Electrolytic Tinplate Equals to Tinplate?

Of course not. Electrolytic tinplate DOES NOT equal to tinplate. Actually tinplate divides into electrolytic tinplate (ETP), tin free steel (TFS), which are the important raw materials for producing the can. Tinplate cans are easy to ship, stack and store, and are also widely used for packing of food goods and industrial goods.

Tinplate: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Let’s look at the fundamental aspects you need to know about tinplate.

So, if you have any questions about tinplate, the answer is right here.

Keep reading.

What is Tinplate?

Tinplate

Tinplate is a steel material coated with pure tin.

It can be cold rolled to reduce thickness (usually to a final thickness of less than 0.5mm) and increase flexibility.

The thin layer of pure tin (or tin alloy) serves as a protective layer for steel, particularly against rust. It also gives the tinplate a beautiful metallic appearance.

Usually, the tin coating is applied at about 2 to 15g/ m² thick, depending on the desired properties of the product being made. Each face of the tinplate may have a varying thickness of tin coat depending on its application.

The base steel varies depending on the grade required and the method of processing used.

Tinplate is the most common packaging material in international trade. It is pretty affordable and has excellent mechanical properties.

What are the Mechanical Properties of Tinplate?

Tinplate has the following properties;

• Good anti-corrosion, anti-acid and anti-alkali performance
• Good weather, rust, and corrosion resistance
• Excellent insulation performance in electric applications
• It is easy to paint, print, and laminate
• Tinplate is a recyclable material with a low environmental pollution value
• Simple production process with low cost of production
• Excellent formability and high mechanical strength
• It has a beautiful metallic appearance
• Tinplate’s solderability and weldability is excellent

What are Tinplate Advantages and Disadvantages?

Tinplate has several advantages and a few disadvantages that include:

Advantages of Tinplates

• Coating steel with tin prevents rusting on the surface of the steel and creates an overall corrosion-resistant surface. High resistance to corrosion and temperature change makes it excellent for packaging and food contact purposes.
• Tinplate is light and malleable, which makes it easy to be formed into different shapes and sizes. It can be bent, cut, and welded easily.
• Global warming is a threat to food security. Tinplate is 100% recyclable; it is not scattered all over as waste. This helps in conserving the environment and preventing further global warming.
• It’s durable, non-toxic, and tasteless nature makes it ideal for many food and drinks storage containers. The coating does not chip off into packaged content like another metal packaging.
• Tinplate also protects the contents from extreme cold and heat and can withstand high temperatures.
• The material is also an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Ideal for making electrical coverings, cooking pots.
• Tinplate material is long-lasting and will not rust or corrode. It doesn’t need to be replaced due to damage from environmental elements like rainwater, hail, or windstorms. This makes it ideal for use as a roofing system.
• This material has a beautiful appearance with various textures. This will make your Tinplate cans stand out, maintaining and improving your brand name.
• Note that tinplate also has excellent paintability properties. Its products can be painted or labeled. This property is excellent for beauty and cosmetic packaging and gift packaging.
• You can choose from a wide range of surface finishes, matte, silver, stone or bright finishes suiting different needs with tinplate.
• Tinplate is a very light yet extremely sturdy material that resists dents and ding. It’s easy to arrange and stack the cans together without damage, making it ideal for shipping and storage.

Disadvantages of Tinplate

Tinplate is more expensive than plastic making Tinplate Packaging and related products higher priced than other types.

Also, tinplate cannot be used with extreme acidic substances as these can destroy the material.

What is tinplate used for?

Applications of Tinplate

Mainly, tinplate is used to make tinplate sheets and coils, tin cans, tin lid, and ends. The material is non-corrosive, light in weight, and has a beautiful surface. Because of these strong properties, its applications span across various industries that include:

• Construction industry – tinplate is used for roofing, gutters, siding, interior wall decoration, and roofing.

It can be used on most roofs, including asphalt shingles, bituminous shingles, concrete flat roofs, EPDM (rubber) roofs, metal roofs, and metal deck roofs.

• The food and beverage industry – tinplate makes packaging for canned vegetables, fruits, soups, and prepared foods from tinplate. Fruits and vegetables will retain their nutritional value when packed in tinplate cans freshly harvested.
• Beauty and cosmetic industry – Tinplate can be used for containers such as lipstick holders, shampoo bottles, perfume bottles, and spray cans. It helps protect the contents from any harmful external factors.
• Marketing and advertising industry – Tinplate is also used in advertising billboards. The tin coating prevents corrosion while providing a smooth surface for printing, painting, embossing, and decorating.

