Cost-Effective, Sulfur-Resistant, and Printable Packaging Material

What Is Tin-Free Steel (TFS / ECCS)?

Tin-Free Steel (TFS), also known as Electrolytic Chromium-Coated Steel (ECCS), is a reliable alternative to traditional electrolytic tinplate sheets. Instead of tin, the steel surface is coated with metallic chromium and a chromium oxide layer.

This unique coating structure provides:

• Superior lacquer adhesion
• Excellent sulfur corrosion resistance
• A printable surface finish for branding and decorative designs

Compared with electrolytic tinplate, tin free steel plates and coils are more cost-effective for certain packaging applications, especially chemical cans, EOE lids, and sulfur-containing food products. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Tinplate vs. Tin-Free Steel for Packaging Needs.

Key Benefits of Tin-Free Steel

• 💲 Cost-Effective Alternative – Lower cost compared to traditional tinplate while meeting packaging performance standards.
• 🎨 Superior Lacquer Adhesion – The chromium oxide layer is naturally micro-porous, creating strong anchor points for coatings and inks. This ensures excellent paint and lacquer bonding.
• 🛡️ High Corrosion Resistance – Resists sulfur-induced corrosion, making it ideal for acidic or sulfur-rich food and beverage packaging.
• 🍱 Food-Safe with Lacquering – For direct food contact, tin free steel (ECCS) must always be internally lacquered to ensure safety and prevent contamination.
• ⚙️ Formability & Strength – Suitable for can ends, crown caps, closures, and aerosol domes requiring both durability and shaping performance.
• ✨ Decorative Potential – Smooth surface finish (bright, matte, silver) supports high-quality printing and branding.

Specifications & Dimensions

Our tin free steel coils and sheets meet JIS G3315 and ASTM A657 standards.

Item	Specification
Thickness	0.14 – 0.30 mm
Width	600 – 1000 mm
Chromium Coating (Cr/CrOx)	50 – 130 mg/m² (total)
Base Steel Grades	MR, SPCC
Temper	T2 – T4, DR7 – DR9
Surface Finish	Bright / Matte / Silver
Coil Inner Diameter	508 mm / 610 mm
Surface Treatment	Lacquered, Oiled, Passivated

Mechanical Properties

Grade	Yield Strength (MPa)	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)
T2	≥ 245	270–350	≥ 30
T3	≥ 275	300–370	≥ 28
T4	≥ 305	340–410	≥ 26
DR8	≥ 370	420–510	≥ 2.5
DR9	≥ 410	470–560	≥ 1.5

Applications of Tin-Free Steel Packaging

CJM’s TFS / ECCS sheets and coils are widely used in:

• Food and beverage can ends (EOE lids, pull-tabs, closures)
• Cosmetic and medical packaging
• Paint and coating cans
• Crown caps and bottle closures
• Aerosol domes and bottoms
• Battery jackets and industrial containers

Especially suitable for acidic foods, beverages containing sulfur, and packaging requiring long shelf-life with high-quality printing.

Find the Right TFS for Your Application – Get Expert Advice

Quality Assurance & Testing‌

• In-House Lab Testing: Spectrometer analysis, hardness tests, surface roughness checks
• Dimensional Accuracy: Laser micrometers for thickness and width
• Defect Detection: Automated eddy current scanning for surface flaws
• Performance Tests: Salt spray resistance up to 500 hours

Packaging & Logistics

• Standard Export Packaging: Waterproof paper + steel straps + wooden pallets
• Flexible Options: OEM packaging and bulk shipments available
• Global Logistics: FOB, CIF, or door-to-door delivery with real-time tracking

Factory & Equipment‌

Contact Us‌

CJM supplies tin free steel plates, electrolytic chromium coated steel (ECCS), and electrolytic tinplate coils/sheets to 40+ countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South America.

📩 Contact us today for pricing, samples, and technical support on tin free steel for food and industrial packaging.

FAQ: Tin-Free Steel vs Tinplate

Q1: Is tin-free steel safe for food packaging?
Yes — but only with internal lacquer. Tin free steel coils and sheets must be lacquered before direct food contact to ensure safety.

Q2: What is the difference between electrolytic tinplate and tin-free steel?

• Electrolytic tinplate sheets: Tin coating, safe for direct food contact, glossy finish.
• Electrolytic chromium coated steel (TFS / ECCS): Chromium coating, requires lacquer, superior adhesion, lower cost.

Q3: Can tin-free steel replace tinplate in all applications?
Not in all cases. Tinplate is preferred for uncoated direct food contact. TFS is better for chemical packaging, lacquered food lids, and sulfur-rich products.

Q: What is your company’s main products/services?

A: We are a professional manufacturer for Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel and Profile products. We have the experience of steel business for more than 10 years and our products are exported to Mid East,South America,Southeast Asia,Africa,South and East Asia etc.

Q: Can I go to your factory for a visit?

A: Of course, we welcome customers from all over the world to visit our factory.

Q: What are your terms of payment?

A: 30% T/T deposite and 70% balance before shipment.

Q: What is your delivery time?

A: For stocks,we could transport the goods to loading port within 7 days after we received the deposit; For production,it usually takes about 15-30 days after receiving the deposit.

Q: Do you provide samples? Are they free or paid?

A: Samples are available for free,but the courier freight will be covered by customer account.

Q: Do you accept the third party inspection?

A:Yes, we fully accept ‌third-party inspections.

Q: Why should I buy from you not from other suppliers?

A: Integrating the superior resources of China’s steel industry, we provide customers with high-quality steel products at preferential prices, and can ensure that the goods are delivered to customers in a timely manner.

Q:How can you guarantee quality?

A: Always a pre-production sample before mass production;Always 100% inspected before shipment