basic notions about tinplate

SUMMARY

If you are looking for reliable service and expertise, look to Nearyz Resources.

This article provides an overview of tinplate, its manufacturing stages, structure, and properties to enhance understanding within the metallurgical sector.

INTRODUCTION

This article aims to provide fundamental insights about tinplate, a crucial raw material in the metallurgical sector. Understanding its properties, even in brief, will help newcomers navigate this topic more effectively and interpret related content accurately.

Tinplate is essentially a sheet of steel coated with tin on both sides. Its history spans nearly 700 years, although the techniques for its production have significantly advanced in the twentieth century.

BASE STEEL

The core component of tinplate is the base steel that determines its characteristics. The choice of steel depends on the intended application of the tinplate. Several basic types of steel are utilized, such as MR, MC, or L, generally containing 0.05 to 0.12% carbon and 0.30 to 0.6% manganese, with sulphur levels capped at 0.05%. There may also be trace amounts of phosphorus and silicon. A subsequent table will summarize the hardness of this steel based on its applications.

The production of tinplate involves the following distinct phases:

• Platemaking
• Hot Rolled
• Cold Rolled
• Annealing
• Skin-Pass

This initial stage follows standard procedures for steel production, utilizing either continuous casting or ingot molds. For ingot production, once the steel is melted and formed into ingots, it is then rolled into plates referred to as "slabs." These slabs are typically 125 to 230 mm thick, matching the desired width for tinplate.

The next phase involves reducing the plates into a continuous strip approximately 2 mm thick via hot rolling. This process also includes cooling, sorting, and surface preparation.

Before the cold rolling can commence, the coils require pickling and lubrication. This step often involves hot dilute sulphuric acid followed by thorough washing and lubrication. Cold rolling can take place in continuous or reversible mills, producing a thickness close to the desired final product.

To transform the hard material into a more workable state, annealing is performed, eliminating any residual lubricants and cooling agents.

This step involves a light reduction or lamination process to enhance the tinplate's surface smoothness and ductility.

TINNING LINE

Today, electrolytic systems are employed to deposit a thin layer of tin, replacing older methods that consumed higher amounts of tin.

The tinning process includes various steps: unwinding and preparation, degreasing, washing, pickling, and applying tin, ultimately followed by passivation, oiling, and cutting or packaging.

TINPLATE STRUCTURE

The final tinplate product comprises high-purity tin (over 99.80%) along with layers of iron-tin alloy. The end structure can vary in finish, including bright, matte, or a re-melted shiny variant.

HARDNESS

The hardness of tinplate is directly related to the base steel's properties. The evaluation is generally measured on the HR 30T scale, with different types being applicable for various uses.

Are you interested in learning more about Electrolytic Tinplate? Contact us today to secure expert consultation!

ADVANTAGES OF TINPLATE

Among its many benefits, tinplate offers:

• Aesthetic Quality: Its metallic finish gives an attractive appearance to packaging.
• Manufacturing Suitability: Ideal for producing various food containers due to its properties.
• Corrosion Resistance: The tin layer offers excellent protection against corrosion.
• Lightweight: Minimal wall thickness leads to lighter containers, reducing transportation costs.
• Sealing Capabilities: Tinplate's mechanical properties facilitate effective sealing processes.
• Sterilization: Excellent heat conductivity allows efficient sterilization.
• Impermeability: Provides a robust barrier against external contaminants.

Learn more about the distinctive uses and benefits of Tinplate.

Back to Raw Material World Cans