Electrolytic Tinplate (ET)

The traditional material used in the manufacture of steel cans. The tin coating can be deposited either equally or differentially on each surface. The mass of tin on each surface is expressed in grams per square metre (g m^-2) and can be supplied down to a minimum of 0.5 g m^-2, and up to a maximum of 11.2 g m^-2. The tin used has a purity of not less than 99.85%. ET material can be joined by welding or adhesive bonding.

Electrolytic Chromium/Chromium Oxide Coated Steel - ECCS (Hi-Top)

Used for making can ends and in some light engineering applications. ECCS has a coating which is a duplex structure and consists of approximately 80% chromium metal adjacent to the steel substrate and 20% hydrated chromic oxide/hydroxide in a layer above it. ECCS material is normally joined by adhesive bonding.

Polymer Laminated Steel (Ferrolite)

Ferrolite polymer film coatings adhere to the substrate (ECCS material is used as the substrate) through the use of special bonding layers which are co-extruded with the main polymer layer. The main types used are: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Nylon (N)polyamide.

Hot-Dip Lead/Tin Alloy Coated Steel (Ternex)

Ternex is cold reduced sheet and coil that is hot-dip coated with an alloy of lead and tin. A nickel flash film is electro-deposited onto the steel substrate before the dipping process. The inherent inertness of the alloy coating gives excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of conditions, further enhanced by the reduced porosity offered by the nickel layer. The exceptionally strong bond formed between the coating and the steel base permits extra deep drawing of the product without flaking or cracking of the coating. Ternex can be seam or spot welded, soft soldered or brazed, using normal methods.

Pre-Painted Steel (Colorcoat / Stelvetite)

The basic difference between the two materials is that Colorcoat products are pre-painted coatings i.e. they are applied in liquid form, whereas Stelvetite is a film laminate coating bonded to the steel by an adhesive. A variety of coatings is available to meet the demands of many different applications. Colorcoat or Stelvetite, or both, are used for domestic appliances, consumer and industrial electronic equipment (video, audio, computers, microwaves, etc.) automotive components, shelving, office furniture, interior walling and cladding, doors, gas and electric heating appliances, and scientific and telecommunications equipment.