A Brief Introduction to Tin Coated Steel

Steel that has been coated in tin has historically been extremely popular for use in the manufacturing of packaging cans, as well as a whole host of other applications such as in cooking and baking utensils, solar module mounting, electronic shielding, metal pipes, trays, and oil filter shells. The thin layer or coating of steel is sufficient to significantly reduce the corrosive effects of water and humid air, reducing the structural damage of the steel and increase. 

Tin plate is produced through the electrodeposition of a thin layer of tin on one or both sides of black plated or rolled steel – in other words, tin plate consists of steel that has undergone electroplating treatment and is thus covered in a thin layer of zinc oxide, that vastly increases the durability and protection against corrosion of the inner steel. Furthermore, Tinning, as the process of manufacturing tin plating is also known, can improve the workability of the metal for soldering and welding purposes and also adds an attractive dark metallic lustre, improving the aesthetic appearances of the metal. 

● History of tin-coated steel

While steel is a relatively modern metal, the idea of using tin to create a protective lining over more vulnerable metals to protect from rust has been recorded over two millennia ago by Pliny the Elder. And other noted historians. Initially used to coat simpler, easily available metals of the time like copper and gold, tin coating was initially done using the hot-dipping process, in which the cold rolled metal sheet’s surface was thoroughly cleaned before a thin layer of tin was poured on the surface, coating it. The modern method of electrolysis is vastly superior, with finer, more even coating results. 

Historically, the biggest consumers of tin-plated steel were food manufacturers, making use of the excellent storage properties of the material to preserve food for extended periods of time with minimal requirement for additional treatment of the food – such as the addition of preservatives – without compromising on the nutritional value of the food. In the modern era, however, Tin plated steel is gaining demand in various other markets, with electrical appliance makers, automobile manufacturers, and real estate developers all researching the applications for tin-coated steel due to its highly desirable combination of structural strength and lightweight. 

● The path to a sustainable future

In a world that must rapidly restructure to have more sustainable economic activities, tin-plated steel can play a role as a packaging material of the future – if managed sustainably. Steel coated with tin can theoretically be reused and then recycled an infinite number of times without having significant degradation in quality and performance, reducing the energy consumed in mining and manufacturing and conserving valuable mineral resources. Steel packaging is a sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging solution that is comparatively non-polluting and less wasteful than current alternatives such as cardboard and plastics – and the JSW group is one of the leaders in the industry, poised to capture the growing tin-plated steel market.