Tinplate Manufacturing
Tinplate is a method of creating steel products that involve coating the steel product with a thin layer of tin. The thin layer of tin helps increase the resistance of the product to corrosion, rust, and tarnish. Additionally, tinplate steel is able to provide strength, durability and a uniform finish. The process for producing tinplate involves the sheet or strip of steel being fed through multiple stages including degreasing, pickling, electrolytic tinning, and final passivation. Each of the steps are completed by various machines and assist in giving the product its desired properties and finish.
The first step in producing tinplate is the degreasing and cleaning of the input steel product. This involves the steel product being heated in order to remove any coating and other contaminants that could lead to improper adhesion. This step also ensures that the tin coating that is applied later is able to properly adhere to the surface of the steel. The degreasing and cleaning process helps to avoid instances of the tin coating having a poor adhesion that could cause it to chip or flake soon after being applied.
The second step in the tinplate manufacturing process is the pickling phase. This process takes place in an acid bath where the steel is exposed to an acid that helps remove any traces of oxide or other impurities. The goal of the pickling step is to ensure that the tin coating adheres properly and to leave the surface with a uniform finish.
The third step in the process is the electrolytic tinning phase. In this step, an electric current is passed through a bath of tinning solution that makes way for the tin coating to be applied to the steel product. During this process, the tin is attracted to the anode of the electric current and then deposited onto the steel forming a thin, uniform layer.
The last step in the process of manufacturing tinplate is the final passivation phase. This step helps to remove any residual acid that may not have been removed during the previous steps. This process involves the steel product being submerged in a bath containing a neutralizing solution that helps to neutralize the pH level of the surface. Once complete, the tinplate steel product is now ready for use.
Tinplate is commonly used in the manufacturing of products such as beverage and food cans, automotive parts, jewelry, and other commercial products that require a strong and durable finish. Additionally, this method of producing steel products is known to be more cost effective than other methods and can produce steel products with a high level of quality and uniformity. The introduction of tinplate as a method of producing steel products has led to an increase in the quality and reliability of products that are available in the market.
