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What Is Tinplate Coil (ETP / SPTE)? Guide for Buyers & Manufacturers
In the global metal packaging and industrial manufacturing sectors, tinplate coil (ETP / SPTE) is a mission-critical material known for its corrosion resistance, formability, and food-safe performance.
As an experienced tinplate coil manufacturer and exporter, Hengze Steel supplies high-quality SPTE / ETP tinplate coils to can makers, packaging factories, and industrial buyers worldwide.
This in-depth guide explains what tinplate coil is, how it is produced, its technical specifications, standards, applications, and how buyers can select the right material for their production needs.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Tinplate Coil (ETP / SPTE)?1. What Is Tinplate Coil (ETP / SPTE)?
- 2. ETP vs. SPTE: Terminology Explained2. ETP vs. SPTE: Terminology Explained
- 3. How Tinplate Coil Is Manufactured3. How Tinplate Coil Is Manufactured
- 4. Tinplate Coil Technical Specifications4. Tinplate Coil Technical Specifications
- 5. Surface Finishes & Temper Grades5. Surface Finishes & Temper Grades
- 6. Common Applications of Tinplate Coil6. Common Applications of Tinplate Coil
- 7. Advantages of Tinplate for Packaging & Manufacturing7. Advantages of Tinplate for Packaging & Manufacturing
- 8. International Standards & Quality Control8. International Standards & Quality Control
- 9. Tinplate Coil Buying Guide for Manufacturers9. Tinplate Coil Buying Guide for Manufacturers
- 10. Sustainability & Recycling Performance10. Sustainability & Recycling Performance
- 11. Conclusion: Partner with Hengze Steel11. Conclusion: Partner with Hengze Steel
1. What Is Tinplate Coil (ETP / SPTE)?
Tinplate coil is a cold-rolled low-carbon steel strip electrolytically coated with a thin, uniform layer of tin on both sides. This tin coating significantly enhances corrosion resistance, surface appearance, solderability, and chemical stability.
In international trade and technical documentation, tinplate coil is commonly referred to as:
ETP (Electrolytic Tinplate)
SPTE (Steel Plate Tin Electrolytic)
Both terms describe the same product category, widely used in food packaging tinplate, beverage cans, aerosol containers, and industrial metal packaging.
Primary SEO terms naturally covered here:
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2. ETP vs. SPTE: Terminology Explained
Although often confusing for new buyers, the distinction is mostly semantic:
ETP (Electrolytic Tinplate)
Refers to the manufacturing process, where tin is deposited via electrolysis.SPTE (Steel Plate Tin Electrolytic)
Refers to the finished product designation, commonly used in export contracts and standards.
👉 In practice, ETP and SPTE are interchangeable terms describing electrolytically tin-coated steel used for packaging and industrial forming.
3. How Tinplate Coil Is Manufactured
High-quality tinplate coil production requires strict process control at every stage:
Low-carbon cold-rolled steel (MR, SPCC, or equivalent) provides:
Excellent formability
Consistent thickness
Mechanical strength for stamping and deep drawing
3.2 Electrolytic Tin Coating
The steel strip passes through an electrolytic bath where:
Tin ions are deposited evenly on both surfaces
Coating weight is precisely controlled (e.g. 2.8/2.8, 5.6/5.6 g/m²)
3.3 Annealing & Surface Treatment
Post-coating annealing improves ductility and eliminates internal stress.
Optional passivation and oiling protect the surface during storage and transport.
Hengze Steel ensures coating uniformity and surface cleanliness suitable for high-speed can-making lines.
4. Tinplate Coil Technical Specifications
4.1 Thickness & Width Range
Typical production ranges:
Thickness: 0.13 – 0.70 mm
Width: 600 – 1400 mm
(Custom sizes available based on application)
4.2 Tin Coating Weights
Common coating combinations:
1.1 / 1.1 g/m²
2.8 / 2.8 g/m²
5.6 / 5.6 g/m²
Higher coating weights provide enhanced corrosion resistance for aggressive contents.
5. Surface Finishes & Temper Grades
Bright Finish: High gloss, excellent printability
Stone Finish: Reduced reflectivity, stable forming
Matte Finish: Industrial or functional applications
Temper Grades
T1 – T5: Progressive hardness levels for stamping and drawing
DR7 – DR9: Double-reduced grades for lightweight, high-strength cans
Selecting the correct temper is critical for deep drawing tinplate applications.
6. Common Applications of Tinplate Coil
6.1 Food & Beverage Packaging
Food cans (meat, fish, vegetables, fruit)
Beverage and drink cans
Edible oil containers
6.2 Aerosol & Chemical Packaging
Spray cans
Paint and coating containers
Industrial chemical tins
6.3 Electrical & Industrial Components
Electronic housings
Metal caps, lids, closures
Decorative and household containers
7. Advantages of Tinplate for Packaging & Manufacturing
Tinplate coil remains the preferred packaging material due to:
Excellent corrosion resistance
Food-safe and non-toxic surface
Outstanding formability and weldability
Superior printing and branding performance
High strength with lightweight potential
These advantages make SPTE/ETP tinplate ideal for high-volume industrial manufacturing.
8. International Standards & Quality Control
Tinplate coils supplied by Hengze Steel comply with major global standards:
ASTM A623 / A623M
JIS G3303
EN 10202 / EN 10203
GB/T 2520
Each batch can be delivered with:
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
Coating weight inspection
Surface quality inspection
9. Tinplate Coil Buying Guide for Manufacturers
When sourcing tinplate coil for packaging, buyers should evaluate:
Application requirements (food, chemical, aerosol)
Correct temper and coating weight
Supplier quality control system
Export packaging & logistics experience
Working with a reliable supplier like Hengze Steel reduces production risk and ensures long-term supply stability.
10. Sustainability & Recycling Performance
Tinplate is:
100% recyclable
Easily separated in steel recycling streams
Reusable without performance degradation
This makes tinplate an environmentally responsible choice aligned with global sustainability goals.
11. Conclusion: Partner with Hengze Steel
Understanding tinplate coil specifications, standards, and applications is essential for manufacturers and buyers.
With strong technical expertise, stable supply chains, and strict quality control, Hengze Steel is your reliable partner for:
SPTE / ETP tinplate coils
Food-grade tinplate solutions
Industrial packaging steel materials
Contact Hengze Steel today to discuss your tinplate coil requirements and receive professional technical support.
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