Tin Plated Steel Vs Stainless Steel
Table of Contents
Tin is a non-toxic material with excellent corrosion-resistance and ductility; making it suitable for beverage can manufacturing and other industrial uses.
Stainless steel is a more complex alloy made up of carbon and iron as its primary constituents, along with other elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum and sometimes even tungsten for strength and corrosion resistance.
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance Techniques
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel is an attractive metal that stands up well to corrosion in most environments, making it widely used in:
- Construction
- Transportation
- Medical devices
- Outdoor site furnishings
Combinations of various metals may enhance its performance further while it comes in various alloy forms with different properties.
Plating Layers for Enhanced Corrosion Resistance
Adding a plating layer can further strengthen the corrosion-resistance of stainless steel, but the results depend on various factors, including:
- Material type
- Application quality
- Environmental considerations like corrosion levels
It’s also crucial to use the correct technique as even minor discontinuities may present pathways for corrosion agents to enter.
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating is the preferred metal coating choice for stainless steel because it:
- Increases conductivity
- Enhances corrosion-resistance
- Improves radiation-resistance
Nickel can be applied in various ways, such as:
- Electroplating
- Galvanization
- Hot-dipping
Electroless nickel coating provides an efficient means to produce dense uniform metal layers that withstand abrasion damage as well as physical impact.
Tin Plating
Tin is an ideal material for crafting food cans due to its:
- Highly ductile, nontoxic composition
- Corrosion-resistance
- Readily weldability
- Easy solderability properties
18-liter cans made of this metal are commonly found throughout restaurants nationwide. Tinplate can also help enhance solderability and weldability in electronics applications.
Comparing Tin and Stainless Steel
Although both tin and stainless steel offer excellent corrosion-resistance, their selection depends on your specific application needs. In general:
- Tin plated steel is more cost-effective and suitable for various situations.
- Stainless steel offers greater corrosion-resistance in certain environments.
Factors Influencing Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of tin-plated steel is determined by its ability to withstand the formation of tin oxide and other contaminants in an acidic or alkaline environment. Key factors include:
- Thickness and purity of its tin coating
- Proper bonding between the tin and its stainless steel base (achieved through electroless nickel plating or hot dipping)
- Prompt addressing of any porosities
Understanding Weldability of Various Steel Types
Weldability of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an incredibly tough and resilient metal that can be welded using various processes. Its corrosion-resistance is more impressive than mild steel, making it a popular choice for various fabrication projects. When choosing the appropriate welding process for your specific task, consider:
- Stainless or mild steel welding
- Use for high corrosion resistance applications or more demanding projects
Types of Stainless Steel
There are various varieties of stainless steel available, divided into four groups according to their microstructure. The alloy groups are generally designated by the presence of austenite- and ferrite-promoting elements, which help predict:
- Weldability
- Corrosion resistance
- Susceptibility to welding defects
Nickel and Weldability
Nickel can enhance the weldability of tin plate steel by:
- Encouraging austenite formation
- Increasing its ductility
- Improving weldability
Proper weld procedures must be used to avoid damage to the weld area, ensuring high-quality welds that do not contain defects.
Tinplate Production
Tinplate is produced by:
- Immersing cold-rolled strip steel in molten tin
- Electrolytic deposition of tin on its surface
This creates an alloy with low carbon content for better ductility and resistance to corrosion. Tinplate is:
- Non-toxic
- Tasteless
- Hygienic
These qualities make it popular as a food packaging material. Tinplate comes in different tempers depending on the quality of steel used:
- Standard grade
- Light-stone
- Stone matt
Second grade often consists of rejected strips from standard grade tinplate production lines.
Welding Stainless Steel to Mild and Tinplate Steel
Stainless steel can be easily welded to both mild and tinplate steel by various arc welding processes such as:
- TIG welding
- MIG welding
It can also be welded to dissimilar metals such as plain carbon steel. However, to prevent corrosion issues, it is wise to match similar weldable metals to one another. If you are considering welding stainless steel to mild or tinplate steel, contact a professional welding company to discuss the best options for your needs.
Compare the Durability of Tinplate and Stainless Steel
Tinplate Durability
Tinplate is a type of steel covered on both sides with a non-toxic pure tin coating, which offers:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Weldability
- Solderability
Tinplate is commonly used for:
- Food cans
- Deep-drawn oil filter shells
- Metal hoses
- Paint trays
- Industrial machinery manufacturing processes
Steel Composition and Strengthening
Steel is an alloy composed of carbon and iron, creating a hard and strong material. It can be further strengthened by adding elements such as:
- Manganese
- Tungsten
- Chromium
These elements make the alloy harder and more resilient against environmental hazards such as corrosion.
Stainless Steel Strength and Durability
Stainless steel is:
- Stronger and more durable than carbon or low-alloy steels
- Capable of withstanding higher loads and impacts
Its corrosion resistance means it resists:
- Scratches
- Abrasions
- Dent damage
However, stainless steel may not be as malleable as tin-plated steel.
Welding Considerations
Both galvanized and stainless steel can be welded, though there are certain considerations:
Stainless Steel Welding:
- May degrade its passive layer
- Increase brittleness
- Pickling treatments may reduce these side effects
Galvanized Steel Welding:
- May cause its zinc coating to melt away from its core steel component
- Coating may separate during welding
Tinplate Maintenance for Durability
Tinplate durability depends on its composition and processing but is generally less strong than stainless steel. Tin-plated steel products can be damaged by:
- Corrosion
- Mechanical wear
- Heat
To safeguard tinplate against these threats and extend its durability:
- Perform regular maintenance and repairs
- Clean the tin surface with a soft brush or cloth regularly
- Apply anti-rust primer or wax as soon as possible
Costs of Stainless Steel, Tinplate, and Galvanized Steel
Cost of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel tends to be more costly than galvanized steel but offers:
- Greater durability
- Superior corrosion resistance
Applications of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is suitable for:
- Building applications exposed to water or salt spray
- Food processing equipment, especially for meat or seafood products
Additionally, it has excellent heat transfer properties. However, it is less malleable than tin-plated steel, making reshaping difficult.
Uses of Tinplate
Tinplate is used in many containers such as:
- Beverage cans
- Food cans
- Artistic cans
Properties of Tinplate
Tinplate has:
- Beautiful metallic sheen
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Solderability
- Weldability
It comes in various finishes from bright to light-stone and can be directly lacquered.
Tin Plating Process
The tin plating process involves:
- Cleaning an object with acid
- Immersing it in a flux such as ammonium chloride to help the tin adhere
- Submerging the object in molten tin for several minutes
- Rinsing it in water and allowing it to dry, leaving a thin coating of tin on steel surfaces
Advantages of Tin
Tin is an excellent metal choice compared to galvanized steel for manufacturing products such as:
- Sinks
- Bathtubs
- Basins
Tin does not rust as readily and its plating process is simpler and cheaper than stainless steel, making it an appealing material choice.
Galvanized Steel Applications
Galvanized steel is an excellent material choice for applications in contact with chlorinated water, such as:
- Pools
- Hot tubs
Properties of Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel offers:
- Resistance against corrosion, rust, and scale formation
- Easy working conditions
- Cost effectiveness compared to aluminum or copper
Uses of Stainless Steel in Structural Applications
Stainless steel is widely used for structural applications, such as:
- Fasteners
- Beams
It is durable and easily weldable, making it an excellent material choice for machine parts. However, prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can lead to corrosion, making the use of galvanized fasteners important for areas with chlorinated water, such as kitchen or bathroom plumbing.
