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Microwavable steel can

The Fusion-Tek™ steel can for use in microwave ovens was designed with aerospace guidance.

Pw 9413 Web Fusiontek

One of the oldest food packages is now microwavable. The Fusion-Tek™ Microwavable Can from Ball Corp. is the first microwavable steel can.

Commercial quality production of the package is scheduled to begin in October. Initial interest is primarily for ready-to-eat meals such as soups and stews, says Michael Vaughn, Ball's vp, packaging innovation.
A regular steel food can does not heat in the microwave because microwave energy cannot pass through steel, but Fusion-Tek's plastic end allows microwave energy to pass through the product inside the can, heating it quickly and evenly in 2-3 minutes.

The 307x306 Fusion-Tek can holds approximately 15 oz of product. The package consists of steel can walls, an EZ Open end, plastic end, plastic overcap, and insulating foam label.
Shelf-stable, tamper- and puncture-resistant, the Fusion-Tek can provides the same shelf life as the traditional steel can because its plastic end has an oxygen barrier that ensures freshness for at least 18 months. 

The secret is the plastic end

Using Ball's proprietary process, a plastic end is joined directly to the steel can wall. Vaughn informs us that the end is made of multilayer polypropylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier plastic. The end is not injection molded nor is seamed on, but is "converted by Ball into a useable form," Vaugh explains. "And we've developed a proprietary process for joining the plastic to the metal."

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