How to Fix Sliding Lid Sticking Issues on Custom Black Tins？
Many users encounter the problem of sliding lids getting stuck when using black tin cans, preventing customers from accessing the product. Some candle companies even complain that “a stuck lid makes the tin can look cheap,” resulting in lost value and potentially a significant loss of a large retail contract. As product managers at Tsing, we know how to eliminate the problem of stuck sliding lids when customizing black tin cans. Our goal is simple: to ensure customers enjoy a smooth and pleasant experience every time the lid opens and closes. Therefore, we will explain how to solve adhesion issues from design to production, ensuring your custom black tins are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Why do sliding lids on custom black tins get stuck?
To solve the problem of stuck sliding lids on custom black tins, we must first understand the underlying cause. Most issues stem from four avoidable manufacturing or design flaws, which Tsing eliminates through precision engineering.
Size Mismatch: Even a 0.1 mm narrower lid can increase friction and cause the lid to stick. Some low-cost manufacturers cut corners on mold precision to reduce costs, resulting in inconsistent dimensions.
Poor surface finish: Black tins are often powder-coated or painted, resulting in uneven coating thickness and rough spots at the points where the lid and can rub against each other. Over time, these rough spots wear down into friction points.
Debris or residue: Metal shavings, powder-coating dust, or oil from the manufacturing process can stick between the lid and body, acting like sandpaper on the sliding rail.
Corrosion caused by humidity: Unfinished or poorly sealed black metal tins can develop micro-rust in humid environments, which adheres to the edges of the lid.
Precision mold engineering for custom black tins, the foundation for a smooth sliding lid
The first step in solving the adhesion problem is ensuring a perfect fit between the lid and can—and this begins with precise mold design. Tsing uses state-of-the-art CNC molds to create precisely dimensional custom black tins, ensuring a tight fit and eliminating friction:
We employ strict tolerance control during production, designing molds that allow the lid and can to have tolerances within ±0.02 mm. This means that the gap between the lid and the can body is only 0.05-0.1 mm, avoiding both friction and wobbling.
However, we inspect the molds after producing every 10,000 custom black tins to prevent dimensional deviations due to wear and tear. Worn molds can increase the lid width by as little as 0.15 mm, enough to cause it to stick. Furthermore, Tsing’s sliding lids do not use sharp edges; instead, they feature beveled edges, allowing the lid to slide smoothly into the can. Sharp edges can easily stick on the top edge of the can, while beveled edges let the lid slide smoothly.
Surface Treatment Reduces Friction for Easier Sliding
Even perfectly sized lids can stick if the surface is rough. Tsing utilizes a specialized surface treatment process on its custom black tins to minimize friction and prevent debris buildup. Before coating, we polish the can body and lid to a smooth surface (Ra < 0.8 μm). This removes tiny imperfections that can easily snag the lid. Additionally, a low-friction powder coating is employed, utilizing a high-quality, low-gloss black powder coating with added PTFE particles. Compared to standard powder coatings, this coating reduces friction by 35%, making the lid slide much more easily. We also apply a thin layer of clear sealant to the lid edge to prevent corrosion and adhesion of debris. This sealant is transparent so that it won’t affect the clean look of the custom black tin.
Strict Quality Control, Pre-shipment Testing and Verification
We test every custom black tin before it leaves the factory to ensure a perfect lid slide. We provide that each can undergo 10 repeated manual sliding tests. If the force required for the lid to slide exceeds 2 pounds, the team rejects it. Furthermore, we use compressed air to blow away any dust or debris from the gap between the lid and the body, and then inspect it with a magnifying glass to ensure that no residue remains. For customers in humid areas, we test the tin cans in a 90% humidity environment for 48 hours to verify the integrity of adhesion against potential corrosion-related issues. For every 500 cans, we measure the lid and body dimensions to ensure they are within the target specifications. After rigorous testing, Tsing boasts a 99.9% pass rate, with less than 1 in 1000 custom black tins experiencing lid sticking issues.
Quickly Resolve Sticky Can Lids on-Site
Even with Tsing’s superior craftsmanship, rare problems can occur due to shipping damage or improper storage. Here are some simple and safe solutions to resolve the issue of custom black tin can lids sticking. You can gently clean the gap between the lid and the body using a soft-bristled brush (such as a toothbrush). For finer dust, you can use compressed air (in a can).
If the lid remains sticky, you can use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of food-grade mineral oil to gently wipe the inside edge of the lid. Avoid using cooking oils—they are prone to spoilage. If the lid tends to stick in humid weather, store the cans in a cool, dry place with a desiccant packet to prevent moisture from accumulating. This will prevent the formation of micro-rust. Also, gently straighten the lid. If you find it slightly deformed, place it on a flat surface and press gently on the center to straighten it.
Smooth-sliding lids enhance your brand image
No more getting stuck sliding lids on your custom black tins. Tsing solves this problem through precision mold engineering, low-friction surface treatments, rigorous quality control, and customer-centric support—all to ensure you and your customers enjoy a smooth, satisfying experience with premium tin cans. Whether you’re packaging food, candles, skincare products, or gifts, Tsing’s custom black tin cans offer style, durability, and a perfectly functional sliding lid every time.
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