Apart from the above, tinplate is also used for making many other things such as toy cars and airplanes, musical instruments, decorations for holiday gifts, jewelry, watches, cutlery, kitchen utensils, and cookware.

What are the benefits of Tinplate Packaging?

Tinplate is durable and resistant to corrosion, and so these, among other qualities, make it the go-to packaging material.

Typical applications are in the manufacture of food cans, containers for corrosive liquids such as acids, alkalis, or salts.

Tinplate’s high barrier properties and corrosion resistance make it an excellent choice for food packaging. It is also safe for food contact as it is non-toxic and tasteless.

The packaging material is also suitable for food containers because it doesn’t leach chemicals into the food.

Also, tinplate is widely used for food packaging because it can be made into different shapes and styles, convenient for storage and transportation.

Tinplate products have a variety of shapes, which can be customized according to customer needs. The surface is smooth and bright and will not fade under normal circumstances.

Tinplate is 100% recyclable and has been recycled for centuries. It is a durable metal and less expensive than most other alternatives.

Environmentally, it is an eco-friendly and sustainable material for many kinds of packaging. What’s more, tinplate manufacturing does not emit carbon into the atmosphere.

Tin is a good conductor of heat and resists corrosion; this makes it ideal for storing products and foods with acid contents like tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Is tinplate safe for Food Packaging?

Tin canned food

Yes.

Tinplate is safe and suitable for all kinds of food packaging. Tin does not react to foods or drinks, nor does it impart any flavor to the food. It is, in fact, the perfect protective barrier for food packaging.

Using tinplate for food packaging allows you to keep the food fresh for longer because metal can block light and oxygen. It can also suppress the growth of bacteria and molds.

The tin layer has an excellent barrier that prevents corrosion and oxidation. This ensures that canned foods keep their original flavor and nutritional value for a more extended period.

Tinplate packaging is safe for fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, and fish. It can withstand high temperatures in cooking or freezing without affecting the taste, texture, or quality of these foods.

Furthermore, tin is very economical and can be recycled easily. Meaning it is one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials available today.

Tinplate is free of lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials and thus safe for food packaging.

What is the difference between Tinplate and Tin Free Steel?

Tinplate is a variant of tin-free steel. The main difference between tinplate and tin-free steel is the electroplating layer. Tinplate has a tin coat layer, while tin-free steel is coated in chromium and chromium oxide layer.

Steel, when heated above 400 °C (752 °F), will oxidize and corrode. Tinplate has a protective layer of tin on the surface of the metal to prevent this corrosion, making it much more durable for use in packaging. Tin-free steel does not have this protective layer and must be painted to protect it from corrosion.

Is Tinplate Packaging better than Aluminum and Plastic?

Yes.

Tinplate offers several advantages over plastic and aluminum in the packing industry. Tinplate’s lightweight nature makes it excellent for cutting shipping costs.

It is strong, durable, waterproof, and anti-corrosive. Tinplate is also less expensive than aluminum and plastic cans. It also has a higher barrier to oxygen than aluminum, which means it keeps your food fresher for longer.

Tinplate doesn’t contain BPA and is non-toxic for food contact; it won’t leach into your food as plastic does. Its thermal conductivity makes it a better heat conductor than aluminum or plastic.

Environmentally, tinplate is a friendly packaging material as it is reusable and recyclable. Tinplate packaging is a more sustainable option for plastic and aluminum cans. It uses almost no energy to produce and does not give off toxic gases during the manufacturing process.

Tinplate is a superior material for long-term product storage. The material has low moisture absorption and natural resistance to rust, corrosion, dents, dings, and high temperatures.

On dimensional stability, tinplate packaging such as cans and containers maintain their original shape and accurate dimensions for more extended periods.

Which Quality and Industry Standards should tinplate adhere to?

