- Tin plating is generally done by electroplating tin onto another metal. Tin-plated metal is used in military, transportation, aerospace and decorative applications. When a metal is tin-plated, it has a longer shelf life for soldering, and tin deters corrosion. Tin-plated metal is a good decorative surface option because it is inexpensive and does not tarnish. Specifications for tin plating are issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS).
- The ASTM specification B-545 for tin plating breaks the plate thickness up into five classes. Class A plating is .0001 inch thick and is used for mild conditions where the surface is not likely to tarnish. Class B plating is .0002 inch thick and is used for moderate conditions indoors. Class C plating is .0003 to .0004 inches thick and is used for severe conditions with high heat. Class D plating is .0006 to .0008 inches thick and is used for very severe conditions where the surface is subject to abrasion. Class E plating is .0008 to .001 inches thick and is used in containers or areas with high exposure to water.
- Tin plating classified under the AMS specification number 2408 is labeled with the specification number and a suffix that notes the thickness of the plating. Plating that is classified as 2408-1 must have tin plating that is at least .0001 inch thick. Plating classified at 2408-2 must be at least .0002 inch thick, 2408-3 must be .0003 inch thick and so on.
- Tin plating may be one of three finishes: matte, bright or flow-brightened. Matte finish is obtained when brightening agents are not used. Bright finishes are obtained when brightening agents are mixed into the plating solution. A flow-brightened finish begins as a matte finish; the metal is then heated above the plating's melting point for a few seconds and dipped in cool water.
ASTM Specification
AMS Specification
Surface Finish
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