Background & Evolution of Custom Aluminum Cups

The manufacturing of various products of aluminum and industrial application of aluminum started in the late 19^th century. The basics and origin of custom aluminum cups is connected to that era as well. However, the advancement in manufacturing process of custom aluminum cups happened in the mid of 20^th century. It is important to note that the popularity of aluminum increased exponentially at that time. The basic reasons behind this popularity were the superior characteristics of aluminum including its lightweight and durability. After that powder coating technique and anodizing process were introduced.

These methods allowed carrying out customization on enhanced level. This progress in customization also allowed the aluminum to be adopted for numerous consumer goods used in daily life. In that period modern custom aluminum cups became popular during this shift towards the products which were reusable. In present time custom aluminum cups are consider suitable and are favored for their versatile characteristics. They provide good looks with durability and are environmental friendly. They are extensively utilized in promotional events and personal celebrations.

Introduction of Custom Aluminum Cups

In the sector of drinkware, custom aluminum cups are a popular choice. This choice is based mainly on the prominent properties which custom aluminum cup offers. Custom aluminum cups provide the option of customization along with sleek and metallic finishing. The customization options of Custom aluminum cups are vast which include modern printing techniques, coatings of different colors and engraving by laser technology. These options subsequently allow the making of personalized designs custom aluminum cups, to create different logos and to engrave messages on custom aluminum cups. All of this adaptability makes the custom aluminum cups perfect choice for branding.

Furthermore these options are exercised for promotional purposes by different merchandises. Moreover, people send memorable gifts through custom aluminum cups by adopting these customization options. Aluminum offers excellent thermal properties which are utilized to keep the beverages and drinks cool. Custom aluminum cups provide stylish looks with excellent functionality. Custom aluminum cups have been proved to fulfill the needs of an individual as well as of a corporate level for a long term solution in the modern drinkware.

Manufacturing Process of Custom Aluminum Cups

The main focus during the manufacturing process of custom aluminum cups is to ensure the quality, good looks and durability of the final product. The production process of custom aluminum cups mainly involves the followings steps.

1. Selection of material

In this step top quality aluminum is selected which is generally in the form of an alloy to increase its durability and tensile strength. The most common alloys selected for manufacturing of custom aluminum cups includes 3003 and 6061 aluminum alloys. These alloys bear the abilities of excellent corrosion resistance and good formability.

2. Preparation of the blanks

After the selection of the material, the preparation of the blanks is carried out. In this process circular blanks of aluminum are formed from aluminum coils and sheets.

3. Deep drawing

The prepared blank is then subjected to deep drawing process which is a metal forming method. This method is adopted to produce seamless aluminum cups which have smooth walls. In this process a shape of cup is acquired from aluminum blank which is subjected to drawing by using a punch. This is necessary to maintain the integrity of the material. So stress produced is relieved and ductility is increased by applying intermediate annealing between these stages.

4. Trimming and beading

It is necessary to obtain smooth surface finishing and uniform edge height of the custom aluminum cups. Thus the excess material around the rim of the cup produced during the deep drawing process is trimmed. After that rims of the custom aluminum cups are rolled to acquire smooth and rounded edges and to offer user comfort. This will provide strength to the structure and subsequently deformation of the edges will be prevented.

5. Annealing

This heat treatment process is carried out to reduce the internal stresses of the aluminum and to impart ductility in it. This process finds its importance if the custom aluminum cups are subjected to multiple forming operations. In this process the aluminum cups are heated to a specified temperature and then they are cooled slowly. In this way required mechanical characteristics are also achieved.

6. Surface treatment

There are two kinds of surface treatments which are applied on custom aluminum cups.

       i.          Anodizing

      ii.          Powder coating

The process of anodizing is adopted to deposit a thick oxide layer on aluminum cups. Aluminum cups are dipped in an electrolytic bath which is acidic in nature. An electric current is then passed through it.

This electrochemical process increases following properties of the aluminum cups.

• Corrosion resistance
• Durability of the custom aluminum cup
• Ability of the aluminum cup to be color customized

In the process of powder coating a dry powder is applied electro-statically on the surface of the aluminum cups. After that the curing of these cups is carried out under heat. This will result in the provision of smooth surface finishing which is colorful and durable.

7. Customization methods

There are numerous types of customization methods which are applied on aluminum cups. These include powder coating or anodizing for color coating which is applied to get durable and vibrant finishing. High resolution and detailed designs are acquired by applying advance printing techniques. These printing techniques are mainly consist of ultraviolet printing, digital printing and screen printing.

8. Internal coating

There are two basic purposes of internal coating which is applied on the internal surfaces of the custom aluminum cups to make sure the safety of the drinks.

• To achieve protection against corrosion
• To prevent metallic taste in the drinks and beverages

Generally, spray coating or dip coating method is utilized to apply an internal coating which is followed by the curing process.

9. Quality control

In this important step, the quality and consistency of custom aluminum cups is ensured by carrying out the manual and automated inspections. Custom aluminum cups  are inspected to identify the followings.

