Tin boxes are not suitable for liquids due to their rolled-edge structure. However, they can achieve excellent sealing performance for dry products when the right structure is selected.This guide explains why tin boxes cannot hold liquids, how tin box sealing works, and how to choose the best solution for metal packaging for dry products.   1. Can Tin Boxes Be Used for Liquids? In most cases, the answer is no. As a custom tin box manufacturer, this is one of the most common questions we receive from beverage, food, and brand owners—especially those new to metal packaging. Tin boxes are not designed for liquids such as: Soda or carbonated drinks Juice or functional beverages Alcohol or liquid food products   2. Why Tin Boxes Are Not Suitable for Liquids The key reason lies in tin box sealing structure. Rolled-Edge Seams Explained (In Plain Language) Most tin boxes are made using a rolled-edge (seamed) connection.The metal edges of the body and lid or bottom are mechanically rolled together. This structure is strong It is cost-efficient It works very well for solid products But: Rolled seams do not fuse the metal.This leaves microscopic gaps—invisible to the eye, but potentially permeable to liquids over time.   Additional Risk: Corrosion & Rust There is another important risk to consider. If liquid contacts the seam area: It may slowly penetrate the joint If the inner wall is not fully coated, corrosion or rust may occur Long-term storage increases the risk of leakage and product contamination From a responsibility standpoint, we do not recommend tin boxes for liquids, even with internal coatings.     3. What Tin Boxes Are Excellent At: Dry Products Where tin packaging truly shines is metal packaging for dry products. Typical applications include: Tea and coffee Biscuits and confectionery Powdered food and supplements Cosmetics and personal care Premium gift packaging For these products, airtight tin containers (for solids) can be achieved—when the right structure is chosen.   4. Tin Box Sealing Levels & Real-World Applications Different products require different sealing performance.Below are the most common sealing solutions, explained with real usage scenarios.   ① Standard Lid (Basic Protection) Sealing level: ★☆☆☆☆ Best for: Candy tins Cookie tins Gift tins This structure protects against dust and handling damage, but offers limited moisture resistance.   ② Inner Lid / Plug Lid Sealing level: ★★☆☆☆ Best for: Tea leaves Ground coffee Powder-based dry goods The inner lid reduces air exchange and improves basic sealing.   ③ Hinged Lid with Tight Tolerance Sealing level: ★★★☆☆ Best for: Premium tea tins Reusable storage tins This design improves usability and consistency, but it is not fully airtight.   ④ Screw Lid (Twist-Off Lid) Sealing level: ★★★★☆ Best for: Coffee beans Loose-leaf tea Dry food ingredients Typical customer scenario: For a UK tea brand, TeaHouse, we designed a screw lid tin with an inner liner.After switching from standard lids, their shelf-life stability improved significantly, and moisture-related issues were reduced by approximately 80%, according to customer feedback. This structure is one of the most popular options for airtight tin containers for dry products.   ⑤ Easy Open Lid + Inner Film Sealing level: ★★★★★ (for solids only) Best for: Food-grade dry products Coffee and tea requiring freshness retention Material recommendation: Use food-grade PE or PP inner films Select film thickness based on moisture sensitivity and shelf life This solution provides the highest sealing performance available in tin packaging, but it is still not suitable for liquids.     5. “Airtight” Is Not a Structure — It’s a System Many customers ask for airtight tin containers.In practice, airtight performance depends on: Tin box structure Lid type Inner liner or film Product storage conditions A responsible custom tin box manufacturer should help you choose the right sealing system, not just promise “airtight” as a marketing term.   6. Final Advice from a Tin Packaging Manufacturer Tin boxes: ❌ Are not suitable for liquid packaging ✅ Are ideal for dry products requiring moisture protection ✅ Offer flexible sealing solutions when designed correctly Choosing the right structure early can prevent costly mistakes later.   7. Need a Custom Sealing Solution? Send us your product details and storage requirements.Our engineers will recommend the best tin box structure and provide: Sealing solution advice 3D design support Free samples for evaluation   Contact us to discuss your custom tin box sealing solution.