When purchasing tinplate for whatever purposes, ensure that they conform to all the required standards such as:

• ISO9001- the standard that covers raw material to the finished product of tinplate manufacturing.
• JIS G 3303- standard temper grade (T1-T6/DR7.5-DR9 BA) and thickness (0.13 to 0.6mm) of tinplate.
• ASTM A626A/A626M- this is a standard specification that stipulates DR (double reduced) electrolytic in tinplate
• EN 10202:2001-this standard defines the minimum requirements for the production and performance of unalloyed cold-rolled thin tinplate and tinplate-coated steel sheets.
• IS 1993(2006) – Standard for electrolytic tinplate (cold reduced) states that defect in shape or any other damage to tinplate renders the material unsuitable for use.
• GB/T21903- Weight, marking, quality certification, and material for electrolytic tinplate (cold reduced).
• GB/T4944-2002 “Tinplate Products-Specification” stipulates that the diameter of the rod shall not be less than 0.5mm thick after testing the hardness by the Vickers micro-indentation method.

Which Tests are applied to tinplate?

As a part of the quality control check, quality and performance tests may be performed on the tinplate. Samples selected are assumed to represent the entire batch for the validity of the testing procedure. Requirements specified in national and international standards are adhered to.

Standard tests applied to tinplate include;

The Tensile Test

In a tensile tester, a continuous band or sheet of tinplate sample is stretched in four-point bending until it fails. The amount of deformation (elongation) at failure may then be calculated, or the stress versus strain curve on which the ultimate strength is based may be determined.

The tensile test determines whether the metal product has strength and whether it can be used for practical use. In addition, tensile tests also determine whether there are plastic deformation and fractures in metal products.

Tinplate generally has a tensile stress of 280-620 MPa (40-80 kg/cm²), and the thickness should be more than 1.98 mm (0.079 inches).

Mechanical Property Test

Mechanical tests on tinplate are the vital part of tinplate to be qualified. There are many kinds of mechanical tests for tinplate. The most common mechanical test for tinplate will be rolling test, impact test, bending and torsion, left and right hand bending test.

Hardness Test

The Rockwell hardness tester is a micro-hardness tester. It is used to determine the hardness of materials.

The device consists of a spring scale and a dial indicator that can be set to zero using the zero knobs on the side of the device.

The dial indicator’s spindle is inserted into a hardened steel ball mounted to its base with three adjustable screws.

Test material is attached to the spindle. As the dial indicator’s spindle rotates, it pushes against the ball and moves up and down on the scale. A reading is taken when the dial reads 25 (0-25 scale).

Spring Back Test

Spring back test describes the force required to deflect a flat metal sheet into a curve, either returning it to its original flat shape or making it curl into a circle.

The test is used for sheet metal products or profiles with a thickness of 2-50mm.

The test specimen produced should be as close to the finished product as possible. It must also have been produced using the same production conditions as those used at the end of production.

This test is carried out by pushing a steel ball against the sheet metal surface and measuring the bounce height.

This type of measuring equipment must be calibrated periodically. This ensures that all measurements are accurate; otherwise, they will not value quality control purposes.

What is Tinplate made of?

Tinplate is a coated metal; it is composed of steel and tin as the main ingredients. The steel is cleaned, pickled (if required), heated, and rolled to produce sheets or coils.

It is usually produced from hot rolled steel sheets and coated with tin by electrolytic plating. The tin content is less than 2.0%.

Tinplate coat is composed of between 95 and 99 percent tin. The remaining 1–5 percent consists of other metals, such as copper, antimony, and bismuth. Different types of steel grades are used in the manufacturing process to give the final product desired properties.

What are the Different Steel Types used to make Tinplate?

Tinplate is most commonly made from MR (Mild Steel), MC (Medium Carbon Steel), L (Low Carbon Steel), and D (Ductile Iron, Iron alloys) steel.

MR Steel: Mild Steel is the best choice for tinplate as it has an excellent cold forming and hot forming properties and has a long life span. It’s used for powdered milk cans, coffee cans, beer kegs, and other tinplate products whose wall thickness requires mild steel.

What is the Tinplate Manufacturing Process?

 Outline of Tinplate Production

The basic tinplate manufacturing process:

