
engineerguy
9 HN recommenders · recommended in 13 months, 2016–2026
11:39 · 19M views · Apr 14, 2015
Bill Hammack of Engineer Guy explains the engineering behind the aluminum beverage can: why it is cylindrical, how it is manufactured, why it narrows at the top, the double seam, and how the pull tab works.
It is a go-to recommendation whenever cans, good design or mass-produced objects come up, and many also recommend the whole channel.
13 comments from Hacker News
While we are at it, the Engineering Guy has a really good youtube channel. His videos are not very frequent most of them does a great job explaining how mundane objects are designed and manufactured. I thought I was familiar with some of his subjects but I always end up learning something new after watching. Personal favourites: Aluminium cans: this video Wind-up music box: [LINK] Nerf guns: [LINK]
Design of the aluminum beverage can this video For everyone else, thanks for sharing! Normally i think sharing videos is bad mojo--the Internet is so personalized that favorites are difficult to share. But I really enjoyed most of what has been shared so far!
Wow. That was an awesome video. Thank you. I didn't know why the top had a neck. Further efficiency apparently. He has an excellent explanation of the two-mode pull tab towards the end. Direct link: this video
Engineer Guy (Bill Hammack) has a great video about this. this video Edit: Just realized this is the same video you referenced. All of his work is fantastic.
Highly recommended related YT video: The Engineering Guy: The Ingenious Design of the Aluminum Beverage Can this video