Steel companies introduced tin-free steel in 1965. It is a cold-rolled sheet steel product that has been thinly coated with metallic chrome oxide by electrolytic deposition. By placing an inert layer on the surface of the same low-carbon used for electrolytic tin-plating, it is at least partially protected against oxidation and dissolution.
The advantages of tin-free steel
*The base layer of chromium acts as corrosion barrier
*Excellent formability & strength
*Prevents rustling and iron oxide pickup
*Tin-free steel has a chemically stable surface and suitable for attractive printing
*Ease of fabrication
*Good chemical and thermal resistance. This allows an attractive finishing and a shorter time to place in a tunnel oven when high temperature lacquers are used.
*Organic coating adhere well
*Resistance to internal pressure
*Resistant to stains produced by sulphurs
*Excellent shaping and beautiful appearance
Tin-free steel requires a coating of an organic material to provide complete corrosion resistance. Although the chrome/chrome oxide makes tin-free steel unsuitable for welding, it also makes tin-free steel excellent for the adhesion of coatings such as paints, lacquers and inks.
Tin-free steel also has good formability and strength, but it is much cheaper than tinplate.
What are the advantages of tin-free steel?