• Cold strip – The cold strip is mainly used for changing the shape and size of a metal sheet or plate into certain width and thickness.
• Electrolyte leaning – steel is cleaned by electrolysis. In the process of being soaked in a cleaning solution (usually dilute sulfuric acid), the impurities are rapidly oxidized and removed at the anode. At the same time, tin dross is deposited at the cathode.
• Annealing– annealing involves heating the tinplate until they are soft and then allowing them to cool at their own rate in a controlled environment. The annealing process takes place in a furnace called a “calendar.”
• Temper rolling– In the temper rolling process, a hot, soft sheet of tinplate is passed between two rollers. One roller has rollers with sharp teeth, and the other roller is smooth. As the tinplate sheet passes through the nip of the two rollers, its thickness is reduced by one-half.
• Double reduction rolling– The first roll in the tinplate process is called a “reduction roll” because the thickness of the material is reduced to 0.15-0.17mm. After another roll, double reduction rolling will make the tinplate thickness 0.072-0.10mm or even thinner.
• Electrolytic coating (Tin) – Electrolytic coating is a manufacturing process in which molten tin is deposited on the steel surface after passing through an electrolytic bath.
• Sheet cutting– First, the sheet is cut into a rectangle, and then it is cut into four large pieces and into small squares.
• Inspection– Tinplate will be inspected if it meets the national and international quality standards

How do you Measure Tinplate?

Tin has a negligible effect on the final size of the tinplate. As such, several types of units are used to measure the tinplate corresponding to its base steel. The base box is a surface measurement unit unique to the tinplate industry. This can be done three ways;

American Base Box

American base box is an international measurement unit based on a 112 14″ x 20″ surface. Its product area is 31360 square inches, which is equal to 20.23 square meters.

European Base Box

It’s a unit primarily based on 100 sheets of 14″ x 20″ whose product place is 2800 rectangular inches. It is a version of the American field transferring to a hundred sheets as an alternative of 112.

SITA (System International Tinplate Area)

Tinplate surface unit measurement is equal to 100m². One SITA = 4943 American base box = 5537European base box.

What are the available Sizes for Tinplate?

Tinplate is available in thicknesses from under 0.5mm to over 25mm, and in widths up to approximately 1200mm.

How do Batch annealing (BA) and Continuous annealing (CA) for Tinplate compare?

Tinplate is made of tin metal, which is soft and easy to bend. So we anneal the tinplate to get rid of stress.

In batch annealing or continuous annealing, we use oxygen as a re-oxidant and steam as a quenching medium.

The significant difference between the two processes is the temperature at which they are made. Temperature ultimately affects the tinplate properties such as hardness, ductility, and tensile strength.

Another difference between batch annealing and continuous annealing is in how the tinplate is processed.

Batch annealing and continuous annealing use the same equipment but work in different ways.

BA uses a batch to go through a process where they are heated to high temperatures and then cooled down quickly after printing.

This will strengthen the metal and make it more durable to be used many times over.

Tinplate has been annealed for many years. For industrial-grade, 80% of tinplate is annealed in batch annealing; the rest is continuous annealing in production.

For food grade and pharma grade, only continuous annealing is used in production to ensure the food safety of tinplate containers.

The continuous annealing method is mainly preferred. It results in better quality tinplate with a higher yield and lower scrap rate.

Also, the cost of continuous annealing is much lower compared to batch annealing methods.

What is the difference between Single Reduced and Double Reduced Steel Grades for Tinplate?

There are two types of tinplate: single reduced and double reduced.

Although these grades may appear to be similar, there are several differences between them, one of them being their physical appearance.

Single reduced tinplate is made by rolling the steel once through a rolling mill (one reduction). The resulting sheet has a thickness of 0.2mm to 0.3mm, with a bright metal appearance and smooth surface.

Double reduced tinplate

The double reduced tinplate undergoes two reductions in the rolling mill.

Therefore, the plate has a thickness of about 0.8mm to 1mm with a dull metal appearance and rough surface.

There are three primary grades of tinplate available: single reduced, double reduced (DR), or intermediate (IR).

They each have a specific purpose for use. They are made from different types of steel, which affect the characteristics of the product.

These characteristics include appearance, strength, corrosion resistance, hardness, and tearing resistance.

The primary difference between single reduced and double reduced grades is their thickness.

What is the recommended Tinplate Thickness?

The thickness of the tinplate is recognized by international quality standards.

The general tinplate thickness is 0.2mm to 1mm. It can be divided into high-pressure tinplate, medium-pressure tinplate, and low-pressure tinplate according to the rolling pressure applied.

Tinplate is made from hot rolled steel slabs that are coated with a thin layer of tin. The tin coating is 0.5 to 2.0 mils thick, depending on the product requirements.

What is Tinplate Temper Specification?

The tinplate temper specification (TTS) defines the material’s internal structure, which is produced by rolling, water quenching, and pickling tinplate.

TTS describes the mechanical properties of the finished material and how these will vary with temperature.

These properties are expressed in terms of allowable yield stress, elongation at yield, reduction in area at yield, hardening temperature, and the strain for necking down to a specified size.

