Tinplate and tin free steel (TFS) are the two workhorses of metal packaging. Both are made from the same prime low-carbon steel, but the coating - tin versus metallic chromium - changes cost, appearance and performance.
Tinplate offers bright luster, excellent solderability and weldability, and can be used bare for many foods. It is the natural choice for food and beverage cans, artistic cans and applications where appearance sells the product.
Tin free steel must be lacquered, but its lacquer adhesion is outstanding and the chromium coating resists sulfide staining. For crown caps, dry-food can bodies and trays, TFS delivers comparable performance at a lower material cost.
As a rule of thumb: if the pack shows bare metal or needs welding, choose tinplate; if the surface will be fully lacquered or printed, TFS deserves a close look. Our sales engineers can compare both options for your exact can design - just send us the specification.
Need this material for your product? Request a quotation - precision slitting from 6 mm, SGS tested, export packing.