Why are beverage cans usually round? Considering the amount that are made, and the need to be transported - isn't a round design inefficient? (ie the lost space from not tightly fitting together).
Is there a usability impact on a round can vs a squared can for one handed drinking use?
There is a related question here but I believe the physical properties of aluminium mean there is a difference here.
Answer
It is a combination of manufacturing and usability... but mostly manufacturing.
Doing a quick web search for "why are soda cans round" (Google does a decent job) yields multiple insights in the issue. But the only result you need to visit is engineerguy's YouTube video (you should also be Subscribed to engineerguy, because he is awesome).
The Ingenious Design of the Aluminum Beverage Can
The answer of why a soda can is shaped the way it is is answered in the first 1 minute and 40 seconds.
3 options are explored:
Sphere:
Pro:
- Uses the least amount of material
- No corners, so no weak points when under pressure
Cons:
- Difficult to manufacture
- Rolls off the table (a usability point)
- When packed together, only 74% of volume is taken up by product
Cuboid:
Pro:
- Sits on the table
- Easier to manufacture
Cons:
- Awkward to drink from (a usability point)
- Edges are weak points, requiring thick walls
Cylinder:
Pro:
- Elements of both shapes
- 91% of packing space used by product
- Round shapes can maintain itself under the pressure of its contents (both inward and outward pressure)
- Can be easily held (there's the usability answer)
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