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Tinplate specifications look like a wall of numbers: T3, 2.8/2.8, DR8, stone finish. Consequently, buyers who do not decode these numbers get the wrong material. This guide translates the technical indicators you see on a mill certificate into practical meaning. Here are the key indicators and what they control.

Temper Grade: T1 Through T6

Temper grade sets the hardness and formability:

Grade	Hardness (HR30T)	Best for
T1	49 max	Deep drawing, easy forming
T2	49–53	General can bodies
T3	53–57	Standard can stock
T4	57–61	Ends and closures
T5	61–65	Crown caps, rigid parts
T6	65 min	Highly rigid parts

Consequently, T3 is the workhorse for general cans. T5 suits ends that need stiffness.

Tin Coating Weight: g/m² Per Side

Tin weight is written as 2.8/2.8, 5.6/2.8, or 11.2/11.2. The first number is the top side; the second is the bottom side. Furthermore, heavier tin means more corrosion margin:

• 1.1/1.1: low-cost, mild use.
• 2.8/2.8: standard food cans.
• 5.6/2.8: acidic foods.
• 11.2/11.2: aggressive foods (meat, fish).

Thickness Tolerance

Tinplate thickness ranges from 0.15 to 0.50 mm. Furthermore, the tolerance is tight: typically ±0.01 mm for 0.20 mm stock. Consequently, gauge variation affects can height and wall thickness.

Surface Finish

Two main finishes:

• Stone finish (matte): uniform, non-reflective, best for lacquer and print.
• Bright finish: reflective, from heavy cold reduction, for decorative use.

Consequently, specify the finish that matches your downstream process.

Oil Weight

Palm oil at 8–12 mg/m² suits lacquer-ready stock. Furthermore, DOS oil at 2–5 mg/m² suits print-ready stock. Specify the oil type when ordering.

Related Stock We Supply

We ship tinplate substrates and related sheet products:

• C11000 / T2 Copper Plate in controlled thickness and surface finish.
• C12200 / TP2 Copper Tube in tight tolerance dimensions.

Specify the Full Specification

A complete order reads: “T3, 0.20 mm ±0.01, 2.8/2.8 g/m², stone finish, palm oil 10 mg/m², GB/T 2520.” Leave out the temper or tin weight and the mill ships its default.

Get the Right Tinplate Spec

Tell us your can type and destination standard (GB, ASTM, EN). We will confirm stock and quote with a mill certificate.

• Email: vera.liang@ztwysteel.com
• Location: Xishan District, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
• Supply range: tinplate substrates, copper plate/tube, nickel alloys, electrical steel
• Documentation: MTC with temper, tin weight, thickness, finish, oil weight
• Standards: GB/T 2520, ASTM A624, EN 10203

We reply within one working day.