Why is tin such a popular choice for electroplating? Perhaps the biggest reason is that tin plating — or “tinning” — is an extremely cost-effective process. Because tin is so readily available, it is much less expensive than pricier metals such as gold, platinum or palladium. Tin also offers excellent solderability, as well as superior protection against corrosion.

Tin plating can produce a whitish-gray color that is preferable when a dull or matte appearance is desired. It can also produce a shiny, metallic look when a bit more luster is preferred. Tin offers a decent level of conductivity, making tin plating useful in the manufacturing of various electronic components. Tin is also FDA approved for use in the food service industry.

Industries That Make Use of Tin Plating
The benefits listed above make tin the metal of choice for plating applications in a wide range of industries including:

Aerospace
Food Service
Electronics
Telecommunications
Jewelry Manufacturing
Sharretts Plating services many of these industries, contact us today for a free quote!

Basic Tin Plating Processes
There are three basic types of tin plating, each of which relies on the deposition of an electrolytic tin solution onto the surface of a metal object:

Barrel plating: Barrel plating is normally used for plating smaller parts and entails placing the objects in a specially constructed vessel, commonly referred to as a barrel. The barrel slowly rotates while immersed in the electrolytic plating solution. Barrel plating of tin is extremely cost-effective, although it takes a relatively long time to complete the plating process.
Rack plating: Rack plating is the preferred option for plating tin on larger or more delicate parts that may not be suitable for the barrel plating process. With rack plating, the objects are hung on a rack and immersed in the plating solution. Although rack plating is more labor-intensive and therefore more expensive than barrel plating, it offers greater control over plating thickness and can be more effective in reaching cavities deep within the object.
Vibratory plating: Also used for delicate parts, vibratory plating involves placing the parts in a basket equipped with metal buttons that also contains the electrolytic plating solution. A generator is used to produce a vibrating action that causes the parts to move and make contact with the metal buttons. Vibratory plating is typically the most expensive form of tin plating and requires a special drying process that may cause the parts to bend.

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