Designation: A 624/A 624M – 98

Standard Specification for

Tin Mill Products, Electrolytic Tin Plate, Single Reduced1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 624/A 624M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope B 339 Specification for Pig Tin3

1.1 This specification covers single-reduced electrolytic tin 3. Ordering Information
plate produced from low-carbon cold-reduced steel furnished
in coils and cut sizes for use in the manufacture of cans, 3.1 Orders for product under this specification shall include
closures, crowns, and other products. It is furnished in com- the following information, as required and applicable, to
mercially available tin coatings, and is normally supplied with describe adequately the desired product:
a trimmed edge. 3.1.1 Name of product (single-reduced electrolytic tin plate)
1.2 This specification is applicable to orders in either (Section 1),
inch-pound units (as A 624) which is supplied in nominal 3.1.2 Tin coating weight [mass] designation and marking, if
thicknesses from 0.0061 to 0.0149 in. or SI units [as A 624M] any (Section 4, Table 1, and Fig. 1 and Fig. 2),
which is supplied in nominal thicknesses from 0.15 to 0.38 3.1.3 Surface appearance and finish (Section 5),
mm. 3.1.4 Chemical treatment (Section 6),
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to 3.1.5 Oiling (Section 7),
be regarded as standard within the text, the SI units are shown 3.1.6 Thickness (Specification A 623 [A 623M]) (this must
in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact be consistent with the intended application),
equivalents. Therefore, each system must be used indepen- 3.1.7 Coil width or cut size,
dently of the other. Combining values from the two systems 3.1.8 Where required, rolling direction will be specified on
may result in nonconformance with this specification. cut sizes and will be indicated by underlining the slit (rolling
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the width) dimension,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.9 Steel type (Specification A 623 [A 623M]),
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.10 Temper designation (Specification A 623 [A 623M])
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- (this must be consistent with the intended application),
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.11 Intended application,
3.1.12 Quantity in base boxes (SITAS) (see Note 4),
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.13 On coils, specify minimum or range of acceptable
2.1 ASTM Standards: inside diameters. The standard inside diameter is approxi-
A 623 Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Require- mately 16 in. if ordered as A 624 [410 mm if ordered as A
ments2 624M]. Coils should be specified to a maximum coil weight if
A 623M Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Re- ordered as A 624 [mass if ordered as A 624M], or maximum
quirements (Metric)2 outside diameter or both,
A 630 Test Methods for Determination of Tin Coating 3.1.14 Packaging,
Weights for Hot-Dip and Electrolytic Tin Plate2 3.1.15 Special requirements where applicable, J = plate or K
A 754 Test Method for Coating Thickness by X-Ray Fluo- = plate, and
rescence2 3.1.16 ASTM specification designation and year of issue.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description for coils is as follows: 1250
base boxes, single reduced, electrolytic tin plate, No. 20, DOS, L, T-5, 7C,
0.0088 in. thickness 31 4⁄16 in. by coil, 16 in. inside diameter, 65 in.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-1 on Steel, maximum outside diameter, 25 000 lbs maximum coil weight, for 300
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee diameter sanitary open top ends in accordance with Specification A 624.
A01.20 on Tin Mill Products.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1998. Published March 1999. Originally
published as A 624 – 68. Last previous edition A 624 – 95.
2 3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.06. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.04.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 A 624/A 624M – 98
TABLE 1 Electrolytic Tin Plate Coating Weight [Mass] 4.1.1 Electrolytic tin plate is commonly produced to the
NOTE 1—Listed below are commonly produced coating weights class designations shown in Table 1. Other combinations of
[masses]. By agreement between the producer and the purchaser, other coatings may be specified by agreement between the producer
combinations of the coatings may be specified and the appropriate and the purchaser.
minimum average test values will apply. 4.1.2 Differentially coated tin plate is a product having one
Nominal Tin Coating Minimum Average surface more heavily tin coated than the opposite. The class
Weight [Mass] each Sur- Coating Weight [Mass]
Designation No. 2
face, lb/base box [g/m ] each Surface Test
designation is expressed by showing the two tin coating
Value, lb/base boxA weights [masses] separated by a slash mark, for example, 50/25
[g/m2] D 5.6/28. The first number will represent the coating weight
5 [0.6/0.6]B 0.025/0.025 [0.6/0.6] 0.02/0.02 [0.5/0.5] [mass] on the outside of the coil or the top surface of the cut
10 [1.1/1.1] 0.05/0.05 [1.1/1.1] 0.04/0.04 [0.9/0.9] sizes.
15 [1.7/1.7] 0.075/0.075 [1.7/1.7] 0.06/0.06 [1.4/1.4]
