ASTM A599/A599M-07(2017)

Standard Specification for Tin Mill Products, Electrolytic Tin-Coated, Cold-Rolled Sheet

ABSTRACT
This specification covers cold-rolled steel sheet in coils or in cut lengths, tin-coated by electrodeposition. The product is commonly known as electrolytic tin-coated sheet, and is for applications that need good solderability, good surface appearance, and a degree of corrosion resistance. The material shall conform to specified chemical composition requirements. The mechanical property requirements for structural steel, high-strength low-alloy steel with and without improved formability, commercial steel, and deep drawing steel are presented in details. The weight [mass] of coating shall conform to specified requirements fit for individual coating designations. The typical methods for determination of tin coating weights are described.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers cold-rolled steel sheet in coils or in cut lengths, tin-coated by electrodeposition. The product is commonly known as electrolytic tin-coated sheet, and is for applications that need good solderability, good surface appearance, and a degree of corrosion resistance. Tin-coated sheet is produced to various designations of tin coating, as outlined in Table 1.  
TABLE 1 Electrolytic Tin-Coated Sheets Coating Weight [Mass]
Note 1: Listed below are the commonly produced coating weights [mass] upon agreement between the producer and the purchaser. Other combinations of coatings may be specified and the appropriate minimum average test valuesA apply.    
Designation No.  
Nominal Tin Coating
Weight [Mass]
(Each Surface)
lb/base box (g/m2)B  
Minimum Average Coating
Weight [Mass]
(Each Surface Test Value)
lb/base box (g/m2)B, C  
5 (0.6/0.6)  
0.025/0.025 (0.6/0.6)  
0.02/0.02 (0.5/0.5)  
10 (1.1/1.1)  
0.05/0.05 (1.1/1.1)  
0.04/0.04 (0.9/0.9)  
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)  
25 (2.8/2.8)  
0.125/0.125 (2.8/2.8)  
0.11/0.11 (2.5/2.5)  
50 (5.6/5.6)  
0.25/0.25 (5.6/5.6)  
0.23/0.23 (5.2/5.2)  
75 (8.4/8.4)  
0.375/0.375 (8.4/8.4)  
0.35/0.35 (7.8/7.8)  
100 (11.2/11.2)  
0.50/0.50 (11.2/11.2)  
0.45/0.45 (10.1/10.1) (A) Refer to Specifications A623 and A623M.(B) A base box is defined as a unit of area equivalent to 112 sheets 14 in. by 20 in. or 31 360 in.2 (refer to Specification A623).(C) The minimum single spot value shall not be less than 80 % of the minimum average tin coating weight [mass] (see 8.1 and 8.2).  
1.1.1 Electrolytic tin-coated sheet is customarily available as commercial steel (CS); drawing steel (DS); deep drawing steel (DDS); extra deep drawing steel (EDDS), and structural steel (SS). The tin coating is available as unmelted or melted.  
1.2 Limitations—This specification is applicable to orders in either inch-pound units (as A599), which is supplied in thicknesses from 0.015 in. to 0.036 in., or SI units [as A599M], which is supplied in thicknesses from 0.381 mm to 0.914 mm. For thicknesses lighter than 0.015 in. [0.381 mm], refer to A624/A624M [A624M].  
1.3 Unless the order shows the “M” designation [SI units], the product shall be furnished to inch-pound units. The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with this specification.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.20 - Tin Mill Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A630-16a(2024) - Standard Test Methods for Determination of Tin Coating Weights for Electrolytic Tin Plate
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A1008/A1008M-23e1 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Required Hardness, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A1008/A1008M-23 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Required Hardness, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A700-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-19a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A1008/A1008M-18 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-17a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-17 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM A630-16ae1 - Standard Test Methods for Determination of Tin Coating Weights for Electrolytic Tin Plate
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM A630-16a - Standard Test Methods for Determination of Tin Coating Weights for Electrolytic Tin Plate
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM A1008/A1008M-16 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM A630-16 - Standard Test Methods for Determination of Tin Coating Weights for Electrolytic Tin Plate
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-15 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A1008/A1008M-15 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM A700-14 - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014

Overview

ASTM A599/A599M-07(2017): Standard Specification for Tin Mill Products, Electrolytic Tin-Coated, Cold-Rolled Sheet defines the requirements for cold-rolled steel sheet in coils or cut lengths that are tin-coated by electrodeposition, widely known as electrolytic tin-coated sheet. This specification is published by ASTM International and applies to products intended for uses that require good solderability, a quality surface appearance, and a certain level of corrosion resistance. By following internationally recognized principles of standardization, ASTM A599/A599M helps manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users ensure consistent, high-quality tin-coated steel products.