The temper specification can be used to control the material property.

The tinplate temper specification contains three parameters: %E = elongation for rupture, %R = reduction in area and %T = hardness.

Which Factors Determine the Temper of Tinplate?

The temper of tinplate gives certain strength to tinplate in its application and affects its appearance and surface. It should be noted that the temper of tinplate affects its quality and use of life greatly.

Several factors determine the temper of tinplate;

Source of Material

The raw material used to produce the steel sheet directly affects the temper of the tinplate due to its chemical composition and physical properties. Better grades in raw material will give better properties of tinplate.

The advantages of using low alloy steel as raw material are that it has better mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength. These make it easier for the rolling process and improve the quality of the tinplate.

Rolling Tension

Tinplate gets its strength and rigidity from how it is rolled. Its temper improves with increasing thickness. The most commonly used type is hot-rolled, followed by cold-rolled tinplate.

Annealing Time and Annealing Temperature

Annealing is a heat treatment that relieves stresses in a metal object. Heat treatment improves some mechanical properties of the metal, such as lower hardness and more excellent ductility.

The definition of annealing may be extended to include cooling from very high temperatures, as in quenching or cooling under controlled conditions to achieve specific desired effects.

Annealing corrects the stress generated from the production process and gives the cans shape stability. In turn, this improves tinplate appearance and prolongs its service life.

Tempering

Tempering refers to the heat treatment of steel sheets (coated with tin) to improve strength and durability.

In addition, tempering technology improves the material’s mechanical properties, such as stiffness, plasticity, and impact resistance.

The temper of tinplate is a key factor in determining its quality.

There are various factors to consider when tempering, including the temperature of the molten tin and cooling speed.

The tempering temperature is usually in the range between 320^oC- 380^oC. So it is called “skin pass.”

Skin pass refers to the finishing process of tinplate sheet, which is used for making cans. It has a significant effect on the quality of cans.

If it is not handled well during the skin pass, the cans may have surface defects and wrinkles, which will affect the appearance of canned products.

The quality of canned food products may also be affected.

What are Surface Finish Options are there for tinplate?

Tinplate could be produced in various finishes with different surface treatments to provide different appearances and properties.

This, in turn, results in various uses of tinplate from simple items like pencils and bottles, tops to heavy plates for automotive body panels and containers to thin gauges for cans.

Matte Finish

 Matte finish tinplate

When a tinplate sheet is first rolled out flat, it has a high reflectance.

Matte finish is achieved by exposing and etching the surface of the tinplate by electroplating.

This process oxidizes the exposed patterned areas creating dark spots on the light background.

The oxidized portions serve as barriers to prevent further diffusion of copper in the underlying metal, leaving behind anisotropy to be visible after plating.

Tinplate with a matte finish is excellent for printed beer or soft drink cans. Matte finish has a roughness of 0.80 – 1.20 Ra (µm).

Silver Finish

Silver finish tinplate

A silver finish on the tinplate is obtained by electrolytically cathodic deposition.

This is a technique in which thin layers of silver are deposited onto the surface of a metal.

Silver has a roughness of 0.80 – 1.20 Ra (µm).

Silver finish is beautiful when printed or lacquered. It makes quality and great-looking gift boxes, screw caps, and tea sets.

Stone Finish

Stone finish tinplate

Stone finish follows a unique, complex process that involves plating the tinplate with copper and then covering it with a layer of natural stone powder.

The color of the powder will depend on the type of stone; common choices are white marble, black slate, or grey granite.

A stone finish helps by adding weight and strength to the tinplate and providing an aesthetic quality that sets it apart from other sheet metal products. It has a roughness of 0.35 – 0.60 Ra (µm).

Tinplate with a stone surface finish is like a window into a world of varying shades of grey, brown, and black.

The stone finish is best suited for food containers and trays as it’s resistant to scratching.

Bright Finish

Bright finish tinplate

Bright tinplate surface finish is achieved by applying a coat of tin-free brightener, then electroplating the brightener with tin.

Brighteners are chemical solutions containing tin oxide.

Tin and oxygen react together to produce insoluble stannite, which is the cause of the brightness in bright tinplate surface finish.

Which is better between DOS and ATBC Oil for Tinplate?

ATBC oil is an abbreviation of Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate. It is a kind of natural vitamin E with excellent oxidation stability.