20 [2.2/2.2] 0.10/0.10 [2.2/2.2] 0.08/0.08 [1.8/1.8] 4.1.3 In order to distinguish material having differential
25 [2.8/2.8] 0.125/0.125 [2.8/2.8] 0.11/0.11 [2.5/2.5] coatings, the face with the heavier coating is normally marked.
35 [3.9/3.9] 0.175/0.175 [3.9/3.9] 0.16/0.16 [3.6/3.6]
50 [5.6/5.6] 0.25/0.25 [5.6/5.6] 0.23/0.23 [5.2/5.2]
By arrangement, a special marking can be supplied on the
75 [8.4/8.4] 0.375/0.375 [8.4/8.4] 0.35/0.35 [7.8/7.8] light-coated face (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The letter D is shown
100 [11.2/11.2] 0.50/0.50 [11.2/11.2] 0.45/0.45 [10.1/10.1] along with the coating number to indicate the side of the plate
D 50/25 [D 5.6/2.8]C 0.25/0.125 [5.6/2.8] 0.23/0.11 [5.2/2.5]
D 75/25 [D 8.4/2.8] 0.375/0.125 [8.4/2.8] 0.35/0.11 [7.8/2.5]
to be marked.
D 100/25 [D 11.2/2.8] 0.50/0.125 [11.2/2.8] 0.45/0.11 [10.1/2.5] 4.2 Sampling for Tin Coating Weights [Masses]:
D 100/50 [D 11.2/5.6] 0.50/0.25 [11.2/5.6] 0.45/0.23 [10.1/5.2]
D 135/25 [D 15.2/2.8] 0.675/0.125 [15.2/2.8] 0.62/0.11 [14.0/2.5]
4.2.1 When the purchaser wishes to make tests to ascertain
A
compliance with the requirements of this specification for tin
The minimum spot value shall be not less than 80 % of the minimum average
coating weight [mass] (see 4.3 and 4.4). coating weight [mass] on a lot of any specific item of
B
Some No. 5 melted applications may require revised minimum and maximum electrolytic tin plate, the following procedure shall be used:
levels for fully alloyed end uses.
C
The letter D on differentially coated tin plate indicates the coated surface to be
4.2.1.1 Coils—One test strip shall be taken at random from
marked. For example, the examples indicate that the heavy-coated side is marked a representative section of each coil across its width. A
(see 4.1.2 and 4.1.3). minimum of three test strips, each taken from different coils
from any one item of a specific lot shall be selected.
[250 SITAS, single reduced electrolytic tin plate, 2.2/2.2, DOS, L, T-5, 7C, 4.2.1.2 From one or two coil lots, each coil shall be
0.22 mm thickness, 794 mm by coil, 410 mm inside diameter, 1650 mm sampled. A minimum of three randomly selected test strips
maximum outside diameter, 11 500 kg maximum coil mass, for 73-mm
diameter sanitary open top ends in accordance with Specification
shall represent the lot.
A 624M.] 4.2.1.3 Cut Sizes—One sheet shall be taken at random from
NOTE 2—A typical ordering description for cut sizes is as follows: 500 each 50 packages, or part thereof, with a minimum of three
base boxes, single reduced electrolytic tin plate, No. 25, DOS, MR, T-2, different sample plates, each taken from different bundles from
7C, 0.0110 in. thickness, 30 12⁄16 in. by 30 7⁄16 in., for 307 diameter general any one item of a specific shipment.
line rings in accordance with Specification A 624. [100 SITAS, single
reduced electrolytic tin plate, 2.8/2.8, DOS, MR, T-2, 7C, 0.28 mm
4.2.2 Each test sheet shall be spot tested at a minimum of
thickness, 781 by 773 mm, for 83-mm diameter general line rings in three locations across the rolling direction of the sheet. Spot
accordance with Specification A 624M.] tests are customarily disks or squares 4 in.2 [26 cm2] in area;
NOTE 3—The production of coils does not afford the same opportunity other sizes may be used. In order to secure representative
for inspection, grading, and sorting as does the production of cut sizes. samples, the following procedure shall be used:
Accordingly, appropriate processing and quality-control procedures are 4.2.2.1 All test spots are taken on a center line at right
required by the purchaser to obtain optimum utilization of the material.
Cut sizes are line inspected visually and mechanically during production.
angles to the rolling direction.
Sheets having surface imperfections that will not interfere with their 4.2.2.2 No test spots shall be closer than 1 in. [25 mm] from
utilization are included. the mill-trimmed edge of the test sheets.
NOTE 4—In inch-pound units, single reduced electrolytic tin plate is 4.2.2.3 No test spots shall be closer than 2 in. [50 mm] from
supplied on an area basis expressed in base boxes. In coils the number of one another.
base boxes is computed from the measured length and the specified width.
In cut sizes the number of base boxes is computed from the specified 4.2.2.4 If the minimum of three test spots are taken they
length and width dimensions and sheet count. [In SI units, single-reduced shall be edge, center, and edge tests.
electrolytic tin plate is supplied on an area basis expressed in SITAS. In 4.2.2.5 The average of all spot tests on all test strips or
coils, the number of SITAS is computed from the measured length and the sheets represents the average coating weight [mass] test value.
specified width. In cut sizes, the number of SITAS is computed from the
4.3 Coating weight [mass] test values shall conform to the
specified length and width dimensions and sheet count]. For calculating
mass, the density of steel for tin mill products is 0.2836 lb/in.3 [7850 values shown in Table 1.
kg/m3]. 4.4 Determination of Tin Coating Weights [Masses]—
Typical methods for determination of tin coating weights
4. Tin Coating Weight [Mass] [masses] are described in Test Methods A 630. An acceptable
4.1 Class Designations and Marking: method for determining tin coating weight [mass] is the x-ray