The production of customised tin boxes is a delicate process that involves multiple stages, each of which is critical to achieving a high quality end product. From the selection of raw materials to the final packaging, these steps ensure that the manufactured tin box meets the required durability, aesthetics and functionality requirements. Customised metal tin boxes offer numerous advantages, including enhanced product presentation, extended shelf life and robust protection, making them an excellent choice for a variety of packaging needs.   Choosing raw materials The foundation of any high-quality tin box is the material from which it is made. Tin-plated sheetsteel, or sheet steel coated with a thin layer of tin, is a key material due to its excellent properties. Tinned sheet steel is known for its corrosion resistance, weldability and aesthetics, making it an ideal choice for packaging. Sourcing high-quality tinned thin steel sheets requires adhering to strict sourcing criteria to ensure the durability and appearance of the material. Choosing the right raw material can have a significant impact on the longevity and appearance of your tin box.   Mould selection and customisation Moulds play a vital role in the customized metal tin production, determining the shape and structural integrity of the box. The choice of available moulds depends on the desired box design and size. However, for unique designs, custom moulds are required. Developing a new mould requires consideration of factors such as the intended use of the box, production volume and budget. While custom moulds can be costly, for achieving exact fit and unique designs, standard moulds are not available.   Determining the final design Design is at the heart of bespoke tin box production. Collaborating with clients to determine design specifications involves multiple steps, including the creation of detailed design sketches and 3D models using specialised software. This collaborative process ensures that the final design meets the client's vision and functional requirements. Precise design details, such as dimensions, patterns and embossing, are critical to realising a high-quality product that meets the customer's expectations.     Printing technology on thin tinned steel sheets Printing on thin tinned steel sheets involves advanced techniques to achieve vibrant and durable designs. The basic printing process involves applying inks to tinned steel sheets using methods such as four-colour printing or Pantone colour printing. High-end printing presses are used to ensure colour accuracy and durability. In addition, the inks used must meet safety standards, especially for food-grade packaging. Ensuring high-quality, safe printing is critical to maintaining the attractiveness and functionality of personalized metal tin box.   Precision Cutting Once the printing is complete, the tin-plated sheet must be precisely cut to the desired shape and size. This step involves using a cutting machine to accurately split the tinned sheet to the design specifications. The precision of the cut is critical to ensure that the components fit perfectly during assembly, contributing to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the box. Accurate cutting not only enhances the appearance of the final product, but also ensures consistency in high-volume production.   Sample Making and Confirmation The production of sample tin boxes is essential prior to mass production. These samples allow customers to evaluate the design, functionality and quality of the box. Prototype testing includes evaluating aspects such as durability, print quality and dimensional accuracy. A variety of tests may be performed, including drop tests, moisture tests and assembly checks. Gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments based on sample evaluations is a critical step in ensuring that the final product meets all expectations.   Mass Production Phase Transitioning from prototype to mass production involves expanding the manufacturing process. Automated production lines and presses are utilised to efficiently handle large volumes. Quality control at this stage is critical to maintain consistency and meet required standards. Every step from material handling to final assembly is closely monitored to ensure uniformity and high quality in the finished product. A streamlined production process makes mass manufacturing possible without sacrificing quality.     Strict Quality Control Maintaining high quality in custom metal tin container production requires strict quality control measures. A detailed inspection process is implemented to ensure that each tin box meets the required standards. This includes checking for defects, verifying dimensions, and ensuring print quality. Defective products are quickly identified and removed from the production line. Total quality control is essential to protect brand reputation and ensure customer satisfaction.   Careful Packaging Proper packaging is essential to protect the tin box during shipping. Techniques include using durable, eco-friendly packaging materials to protect the box from damage. Customised packaging options can also enhance product presentation, adding value and appeal. Ensuring that packaging materials are sustainable reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. Thoughtful packaging solutions not only protect the product, but also provide a positive out-of-the-box experience for the end consumer.    In conclusion, understanding the complete process of custom tin box production highlights the meticulous attention required to produce a quality product. Businesses considering custom tin boxes can rest assured that every step of the process is designed to achieve the best possible outcome, making it a worthwhile investment for their packaging needs.