Imagine a common storage solution for chemical raw materials in ocean shipping, paints at construction sites, or even cooking oil in food processing plants—the steel drum container. These seemingly ordinary cylindrical vessels actually embody precise manufacturing processes and strict quality standards. This article explores the classification, specifications, and manufacturing process of steel drum containers.
Overview of Steel Drum Containers
Steel drum containers, commonly referred to as metal drums, are cylindrical containers primarily made of metal with capacities ranging from 18 to 400 liters. Based on structure and purpose, they are generally categorized into three types: 200-liter drums, medium/small drums, and open-top drums (also known as "pail cans"). Containers with capacities between 18 and 200 liters are collectively classified as medium/small drums.
Types of Steel Drum Containers
Steel drums can be further classified by capacity and structure:
| Type |
Tight-head Drums (Fixed Top) |
Open-head Drums (Removable Top) |
| Large Drums |
300L |
300L |
| Standard Drums |
200L |
200L |
| Medium/Small Drums |
120L, 100L, 80L, 60L, 50L, 40L, 20L |
120L, 100L, 80L, 60L, 50L, 40L, 20L |
Note that while similar in material, square 18-liter containers are typically called "18L cans" to distinguish them from drums. These were historically referred to as "petroleum cans," "5-gallon cans," or "one-to cans."
Steel Thickness Classification
The strength and durability of steel drums largely depend on their steel thickness, which is classified as follows:
| Grade |
Body Thickness |
Top/Bottom Thickness |
| H Grade |
1.6mm |
1.6mm |
| M Grade |
1.2mm |
1.2mm |
| LM Grade |
1.0mm |
1.2mm |
| L Grade |
1.0mm |
1.0mm |
| SL Grade |
0.9mm |
1.0mm |
| FL Grade |
0.8mm |
1.0mm |
| (Stainless Steel) |
1.5mm (H Grade) |
1.5mm (H Grade) |
Special Structures: Double Corrugation and Ribbing
Some tight-head drums feature double corrugation and ribbing to enhance strength. These designs effectively distribute impact forces and improve pressure resistance. Drums with these special structures have different thickness grade designations (LMD, LD, SL(D), FL(D)) to distinguish them from standard designs.
| Grade |
Body Thickness |
Top/Bottom Thickness |
Double Corrugation |
Ribbing |
| LMD Grade |
1.0mm |
1.2mm |
Yes |
No |
| LD Grade |
1.0mm |
1.0mm |
Yes |
No |
| SL(D) Grade |
0.9mm |
1.0mm |
Yes |
Yes |
| FL(D) Grade |
0.8mm |
1.0mm |
Yes |
Yes |
For reference, a standard 200L steel drum with 1.2mm thickness typically weighs over 20kg.
Manufacturing Process
The production of steel drums involves multiple precise steps to ensure quality and performance:
- Steel Sheet Preparation: Selection of appropriate steel sheets meeting specifications for material, thickness, and dimensions.
- Cutting and Forming: Sheets are cut to size and shaped into drum components through stamping and bending processes.
- Welding: Components are welded using automated techniques to ensure uniform, reliable seams.
- Flanging and Reinforcement: Edges are flanged for strength, with optional corrugation or ribbing added.
- Surface Treatment: Application of coatings or paint for corrosion resistance and appearance, selected based on intended contents.
- Component Assembly: Installation of lids, gaskets, and locking mechanisms.
- Quality Inspection: Rigorous testing including visual checks, leak tests, and strength assessments.
Steel drum containers serve as essential industrial packaging across multiple sectors. Understanding their specifications and manufacturing processes enables better selection and use of these reliable containers for safe material transport and storage.
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