Key Topics

• Scope and Units: Covers cold-rolled steel sheet tin-coated by electrodeposition, available in both inch-pound (A599) and SI units (A599M), with defined thickness ranges.
• Designations and Mechanical Properties: Addresses multiple designations, such as commercial steel (CS), drawing steel (DS), deep drawing steel (DDS), extra deep drawing steel (EDDS), and structural steel (SS).
• Tin Coating Types: Provides for both melted and unmelted tin coatings, each with distinct finish options (No. 5 and No. 7) and appearance traits.
• Coating Weight Requirements: Specifies nominal and minimum tin coating weights per surface, which are agreed upon by producers and purchasers.
• Chemical and Mechanical Requirements: Sets the chemical composition and mechanical property requirements for base metal, referencing other ASTM standards.
• Surface Treatments: Describes the use of passivating chemical treatments to control tin oxide growth, important for solderability and resistance to surface discoloration.
• Dimensions and Tolerances: Details thickness and width tolerances to ensure conformance to specified requirements.
• Testing Methods: Outlines accepted methods for determining tin coating weights, with dispute resolution procedures.
• Ordering and Delivery: Lists critical information for ordering, including material designation, coating type, finish, dimensions, and any special requirements.

Applications

Electrolytic tin-coated, cold-rolled sheets standardized under ASTM A599/A599M are utilized in a variety of industries and products where specific combinations of corrosion resistance, appearance, and solderability are required. Common application areas include:

• Food and Beverage Packaging: Used in cans and containers, where the tin coating preserves contents and maintains product safety and shelf life.
• Automotive Components: Employed in components like filters and housings due to the sheet’s formability and corrosion resistance.
• Electronics: Suitable for parts requiring high solderability and electrical conductivity.
• General Industrial Uses: Applied where good surface finish, forming quality, and resistance to atmospheric corrosion are critical, such as in appliances and small enclosures.

This standard ensures materials meet stringent requirements, resulting in reliable final products that perform consistently across demanding applications.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards are referenced for compliance and interoperability with ASTM A599/A599M:

• ASTM A568/A568M: General requirements for carbon and alloy steel sheets.
• ASTM A623/A623M: General requirements for tin mill products.
• ASTM A624/A624M: Tin mill products, electrolytic tin plate, single reduced.
• ASTM A630: Test methods for the determination of tin coating weights.
• ASTM A1008/A1008M: Cold-rolled steel sheet, including formability and mechanical requirements.
• ASTM A700: Packaging, marking, and loading methods for steel products.

