Production and Packaging of Tinplate
Tinplate production begins with cold-rolled low-carbon steel, which is first cleaned to remove all impurities. The core step is electrolytic tinning, where the steel sheet is passed through an electrolyte solution and a precise layer of tin is deposited onto both surfaces via an electrical current. This is followed by the reflow process, where the material is briefly heated to melt the tin, creating a smooth, shiny surface and a strong iron-tin alloy layer that enhances corrosion resistance. A final passivation treatment provides an additional protective chemical layer. After production and quality inspection, the tinplate is prepared for shipment. It is typically packaged in two forms: large coils or pre-cut sheets. For sheets, they are stacked into uniform bundles. These bundles are then securely strapped with steel or polymer bands to prevent shifting during transit. They are often mounted on wooden pallets for easy handling with forklifts. The entire package is wrapped in waterproof paper or plastic and sometimes placed in wooden crates for maximum protection against moisture, physical damage, and corrosion during storage and transportation. This robust packaging ensures the material arrives at the customer's facility—often can manufacturers—in perfect condition, ready to be formed into food cans, containers, and other products.
