Tin plating what is it

Tin Plating-What Is It During this industrial process various metal objects are coated using a thin layer of tin and can be applied to a variety of base metals. These can include copper, steel, and iron. When applying this thin layer of tin it will help to improve the metal’s appearance for particular applications. It can also help to increase their durability and performance. Once the tin has been applied to the metal base it results in material that is referred to as tinplate. One application of tin plating that is very well known is the coating that is used on metal cans that store food. It is also a material that is commonly used for making pots, pans, and other various cookware. The technique can also be used to prepare metal bases that are used in construction like metal siding or roofing. Tin plating can also be applied to parts that are used for manufacturing and electronic components.

When manufactures create tin plated objects they use two different basic techniques. One n involves melting the tin into a molten liquid into which they would dip the metal object to tin plate it and then it would be allowed to dry. This is the older of the two different techniques.

The newer technique involves coating the metal object by using electroplating technology.

When this technology is used a mixture of tin salts will be dissolved in a vat full of water. There is an electric current that will be running through the water so the tin irons in the water will be attracted to the various metal objects that are placed in the water. This will create a coating of tin on the object that is permanent.

Two reasons that tin plating is used for protecting various base metals like steel or iron, is that it is an effective way of prevent corrosion and rust. Zinc plating can also be used to help prevent resistance to corrosion but this is too toxic for medical or food applications so that is another reason that these manufactures rely on tin plating. Using tin plating also helps to increase the ductility of various metal objects. What this means is that it will make it easier to weld these metal objects that have been tin plated to another surface.

The one major drawback with tin plating is that it is not as effective as galvanizing or zinc plating protecting base metal objects from corrosion and rust. For example, if you have galvanized metal that is scratched or damaged the zinc plating will react with the air and will form a new protective coating. If an object that is tin plated and is scratched or damaged the material underneath is exposed to corrosion or rust.

This article is penned by Lora Davis for Sheffield Platers, Inc. For more than 68 years, Sheffield Platers has been dedicated to exceeding expectations for personal service, fast turn-around, dependable quality and innovative custom processes. For the finest in electronic connector coating services & tin plating services or to know more about how this company can help contribute to improving your products call (800) 227-9242.