Tinned steel coil, also known as tinplate or electrolytic tinplate (ETP), is a type of coated steel product that has a thin layer of tin on its surface. The tin coating provides excellent protection against corrosion and improves the material's properties for various applications. Tinned steel coils are widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, electronics, and construction.
The production process of tinned steel coil involves two main steps:
Electroplating:
The base steel coil, which is typically made from low-carbon steel, is thoroughly cleaned to remove any surface impurities. The cleaned steel is then passed through an electrolyte solution containing dissolved tin salts. An electric current is applied to the steel, causing tin ions from the solution to deposit onto the surface of the steel, forming a uniform and tightly bonded tin layer.
Finishing:
After the electroplating process, the tinned steel coils undergo various finishing treatments to enhance their appearance and properties. This may include oiling to prevent surface oxidation and improve workability during processing.
Advantages of tinned steel coil include:
Corrosion Resistance:
The tin coating provides excellent resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for packaging and storage of food, beverages, and other products.
Ductility:
Tinned steel is ductile and can be easily formed and shaped into various containers and components.
Solderability:
The tin coating allows for excellent solderability, making it useful for electronic components and applications that require soldering.
Aesthetics:
Tinned steel has a bright and lustrous appearance, enhancing the visual appeal of products and packaging.
Applications of tinned steel coil include:
Food and Beverage Packaging:
Tinned steel is widely used for making cans, containers, and closures for packaging food and beverages.
Electrical Components:
It is used for manufacturing electronic components, such as capacitors and connectors, due to its solderability and electrical properties.
Aerosol Cans:
Tinned steel is used for aerosol cans that contain various products, such as sprays and foams.
General Packaging:
It is also utilized for general packaging applications, including household products, paints, and chemicals.
Tinned steel coil offers a reliable and efficient solution for packaging and other applications that require corrosion resistance and excellent formability. Its widespread use in various industries is a testament to its versatility and performance.
In China, the standards for Tinned Steel Coil are set and regulated by the Chinese National Standards (GB/T) issued by the Standardization Administration of China (SAC). The relevant GB/T standard for Tinned Steel Coil is:
GB/T 2520-2017: Cold-reduced electrolytic tinplate.
GB/T 2520-2017 specifies the requirements for cold-reduced electrolytic tinplate, which is commonly known as tinplate or Tinned Steel Coil. The standard covers the mechanical properties, tin coating weight, surface finish, and other characteristics of the tinplate.
In the United States, the standards for Tinned Steel Coil are set and maintained by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The most commonly referenced ASTM standard for Tinned Steel Coil is:
ASTM A623: Standard Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Requirements.
ASTM A623 covers the general requirements for tin mill products, which include electrolytic tin-coated steel (Tinplate) and tin-free steel (TFS) coils. The standard specifies the requirements for the steel substrate, tin coating, and other properties of the Tinned Steel Coil.
It's important to note that while ASTM A623 provides the general requirements for tin mill products, specific applications or industries may require additional standards or specifications for Tinned Steel Coil. For example, tin-coated steel used for food packaging may need to comply with regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure food safety.
Additionally, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) may also publish guidelines and standards related to Tinned Steel Coil used in various applications.
Manufacturers and suppliers of Tinned Steel Coil in the US generally follow these ASTM and AISI standards to ensure the quality and performance of their products.
In the United Kingdom, the standards for Tinned Steel Coil are generally aligned with the European standards set by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The most relevant European standard for Tinned Steel Coil is:
EN 10202: Cold-reduced tin-coated blackplate (tinplate).
EN 10202 specifies the requirements for cold-reduced tin-coated blackplate, which is commonly known as tinplate or Tinned Steel Coil. The standard covers the steel substrate, tin coating, surface finish, and other mechanical and dimensional properties of the tinplate.
In Japan, the standards for Tinned Steel Coil are set and regulated by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). The relevant JIS standard for Tinned Steel Coil is:
JIS G 3303: Tinplate and blackplate.
JIS G 3303 specifies the requirements for electrolytic tin-coated steel sheets and coils, commonly known as tinplate or Tinned Steel Coil, and blackplate, which refers to the uncoated steel sheets. The standard covers the mechanical properties, tin coating weight, surface finish, and other characteristics of the tinplate.
When the nominal thickness of the steel plate and steel strip is less than 0.50 mm, it shall be upgraded in multiples of 0.01 mm. When the nominal thickness of the steel plate and strip is greater than or equal to 0.50 mm, it shall be upgraded in multiples of 0.05 mm. After negotiation and agreement between the supplier and the buyer, the nominal thickness can also be upgraded with other thickness multiples.
Thickness tolerance
The allowable deviation of the thickness of the steel plate and steel strip shall not be greater than ±7% of the nominal thickness.
If it is required to mark the rolling width direction, the letter W can be added after the number indicating the rolling width.
Example: 0.26×832W×760
Coil inner diameters can be 406 mm, 420 mm, 450 mm or 508 mm.