When we think of scrap metal collection, the first associations are often scrap steel, aluminium or copper. But did you know that tin also plays a key role in recycling and metallurgy? This little-appreciated metallic pearl has many uses and a high value.
A bit of history
Tin was invented in ancient China, and the exact date of its invention is not precisely known. However, the first known use of tin in China dates to the Zhou Dynasty period (around the 11th century BC). At that time, tin was mainly used for weapons, tools and cooking and food storage vessels. Tin also played an important role in the technological and cultural development of ancient China, providing durable and useful objects for society.
In Europe, tin was first used by the Romans for weapons, coins and sculptures. Thanks to its low melting point, flexibility, ease of handling, tin quickly captured the hearts of Europeans. It also began to be used in the construction of sewage systems and cookware. In the 18th century, the use of tin for the production of mirrors began, due to its ability to create a smooth surface and reflect light.
One of the more interesting stories about tin is that it had an impact on Europeans eating tomatoes. For a good 200 years in Europe, eating tomatoes was feared. They were thought to be poisonous. It took a long time before the real cause of the problem was found - not tomatoes at all, but the tin plates used by wealthy Europeans. The acid from the tomatoes was strong enough to release lead from the dishes, leading to lead poisoning and ultimately death.
Current times
The modern use of tin is very versatile and covers many different fields and sectors of the economy. Tin is used by all of us often without us even knowing it. The main use of tin is as an alloying addition to metals, creating alloys of bronze, aluminium with tin or lead with tin. Thanks to its low melting point, flexibility and ductility, it is used to produce parts that require precision and detailed workmanship. In addition, it is an important metal in processes such as tin purchasewhere its recycling value is particularly appreciated.
Despite being relatively unknown, tin has many fascinating applications in various fields. Here are a few of them:
- Electronics: Tin is widely used in the electronics industry for soldering. Thanks to its low melting point and excellent conductive properties, tin enables electronic components to be joined on printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and for the manufacture of microprocessor housings or electronic circuit components
- Food Packaging: Tin is used in packaging coverings, such as aluminium cans, to prevent corrosion and extend the shelf life of food products. This allows food to be stored for longer periods of time without loss of quality.
- Medicine: Tin is used in some areas of medicine, for example in the production of preparations to strengthen enamel and protect teeth against decay (Tin Fluoride).
- Cosmetics: In cosmetics, tin is used as a pigment in the manufacture of various make-up products, such as eye shadows, lip pencils and nail varnishes.
- Plastics: Tin can be added to some plastics to improve their mechanical and thermal properties. This is particularly useful for plastics used in the manufacture of electronic housings and structural components.
- Glass: Tin is used in the manufacture of glass, where it can improve its properties, such as thermal and optical conductivity.
- Pencils: Traditional pencils were filled with alloys containing tin, e.g. lead-tin pencils were used.
- Resin and Building Materials: Tin can be added to resins and building materials to improve their strength and weather resistance. It is used in the manufacture of pipes, sections, façade panels and other building products.
These applications show how versatile tin is and how widely it is used in various areas of everyday life and industry.
What tin can be sold at the scrap yard
At RMC Polska, we buy every type of tin in every form. These can be solder rods, solder wire, figurines, dishes, tin gores, tin pellets and all kinds of tin fistulas and castings. The minimum tin content of the products we buy must be above 30%. We buy tin in various alloys, e.g. lead-tin alloy, tin with antimony, tin with silver or copper.
For larger quantities and individual pricing, if there is silver in the tin alloy in sufficient quantity you will receive payment for tin and silver. On the other hand, the elements that reduce the price of tin in purchase are: antimony (Sb); copper (Cu), bismuth (Bi), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni)
How tin is accepted at RMC Polska
When you deliver your tin scrap to RMC Polska, you can be sure that you will receive the highest price for your tin, determined by analysing the tin content with an X-ray spectrometer and/or a laser spectrometer. If we identify silver in the tin you deliver, its quantity and value will be determined.
What is the price of tin at a scrap metal dealer
The price of tin at scrap metal buying can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as current world market prices, local supply and demand, the quality and purity of the tin and current economic and industrial trends. In addition, prices can vary depending on the region, country and scrap metal buying centre where you sell your tin.
The price of tin at the scrap metal yard also depends on its purity, chemical composition, the price of tin on the LME and the value of the euro. For example, on 19 April 2024, the price of tin at scrap metal purchase with a purity of 100% ranged from 60 PLN to 100 PLN per kg. Due to the fact that RMC Polska sells tin to final customers for larger quantities, you can receive an individually fixed price.
When you sell tin to RMC Polska, you can be sure that you will not only be paid for the tin, but also for the silver that may be present in the tin alloy.
In summary, tin at scrap metal buying is not just another metal that ends up on the waste heap. It is a valuable raw material that can bring financial benefits to the seller and, in macro terms, economic, environmental and social benefits to both the scrap collector and the industry.