Understanding and applying ASTM A599/A599M-07(2017) supports industry best practices by ensuring that tin mill products conform to rigorous international quality standards, resulting in dependable performance, durability, and safety. For further details or clarifications, reference the full ASTM standard text and related documents.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A599/A599M −07 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Tin Mill Products, Electrolytic Tin-Coated, Cold-Rolled
Sheet
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA599/A599M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers cold-rolled steel sheet in coils
A568/A568M Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon,
or in cut lengths, tin-coated by electrodeposition. The product
Structural,andHigh-Strength,Low-Alloy,Hot-Rolledand
is commonly known as electrolytic tin-coated sheet, and is for
Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
applications that need good solderability, good surface
A623 Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Require-
appearance, and a degree of corrosion resistance. Tin-coated
ments
sheet is produced to various designations of tin coating, as
A623M Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Re-
outlined in Table 1.
quirements [Metric]
1.1.1 Electrolytic tin-coated sheet is customarily available
A624/A624M Specification for Tin Mill Products, Electro-
as commercial steel (CS); drawing steel (DS); deep drawing
lytic Tin Plate, Single Reduced
steel (DDS); extra deep drawing steel (EDDS), and structural
A630 Test Methods for Determination of Tin Coating
steel (SS). The tin coating is available as unmelted or melted.
Weights for Electrolytic Tin Plate
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods
1.2 Limitations—This specification is applicable to orders in
for Steel Products for Shipment
either inch-pound units (as A599), which is supplied in
A1008/A1008M Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled,
thicknesses from 0.015 in. to 0.036 in., or SI units [asA599M],
Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-
which is supplied in thicknesses from 0.381 mm to 0.914 mm.
Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Required
For thicknesses lighter than 0.015 in. [0.381 mm], refer to
Hardness, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
A624/A624M [A624M].
3. Terminology
1.3 Unless the order shows the “M” designation [SI units],
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the product shall be furnished to inch-pound units. The values
3.1.1 chemical treatment—a passivating chemical
stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded as
treatment, normally applied to the tinned surface to stabilize
standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets.
the surface to control tin oxide formation and growth. Sodium
The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents;
dichromate is most commonly used. Without such treatment,
therefore,eachsystemmustbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
severe tin oxide growth, and its resultant discoloration, is a
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
hazard. Excessive oxide growth may also cause poor solder-
formance with this specification.
ability and poor adhesion of organic coatings. If a special
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
surface treatment is required, it should be negotiated with the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- supplier.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2 Finishes:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.1 No. 5 Finish—a shot-blasted and/or otherwise textured
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
roll base metal finish usually employed on unmelted tin-coated
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sheet.
3.2.2 No. 7 Finish—a ground-roll base metal finish usually
employed on melted tin-coated sheet.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.20 on Tin Mill Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A599/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
A599M – 07(2012). DOI: 10.1520/A0599_A0599M-07R17. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A599/A599M − 07 (2017)
TABLE 1 Electrolytic Tin-Coated Sheets Coating Weight [Mass]
4.1.5 Coil Size Requirements—Specify maximum outside
diameter (OD), acceptable inside diameter (ID), and maximum
NOTE 1—Listed below are the commonly produced coating weights
coil weight [mass]; specify whether welds are acceptable or
[mass] upon agreement between the producer and the purchaser. Other
combinations of coatings may be specified and the appropriate minimum
not.
A
average test values apply.
4.1.6 Application (show part identification and description).
Nominal Tin Coating Minimum Average Coating
4.1.7 ASTM designation number and year of issue.
Weight [Mass] Weight [Mass]
Designation No.
4.1.8 Special requirements, if required.
(Each Surface) (Each Surface Test Value)
2 B 2 B,C
lb/base box (g/m ) lb/base box (g/m )
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: Electrolytic
5 (0.6/0.6) 0.025/0.025 (0.6/0.6) 0.02/0.02 (0.5/0.5)
Tin-Coated Sheet—Deep Drawing Steel (DDS), Coating Designation 25,
10 (1.1/1.1) 0.05/0.05 (1.1/1.1) 0.04/0.04 (0.9/0.9)
Unmelted, No. 5 Finish, 0.018 by 26 ⁄16 in. by coil, 60 in. max OD, 16 in.
15 (1.7/1.7) 0.075/0.075 (1.7/1.7) 0.06/0.06 (1.4/1.4)
ID, 18 000 lb max, coil for oil-filter shells. ASTM A599 –____ .
20 (2.2/2.2) 0.10/0.10 (2.2/2.2) 0.08/0.08 (1.8/1.8)
[Tin-Coated Sheet—Deep Drawing Steel (DDS), Coating Designation
25 (2.8/2.8) 0.125/0.125 (2.8/2.8) 0.11/0.11 (2.5/2.5)
2.8/2.8, Unmelted, No. 5 Finish, 0.50 mm by 668 mm by coil, 1530 mm
50 (5.6/5.6) 0.25/0.25 (5.6/5.6) 0.23/0.23 (5.2/5.2)
75 (8.4/8.4) 0.375/0.375 (8.4/8.4) 0.35/0.35 (7.8/7.8) max OD, 408 mm ID, 8.2 metric tons max, coil for oil-filter shells.ASTM
100 (11.2/11.2) 0.50/0.50 (11.2/11.2) 0.45/0.45 (10.1/10.1) A599M –____ .]
A
Refer to Specifications A623 and A623M.
B
5. Manufacture
A base box is defined as a unit of area equivalent to 112 sheets 14 in. by 20 in.
or 31 360 in. (refer to Specification A623).
C 5.1 Base Metal—The base metal is produced in confor-
The minimum single spot value shall not be less than 80 % of the minimum
average tin coating weight [mass] (see 8.1 and 8.2). mance to that described for cold-rolled sheet in Specification
A568/A568M.
5.2 Coil Preparation—Normal coil inside diameter is 16 in.
[400 mm]; any other should be negotiated. Requirements as to
3.2.2.1 Discu
...