• Defects in the shape
• Defects in the surface finishing
• Defects in the material

Moreover, custom aluminum cups are subjected to various tests to make sure that they fulfill the requirements of the customers and industry standards. Following three tests are mainly carried out.

Thermal performance tests

Durability tests

Corrosion resistance tests

10. Assembling of the final custom aluminum cups

This step includes attachment of handles and lids with custom aluminum cups. The joining process of welding or riveting is exercised to achieve this purpose. The lids are generally designed to fit tightly but seals are also utilized to prevent spilling of drinks and beverages. The previous processes involved in manufacturing of custom aluminum cups may have left residual marks on the surface of the custom aluminum cups. These residual marks are removed by subjecting the custom aluminum cups to polishing process and subsequently a smooth and attractive finishing is acquired.

11. Packaging

In order to avoid damages during transportation, the custom aluminum cups in finished form are packaged in a protective material. Moreover, custom aluminum cups can be packed in individual boxes to increase the looks and presentation. It is pertinent to mention that branding elements such as tags and logos can also be included in packaging.

Various Types of Custom Aluminum Cups

Custom aluminum cups are available in numerous types and they are designed and manufactured to fulfill the requirements of specific type of occasion or desire. Following are the different kinds of custom aluminum cups.

• Standard Aluminum Cups
• Double-Walled Insulated Cups
• Aluminum Mugs with Handles
• Stemless Aluminum Cups
• Aluminum Pint Glasses
• Aluminum Kids Cups
• Aluminum Camping Cups
• Aluminum Espresso Cups
• Aluminum Sports Bottles

Important Characteristics of Custom Aluminum Cups

Custom aluminum cups offer an amazing combination of the following key factors.

• Physical properties
• Customization options
• Environmental benefits

The significant properties and characteristics which make custom aluminum cups and ideal choice for numerous applications are mentioned below.

1. Durability

Custom aluminum cups provide high strength to weight ratio and can withstand impacts. Consequently this makes custom aluminum cups more durable as compared to products which are manufactured from plastic or glass. The chances of denting and breakage are less in custom aluminum cups as compared to glass and plastic as well. Custom aluminum cups offer better performance because of the followings.

• High resistance to corrosion and rusting
• Long life span especially in severe conditions.

This is because of the anodizing process and coating process which are carried out on custom aluminum cups during their manufacturing process.

2. Lightweight

This property comes in handy during handling and transportation of custom aluminum cups. The cups which are produced from glass or stainless steel are heavier while custom aluminum cups are lighter because of the lightweight of aluminum. Custom aluminum cups are very suitable to be used in following outdoor activities.

• Hiking,
• Picnics
• Camping

3. Thermal Conductivity

The property of thermal conductivity is of significant importance for the products which are being used for handling drinks and beverages. Custom aluminum cups offers excellent thermal conductivity and provides a good drinking experience because they instantly adapt to the temperature of drinks and beverages.

Moreover, custom aluminum cups which are double walled possess the ability to keep the temperature of drinks and beverages for a long time. Thus, drinks can be kept in hot or cold form as per desire by using custom aluminum cups.

4. Eco-Friendliness

Custom aluminum cups are selected as environmental friendly choice because aluminum is recyclable. After the recycling process this aluminum maintains its quality and characteristics and can be utilized for numerous applications. Subsequently, custom aluminum cups can be reused and they have significantly reduced the dependence on plastic cups which are disposable. This ability ultimately plays an important role in environmental safety efforts.

5. Customization Options

Custom aluminum cups offer many choices and options for customization. This characteristic finds its applications where personalized aesthetics are of great importance. There are numerous color coating and printing techniques which are applied to acquire vibrant colors and eye catching designs.

6. Safety and Hygiene

Custom aluminum cups provide ease of mind regarding safe drinks and beverages. There are various kinds of internal coatings which are applied on custom aluminum cups to make sure that cups are safe for drinks and beverages. This safety is achieved by the prevention of corrosion and by prevention of metallic tastes. Moreover, custom aluminum cups are quite easy to maintain and clean.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Custom aluminum cups offer cost effective solution in many aspects which are mentioned below.

• The manufacturing process of custom aluminum cups is less costly
• The reusable property of aluminum makes custom aluminum cups cost effective
• Custom aluminum cups bears long life span thus reducing the replacement cost

Customization & Design Options of Custom Aluminum Cups

Custom aluminum cups are considered very suitable for numerous applications because they provide a vast variety of design options and customization. Followings are the main customization and design options of custom aluminum cups.

1. Color Coating

Coatings of different colors are applied on custom aluminum cups by the processes of anodizing and powder coating. Anodizing which is an electrochemical process imparts the below mentioned qualities in custom aluminum cups.

• It increases the durability of custom aluminum cups and provides good looks to the custom aluminum cups
• The corrosion resistance of custom aluminum cups is increased
• A variety of color options ranging from metallic shades to vibrant colors are acquired

In this process a durable surface finish is achieved by applying a dry powder to the surface of custom aluminum cup and subjecting it to curing under heat. The surface finish achieved by this process includes textured, matte and glossy.

