Question: when did coke first come in a can

title: Drink can
text: Modern cans are generally produced through a mechanical cold forming process that starts with punching a flat blank from very stiff cold - rolled sheet . This sheet is typically alloy 3104 - H19 or 3004 - H19 , which is aluminium with about 1 % manganese and 1 % magnesium to give it strength and formability . The flat blank is first formed into a cup about three inches in diameter . This cup is then pushed through a different forming process called `` ironing '' which forms the can . The bottom of the can is also shaped at this time . The malleable metal deforms into the shape of an open - top can . With the sophisticated technology of the dies and the forming machines , the side of the can is significantly thinner than either the top and bottom areas , where stiffness is required .