans, lids, and seamer tooling work together.
Here’s how to understand the options and select the right one.
What Is a Can End Type?
The can end is the top of the can, including its opening mechanism, such as a pull tab. During seaming, the machine joins the edge of the end to the can body to create a sealed container.
Can ends differ in three important ways:
-
Size: The end must fit the opening of the can.
-
Profile: The shape of the end must match your seamer’s tooling.
-
Opening style: Some ends have a stay-on pull tab, while others have a fully removable lid.
Matching the lid size alone isn’t enough. You also need to match the end profile.
Common Can End Types Compared
| End type | Opening style or common use | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| B64 Standard | Traditional stay-on pull tab | A common beverage end option in the 202 size. |
| B64 Full Aperture | Entire lid removes | Shares the B64 Standard seaming profile. |
| 360 End® | Entire lid removes | Uses a different profile and requires tooling specifically for 360 ends. |
| 206 CDL | Used on certain 24oz and some 16oz export cans | Confirm both the 206 size and CDL profile with your supplier. |
| 300 End | Used on larger cans, including certain 32oz Crowlers™ and 750ml cans | Confirm the full end specification and compatible seamer setup. |
B64 Standard: The Familiar Pull-Tab Lid
B64 Standard ends feature a traditional stay-on pull tab. You lift the tab to open the drinking hole, and the tab remains attached to the lid.
If your supplier specifies a 202 B64 end, choose the matching B64 option for your can format.
Keep in mind that “202” identifies the end size. It does not, by itself, confirm the profile.
B64 Full Aperture: A Removable Lid With a B64 Profile
A B64 Full Aperture end allows the entire lid to come off, turning the opened can into a cup.
It shares the same seaming profile as the B64 Standard end, which can simplify the transition between these two opening styles. Confirm that your can format, end size, and machine setup are compatible before switching.
360 End®: Full Opening, Different Tooling
A 360 End® also has a fully removable lid. Although it opens similarly to a B64 Full Aperture end, it has a different seaming profile.
That means it requires tooling designed specifically for 360 ends. Don’t select B64 tooling simply because both lids are described as “full aperture.”
206 CDL and 300 Ends: Options for Larger Can Formats
206 CDL ends are used on certain larger beverage cans, including some 24oz cans and 16oz export cans.
300 ends are found on larger formats, including certain 32oz Crowlers™ and 750ml cans.
Can capacity is a useful starting point, but it doesn’t tell you the complete end specification. Always check your packaging supplier’s details before selecting your seamer configuration.
How to Choose the Correct End Type
Before placing your can seamer order:
-
Confirm your can format. Identify the can size and style you plan to use.
-
Get the full end specification. Ask your supplier for the end size and profile.
-
Match your seamer configuration. Select the End Type option that matches those specifications. Available choices depend on your primary can format.
If you plan to use multiple can formats or end types, confirm which adapters or tooling sets your machine will need.
Not Sure Which Can End You Have?
Send us your supplier’s specifications or a link to the cans and ends you plan to purchase. We’ll help confirm the correct selection.
For a closer look at the differences, watch our Oktober Labs video on can end types.
Ready to choose your setup? Start with our Can Seamer Ordering Guide.