2. Printing Techniques

There are three types of printing techniques which are applied in customization and design options of custom aluminum cups.

Screen Printing

Bold and simple logos and designs are printed by using the Screen printingmethod. In the process of screen printing a single layer of ink is applied at a time. Subsequently, the screen printing of the large batches of custom aluminum cups becomes very cost effective.

Digital printing

Digital printing of the custom aluminum cups offers the followings.

• High resolution designs
• Full color designs
• Detailed images
• Photographs
• Intricate and complex logos

Ultraviolet printing

In this process of printing of custom aluminum cups, ultraviolet light is utilized to instantly cure the ink. This kind of printing has following features.

• A very durable and vibrant print
• The print provides resistance to fading and scratching
• Intricate and complex designs and logos can be easily acquired
•  High quality graphics are achieved

3. Engraving and Embossing

Engraving of custom aluminum cups is generally carried out by laser which is utilized to etch text, various designs and logos into the aluminum surface. Laser engraving offers the followings.

• Permanent and very precise customization
• High contrast in logos and designs
• Fine detail in text
•  Easily engrave complex designs

Moreover, various kinds of custom dies are utilized to produce raised and recessed logos and designs on the surface of custom aluminum cups .This process of embossing and debossing of custom aluminum cups bears the following features.

• It adds texture to the custom aluminum cups
•  It provides a premium feel to the custom aluminum cups
•  It makes the custom aluminum cups visually appealing and attractive

4. Shape and Size Customization

Custom aluminum cups can be manufactured in different shapes and sizes as per requirements. However, standard shapes of custom aluminum cups include the followings.

• Traditional cylindrical cups
• Tapered shapes
• Ergonomic designs

Moreover, custom aluminum cups of special shapes can be manufactured by using custom molds. So, custom aluminum cups for specific branding or event themes can be created as per required unique designs.

5. Additional Features

There are numerous extra features which can be added into design and customization options of custom aluminum cups. This mainly includes the followings.

• Design of custom aluminum cups can include the handles and lids of different sizes and shapes. Handles of custom aluminum cups offers convenience during utilization and also boost the user experience. Moreover, lids of custom aluminum cups can be incorporated with additional functionalities including flip tops, straw holes and sliders.
• There are many texturing and finishing options offered by custom aluminum cups. Stylish and finger print resistant matte finish is acquired by brushed custom aluminum cups. In order to achieve more sophisticated look, polished custom aluminum cups are utilized which gives a reflective and shiny finish.
• Large custom aluminum cups need improved hold and comfort and for that purpose rubberized or silicone grips option is provided by custom aluminum cups. The need of keeping the drinks and beverages in hot form or cold form for a long period of time is fulfilled by insulated walls of custom aluminum cups.

6. Branding and Personalization

Custom aluminum cups bear the option to be utilized for the promotion of company brands. This can be accomplished by prominently featuring company logos on custom aluminum cups. Subsequently, custom aluminum cups will play vital the role in promotion of the company in top notch events and during the launching of brands. Moreover, custom aluminum cups can be personalized with names, themes and dates to be presented on following occasions.

• Weddings
• Special events
• Parties

Custom aluminum cups can serve the purpose of an ideal gift or a personal item by adding custom messages or individual names on them.

Ball Aluminum Cups

Ball aluminum cups are developed by Ball Corporation and they are being utilized in place of single use plastic cups. Ball aluminum cups can be recycled infinitely, thus the adverse impacts on the environment tends to reduce significantly. The quality of aluminum remains same after recycling and is not compromised due to the recycling process. The durable characteristics applications of aluminum make it possible to utilize ball aluminum cups in many applications providing long term solution.

Ball aluminum cups are being used in numerous kinds of events, parties, corporate gatherings and picnics. Ball aluminum cups are available in variety of sizes and possess smooth rolled rim which makes the drinking of beverages very comfortable. Ball Aluminum cups provide sleek look, comfortable grip and thermal conductivity for temperature retention of drinks and beverages.

Solo Aluminum Cups

Solo is a famous brand which is well known for its iconic red plastic cups. Solo has introduced a new and innovative product being called solo aluminum cups. In order to address the issues related to the business, environment and customers solo aluminum cups are designed. Traditional disposable cups are being replaced with solo aluminum cups which are stylish, sustainable and durable.

Solo aluminum cups have made a visible position in modern sustainable drinkware. These cups provide a great many options for customization so solo aluminum cups can be tailored as per requirements of brands and events. The utilization of solo aluminum cups produces a positive impact on the environment while offering a stylish drinkware of high quality at the same time.

Conclusion

Custom aluminum cups are an important product in the realm of drinkware because they are sustainable and they combine the functional properties with the environment affecting factors. Custom aluminum cups are very suitable to be utilized in place of single use plastic cups because custom aluminum cups are recyclable, lightweight and durable. Custom aluminum cups are environmental friendly and offers extensive customization options. These options include provision of many colors, branding methods and finishes. Because of these options custom aluminum cups finds their applications in a vast range of promotional activities and events.