EN 13046:2000

Packaging - Flexible cylindrical metallic tubes - Dimensions and tolerances

This standard specifies the diameters, lengths, wall thicknesses, shoulder thicknesses and geometry of cylindrical metallic collapsible tubes. It is applicable to tubes used for packing pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hygiene, food and other domestic and industrial products.

Packmittel - Zylindrische Metalltuben - Maße und Grenzabmaße

Diese Norm legt die Durchmesser, Längen, Manteldicken und Schulterdicken und Geometrie zylindrischern Metalltuben fest. Sie findet Anwendung bei Tuben zum Verpacken von Produkten der Pharmazie, der Kosmetik, der Hygiene sowie für Lebensmittel und für Industrie- und Haushaltsprodukte.

Emballage - Tubes souples métalliques cylindriques -Dimensions et tolérances

Cette norme spécifie les dimensions, longueurs, épaisseurs des parois, épaisseurs des épaules et la géométrie des tubes flexibles métalliques cylindriques. Elle s'applique aux tubes utilisés pour le conditionnement de produits pharmaceutiques, cosmétiques, de produits
d'hygiène, ainsi que de produits à usage alimentaire et autres produits, industriels ou domestiques.

Embalaža - Upogibne valjaste kovinske tube - Mere in odstopanja

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Jul-2000
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Jan-2001
• ICS: 55.120 - Cans. Tins. Tubes
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 261 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: WG 39 - Flexible tubes
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 01-Feb-2023
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Directive: Not Harmonized80/232/EEC - Ranges of nominal quantities and nominal capacities permitted for certain pre-packaged products
• Directive:

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  Not Harmonized87/356/EEC - Ranges of nominal quantities and nominal capacities permitted for certain pre-packged products (Dir. 80/232/EEC amendment)
• Ref Project: SIST EN 13046:2001 - Packaging - Flexible cylindrical metallic tubes - Dimensions and tolerances

Relations

• Refers: EN 673:1997 - Glass in building - Determination of thermal transmittance (U value) - Calculation method
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 12374:2022 - Packaging - Flexible tubes - Terminology
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 11683:1997 - Packaging - Tactile warnings of danger - Requirements (ISO 11683:1997)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 12375:2009 - Packaging - Flexible aluminium tubes - Wall thickness determination method
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 13046:2000 - Packaging - Flexible Cylindrical Metallic Tubes - Dimensions and Tolerances is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). This standard defines the essential dimensional requirements and tolerances for flexible, collapsible, cylindrical metallic tubes. These tubes are widely used for packaging applications across a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, hygiene, food, as well as other domestic and industrial products. The aim of this standard is to ensure product compatibility, safety, efficiency in production, and reliable performance through harmonized tube dimensions and tolerances.

Key Topics

EN 13046:2000 addresses the following key aspects of flexible cylindrical metallic tubes:

• Diameter: Specifies nominal and acceptable range of tube diameters to promote interchangeability and consistency.
• Length: Defines minimum and maximum tube lengths for various applications, supporting efficient packaging and handling.
• Wall Thickness: Outlines required wall thickness and tolerances to guarantee sufficient strength and flexibility.
• Shoulder Thickness: Establishes shoulder dimensions, which are critical for ensuring proper sealing and closure system compatibility.
• Tube Geometry: Sets forth the overall geometrical shape and design parameters to standardize tube structure for industrial use.
• Tolerance Specifications: Details the permissible variations for all defined dimensions, enabling quality control and streamlined manufacturing processes.

Applications

The dimensional and tolerance criteria defined in EN 13046:2000 have broad practical applications, including but not limited to:

• Pharmaceutical Packaging: Ensures metallic tubes are appropriately sized and shaped for medical creams, ointments, and gels, complying with stringent safety and hygiene requirements.
• Cosmetic and Hygiene Products: Standardization enables uniform tube shapes and compatibility with applicators and dispensers.
• Food Packaging: Supports safe and reliable storage of food-grade products such as pastes and sauces, meeting hygiene and contamination resistance needs.
• Industrial and Domestic Products: Suitable for packaging adhesives, lubricants, and household chemicals, optimizing usability and storage.
• Producers and Supply Chain: Facilitates compatibility between tube manufacturers, fillers, and end-users, allowing for efficient mass production and reduced tooling changes.

Meeting the standard ensures ease of product filling, capping, transportation, and end-user dispensing, reducing costs and risk of leakage or failure.

Related Standards

Organizations involved in packaging, manufacturing, and quality assurance may also find these related standards applicable:

• EN 13047: Packaging - Flexible cylindrical metallic tubes - Test methods (complements EN 13046 by specifying relevant test procedures)
• ISO 8362: Injection containers for injectables and accessories
• EN 15082: Packaging - Aerosol containers - Dimensional requirements and test methods
• EN 13427: Packaging - Requirements for the use of European Standards in packaging and packaging waste

These standards contribute to harmonized design, material selection, manufacturing, and testing of packaging solutions, supporting compliance with EU directives and customer requirements.

Summary

EN 13046:2000 provides a clear framework for the dimensions and tolerances of flexible cylindrical metallic tubes, ensuring they are fit for purpose across multiple industries. Adherence to this standard maximizes quality, compatibility, and safety in packaging, benefiting manufacturers, supply chains, and end users alike. Proper implementation helps reduce waste, improve efficiency, and facilitate regulatory compliance in the packaging sector.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Embalaža - Upogibne valjaste kovinske tube - Mere in odstopanjaPackmittel - Zylindrische Metalltuben - Maße und GrenzabmaßeEmballage - Tubes souples métalliques cylindriques -Dimensions et tolérancesPackaging - Flexible cylindrical metallic tube
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