It can inhibit the formation of dendrites on the tinplate’s surface to maintain the bright electrolyte layer and lengthen service life.

DOS is an abbreviation for Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate.

DOS is an ancillary product that contains petroleum distillates (which are toxic) as its main ingredient.

ATBC Oil is superior quality oil (refined from crude oil) with anti-corrosion, anti-rust, and anti-oxidation properties.

It is edible oil that has been tested at leading hospitals in the world and found to be safe for food and skin contact.

What is the Coating Structure of Tinplate?

 Tinplate structure

Tinplate consists of three main layers: Inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer.

Inner Layer: It is a pure steel sheet.

Middle Layer: It is a pure steel sheet that contains some tin. During the production process, the steel becomes as thin as 0.03 mm to 0.07 mm through rolling.

It then is plated with tin to form the middle layer of tinplate, which is called the prime coat on a professional basis, or the first coat on a standard basis.  And finally, the oil film layer is a surface layer.

What are the two types of Coating Mass for Tinplate?

Tinplate is made by rolling steel plates. After being beaten, the steel plate goes through an annealing process to remove stress from rolling.

The surface of the tinplate is then coated.

The two types of coating mass are differential coating mass and equal coating mass. The thickness of the coating is usually 0.3mm to 0.6mm.

If the thickness of the coating is equal on both faces, it is called equal coating tinplate. When the thickness of the coating layer on each surface is different, it is called differential coating.

Coated tinplate has a better performance in corrosion protection and anti-abrasive properties compared with raw steel sheets.

What Designations and Markings are used for Differentially Coated Mass Tinplate?

Tinplate is made by rolling steel and then coating it with a thin layer of tin. This process is repeated until the desired thickness of tin is reached, which varies depending on the type of tinplate being produced.

The material’s main characteristic is that the steel sheet is coated with two layers of tin. The first layer is the protective layer, and the second layer is the decorative layer.

When choosing tinplate, you should be aware of the designations and markings on the material.

The differentially mass coating is when the thickness of the coating layer is different on each surface face. It is marked as shown below.

How do you establish Coating Weight for Tinplate?

One of the significant factors of tinplate coating weight is the amount of coating applied. A high-quality tinplate sheet will typically have a coating weight ranging from 25 to 30g.

There is a wide range of options available with varying properties such as thickness and flexibility in between these two numbers.

When choosing tinplate, it is essential to determine the ideal thickness you need. This should be based on the method of processing, application, and method of transportation.

Note that the higher the tin coating weight, the better the quality, and the higher price of the tinplate.

What is the difference between Lacquered and Printed Tinplate?

Lacquered tinplate contains a layer of lacquer (coat or vanish) that provides extra protection, prevents corrosion, and allows coatings that are thinner to be used.

Printed tinplate contains a layer of ink that is repellent and resistant to water. They are also capable of being welded, sealed, or stamped quickly.

Which factors influence the choice of Width for Tinplate?

The printing of the surface or coating with a layer to protect the tinplate from mechanical processes may require increased width of the tinplate.

Products to be packed and the purpose of the tinplate influence the choice of tinplate width.

Temper, surface finish, and grade of tinplate may also determine its width.

What are the allowed Dimensional Tolerances for Tinplate?

Dimensional tolerance refers to the acceptable room for error.

With tinplate, tolerances must be set based on the intended application and method of fabrication.

Sample tolerances for coil tinplate are:

Single reduced has a thickness range of 0.17mm-0.49mm with a width of 700mm-1200mm

Double reduced thickness is 0.13mm-0.26mm and width of 700mm-1200mm

Width tolerance:         Standard trim -0.00+3.00mm

Special trim -0.00+1.00mm

Super trim-0.25+0.00mm

Dimensional Tolerance for Tinplate Sheets

Single reduced has a cut length 457mm-1137mm with max width of 1018mm

Double reduced has a cut length of 457mm-1137mm with max width of 1018mm

When should I consider Tinplate Coil vs. Tinplate Sheet?

The tinplate coil and sheet are both made from tinplate. Both products have a similar appearance, but the difference is in the thickness of the material. The tinplate sheet is thinner than the tinplate coil.

Tinplate sheets

Tinplate sheets are rolled out of a continuous coil and cut to size.

They are a good choice for parts that require cutting or bending. This is because tinplate sheets can easily be cut with standard tin snips and bent along a radius with a simple tool known as a radius roller.

