What is Tin Plating?

History

• Tin plating was first developed in Bohemia about 1200 AD, according to Ohio State University (OSU). Tin was used to coat cans of iron. Not until the 17th century was the secret of the plating process revealed. It spread throughout Europe and eventually to the U.S..

Tin Cans

• In the early 19th century, after Nicholas Appert discovered how to preserve food in tin containers and Peter Durand patented a sealed, cylindrical can covered in tinplate, according to OSU.

Soldering

• Tin is commonly used to plate materials to make them easier to solder. Tin is malleable and a good conductor of electricity, according to INTATech.com. Tin plating is often used in the electronics and automotive industries.