I realize this is a total niche request and a bit of a long shot, but I thought I’d throw this out.
I have a client that needs samples made of aluminum canisters. The canisters have to have artwork printed on them. In the past, we’ve printed labels for samples, but they have a specific need and the sample canisters need to be printed. It’s a short run since it is samples. If it were a long run, this wouldn’t be a problem. But the client, undserstandably, doesn’t want to print ten thousand canisters when they only need 20 samples.
Any ideas or possible vendors would be appreciated.
Do the aluminum canisters need to be custom-fabricated, or are they standard sizes? I’ve run into companies (I’ve never used one) that digitally print cans with no minimum order, but they don’t make the cans.
There seem to be several places that do short-run digital printing on aluminum cans, but I’m guessing they’re confined to standard-sized cans. It might be worth calling some of them to see.
The places that I have searched online offer inkjet printing onto canisters — but you have to use one of their cansiters which is typically a 12 oz or 16 oz beverage canister.
I’ve tried some mockup procuction houses, but they don’t actually print to the canister. They use labels, shrink sleeves or transfers.
Shops that actually print have a huge minimum quantity.