Tinplate coils

Tinplate coil can also be used for these purposes. Still, they require more effort to cut, bend, or re-roll into smaller configurations.

Sheets are thinner than coils, making tinplate sheet products easier to handle, but they have less strength than coils.

How Sustainable is Tinplate?

Tinplate is entirely sustainable. It is recyclable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly.

The high recycling rate of tinplate means most of it can be turned back to steel without losing quality. It can be used over and over without changing its potent properties.

Its sustainability comes because it can be used for packaging and then recycled after use.

This means that it cannot pollute the environment with carbon or deplete the natural resources for future generations.

Is Tinplate Recyclable?

Yes.

Tinplate being magnetic can easily be lifted off other materials and collected in sorting plants. The cans are put together into a scrap and recycled.

Furthermore, tinplate is made up of steel which protects it from rusting for some time so that when the scrap is recycled, it yields high amounts of steel.

What are the recommended Shipping Weights and Transport Dimensions for Tinplate?

Recommended shipping weights and transport dimension for tinplate are;

Vertical axis: diameter (outer) 1630mm, diameter (inner) 420mm. Maximum weight of 3.0 -12.7 tons.

*Special order: diameter (inner) 450-508mm. The outer diameter and maximum weight are standard for all orders.

Horizontal axis: diameter (outer) diameter (inner) 1850mm. Maximum weight of 3.0 -18.0 tons.

*Special order: 508mm 420-450mm. The outer diameter and maximum weight are standard for all orders.

*Special orders are made on request.

Adhering to these recommendations will ensure that your tinplate is safe during transportation. It also conforms to industry requirements.

What is the Proper Packaging Method and Materials for Tinplate?

Tinplate must be packaged with care and precision to ensure safe transportation and avoid damage caused by environmental elements.

As severe handling, rusting, and scratching are the common dangers to tinplate, it is essential to protect the material from damage during transportation.

In this regard, it is advised that the tinplate be packaged using quality and protective materials. Proper packaging techniques are also recommended.

Proper packaging requires that the tinplate be put in the right weight and dimensions suitable for storage and transportation.

Next, cover or wrap the tinplate in the rustproof paper.  Tinplate sheets should be first covered with a protector sheet followed by rustproof paper.

Corrugated hardboard and metal cover should follow to ensure a tight seal and all-around protection of the tinplate. Sturdy hoops should be used to secure the tinplate in place.

On the outside of the packaging, it is required that you mark and label the tinplate accordingly. Labeling information should include tinplate specification, thickness, temper, coating mass, quantity, etc.

Is there an MOQ for Tinplate?

Yes.

The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for tinplate is 25 tons. You may, however, contact us and discuss any special needs or specifications you may have.

Which Information should I provide when ordering Tinplate?

It is imperative to furnish us with the following information when ordering tinplate.

Whether it’s a cut sheet, whole coil, or a slit coil and depending on the intended use, let us know the form of tinplate you need.

The type of steel, because various steel type is suitable for different usages. For example, for food packages, ordering the MR steel is the best.

Also, provide the reduction type and temper grade of tinplate according to the level of formability in the product being packed to prevent any effect on the mechanical properties of the tinplate.

The surface finish you require should be provided. This allows the manufacturers to know the kind of designations for the finish.

For tinplate oiling, specify whether you require a light, medium, or heavy layer. This is to avoid the production costs if the wrong oiling is done, which may cause lacquering.

Typically, a standard passivation procedure is applied, but you can consult with us for any special requirements.

What are the Usage Precautions for Tinplate?

Keep note of the following when handling/using tinplate:

• During transportation, avoid scratches to the tinplate because they are covered by a fragile metallic layer capable of getting destroyed.
• Tinplate should not stay for long periods without being used because its properties diminish as time lapses. After unpacking, they must be put into use as soon as possible.
• Although tinplate is non-corrosive, exposing it to humid conditions for extended periods may cause them to rust.
• When tinplate is used as packaging (cans) for alkaline substances, their internal surfaces may be painted to avoid the layer of tin from getting dissolved by the alkaline content.

The same applies when dealing with products that contain sulfur. The internal surface of the tinplate must be well painted to avoid blackening.

How much is the Tinplate price?

The cost of tinplate varies by many standards.

First, the type of base steel used, temper, thickness, finish, and form of tinplate will distance its price.

The quantity of tinplate you order will also determine how much you get to pay for it. You can contact us here for quotes, queries, and concerns that you may have.