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 A 624/A 624M – 98

FIG. 1 Standard Heavy Side Marking System for Differential Electrolytic Tin Plate

fluorescence method, performed in accordance with Test 5.2.1.2 7C—A smooth finish with grit lines. The surface
Method A 754. In cases of dispute, Method B, Referee Method, roughness will range between 10 and 25 µin. Ra (0.254 to
shall be used. 0.635 µm Ra). This is the standard finish for tin mill products.
4.5 Pig tin used in the production of tin plate shall be Grade 5.2.2 Blasted and/or Otherwise Textured Roll Finish-
A as shown in the latest revision of Specification B 339. es (produced as either melted or unmelted coatings):
5.2.2.1 5C— A shot blast finish (SBF) for general applica-
5. Surface Appearance and Finish tions. The surface roughness will range from 30 to 60 µin. Ra
5.1 Surface Appearance—Single-reduced electrolytic tin (0.760 to 1.52 µm Ra).
plate is customarily produced with a melted coating (bright). 5.2.2.2 5D—A shot blast finish for special applications.
Unmelted coating (matte) is also available.
5.2 Base Metal Finish—Single-reduced electrolytic tin plate 6. Chemical Treatment
is produced with ground roll finishes and shot-blasted roll 6.1 Electrolytic tin plate as produced without a surface
finishes as follows: chemical treatment is subject to tin oxide growth that is
5.2.1 Ground Roll Finishes (produced as either melted or manifested by surface discoloration during storage and subse-
unmelted coatings): quent baking operations and may adversely affect application
5.2.1.1 7B—A smooth finish which may contain fine grit and adhesion of organic coatings and lithography, and may
lines. This finish is specified for special applications. cause poor solderability. A chemical treatment is therefore

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 A 624/A 624M – 98

FIG. 2 Standard Light Side Marking System for Differential Electrolytic Tin Plate

applied in most cases after the tin coating has been deposited specified, the surface chemical treatment will be left to the
and immediately preceding the oiling, to control tin oxide discretion of the tin plate producer.
formation and growth. The chemical treatment is applied by 6.2 In order of decreasing surface passivation, the com-
passing the strip through a chemical solution with or without monly used chemical treatments for tin plate are as follows:
current. Chemical treatments on electrolytic tin plate are 6.2.1 Cathodic Sodium Dichromate (CDC) Treatment:
applied commensurate with each supplier’s method and equip- 6.2.1.1 The cathodic sodium dischromate treatment is the
ment; however, one of the controlling factors is the amount of most widely used treatment, and provides a highly passivated
combined chromium present on the surface. Unless otherwise surface against the formation of tin oxides. It has the following

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 A 624/A 624M – 98
attributes: ( 1) minimum tin oxide growth after prolonged Other oil films may be used. Surface active agents such as
storage; ( 2) minimized discoloration during subsequent baking glycerol monooleate may be incorporated into the oil films for
required for organic coatings and lithography; (3) minimized application on tin plate.
discoloration due to soldering operation; and (4) provides some 7.2 Unless indicated by the purchaser the specific oiling
resistance to tin sulfide discoloration of certain sulfur-bearing treatment will be left to the discretion of the tin plate producer.
food products. 7.3 Weight [Mass] of Oil Films—The weight [mass] of oil
6.2.1.2 Cathodic sodium dichromate-treated tin plate has an film as applied by the supplier of tin plate normally ranges
aim range of 350 to 650 µg of chromium per square foot of from approximately 0.10 g/base box to 0.40 g/base box [0.50 to
surface. [4000 to 7000 µg of chromium per square metre of 2.00 g/SITA (5 to 20 mg/m2)]. Specific aim ranges required for
surface.] particular end uses and handling practices may be supplied as
6.2.2 Sodium Dichromate Dip (SDCD/SDD) Treatment: agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser.
6.2.2.1 The sodium dichromate dip treatment provides mod-
erate passivation against tin oxide formation. 8. General Requirements for Delivery
6.2.2.2 Sodium dichromate dip-treated tin plate has a maxi- 8.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
mum of 200 µg of chromium per square foot of surface. [2200 form to the applicable requirements of the current edition of
µg of chromium per square metre of surface.] Specification A 623 or A 623M, unless otherwise provided
herein.
7. Oiling
7.1 Electrolytic tin plate is furnished with an oil film applied 9. Keywords
to both surfaces. The most commonly used oil films are dioctyl 9.1 coated steel sheet; tin mill products; tin plate
sebacate (di(2-ethyl-hexyl) sebacate) and acetyl tributyl citrate.

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