Tinplate (马口铁) is cold-rolled low-carbon steel sheet electrolytically coated with tin on both sides. It combines the strength and formability of steel with the corrosion resistance and food-safe surface of tin. Designated per GB/T 2520 (China), JIS G3303 (SPTE, Japan), ASTM A623 (USA), and EN 10202 (Europe). Widely used in food cans, beverage cans, chemical containers, and general packaging. Base steel typically SPCC / DC01 grade with tin coating from 1.0 to 11.2 g/m².
Chemical Composition (Base Steel)
Per GB/T 2520 / JIS G3303 / ASTM A623 / EN 10202 — base steel chemistry (maximum allowable, % by mass). Tin coating is applied electrolytically on top — it does not alter the base steel chemistry.
| Grade | C (%) | Si (%) | Mn (%) | P (%) | S (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPCC / DC01 | ≤0.15 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.60 | ≤0.050 | ≤0.050 |
| SPCE / DC04 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
Note: Low carbon and very low P/S content ensure excellent deep-drawing and stamping performance for can-making. SPCE/DC04 is used for deep-drawn cans requiring high formability.
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Yield (MPa) | Tensile (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HR30T) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-1 (SPCC) | ≤230 | ≥275 | ≥28 | 49–56 |
| T-2.5 (SPCC) | ≤250 | ≥320 | ≥25 | 53–60 |
| T-3 (SPCC) | ≤280 | ≥350 | ≥22 | 57–64 |
| T-4 (SPCE) | ≤320 | ≥380 | ≥18 | 61–68 |
Tin Coating Weights
| Designation | Coating (g/m²) | Equivalent | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0/1.0 | 1.0 each side | #25 (ASTM) | General packaging, non-corrosive contents |
| 2.8/2.8 | 2.8 each side | #50 (ASTM) | Food cans, beverage cans |
| 5.6/5.6 | 5.6 each side | #100 (ASTM) | Acidic food, aggressive contents |
| 8.4/8.4 | 8.4 each side | #150 (ASTM) | Chemical containers, industrial use |
| 11.2/11.2 | 11.2 each side | #200 (ASTM) | Heavy-duty chemical drums |
Differential coatings (e.g., 2.8/5.6) are also available — heavier coating on the interior surface for food contact, lighter on the exterior for cost savings. Surface finish options: bright stone, stone, matte, and silver.
Available Sizes & Delivery
| Thickness | 0.15–0.50 mm |
| Width | 600–1200 mm (custom slit available) |
| Length (sheets) | 400–1200 mm or as required |
| Forms Available | Coil (HR/CR), cut sheets |
| Tin Coating Range | 1.0–11.2 g/m² (equal or differential) |
| Surface Finish | Bright stone, stone, matte, silver |
| Temper Grades | T-1, T-2, T-2.5, T-3, T-4, T-5 |
| Standard | GB/T 2520 / JIS G3303 / ASTM A623 / EN 10202 |
| Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 3.1 with every shipment |
| MOQ | 5 Tons |
| Delivery Time | Within 10 days (≤200 tons) |
Equivalent Standards
| Standard | Designation | Country |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 2520 | 冷轧电镀锡钢板及钢带 | China |
| JIS G3303 | SPTE / SPTE-D | Japan |
| ASTM A623 | Tin Plate (TP) | USA |
| EN 10202 | E2.8/2.8 etc. | Europe |
| ISO 11949 | Electrolytic tinplate | International |
Applications
- Food cans — fruits, vegetables, fish, pet food
- Beverage cans — beer, juice, energy drinks
- Aerosol cans — cosmetics, household products
- Paint and chemical containers — pails, drums
- Closures and caps — crown caps, screw caps
- Battery casings and electronic components
- Gift boxes and decorative tins
