The largest application by far for tinplate is in packaging (Food cans, Beverage cans, Aerosol cans, closures) and this is thought to account for about 90% of total tinplate production.Existing non-packaging applications cover a diverse range of uses (electrical, automotive, household and construction) although none of these individual uses represents a large tonnage outlet.Jianhui Metals Group has been set up as a forum to discuss potential new non-packaging applications for tinplate.

Base Weight – The term used to describe the thickness of tin mill products is base weight. The designated base weight multiplied by .00011 (see table on page 10) is the exact decimal thickness in inches of the material. Although it is still customary to use the word “pound” following the base weight designation, base weight is used only to describe material thickness and is not a measure of the weight of a base box.

Black Plate – A low-carbon cold-reduced steel intended for use in the uncoated state or for coating with tin or chromium.

Box Annealing – A process to soften steel and relieve stresses produced during cold rolling, which involves slow heating to, holding at, and cooling of coils from a high temperature. It is accomplished in a closed box and a relatively bright surface is maintained by introducing a slightly reducing gas during the annealing process.

Butyl Stearate (BSO) Oil – A lubricating film applied to both surfaces of chromium coated black plate.

Cathode – See Anode.

Chemical Treatment – A chemical or electrochemical treatment that stabilizes the tinplate surface, minimizing the oxidation of tin during storage or lacquer baking, and improves lacquer performance.

Chromium Coated Steel – Single or double reduced black plate having a coating of chromium and chromium oxide applied electrolytically. Also referred to as TFS, tin-free steel, electrolytic chromium-coated steel or ECCS.