Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a metal-coated steel strip with improved surface structure, wherein the strip is electrolytically coated with one or more metal coatings and the last-applied coating is temporarily melted by supplying heat to the strip (melting-on), is characterized in that the heat supplied to the strip for effecting the melting-on is generated at least in part by an electric current which is at all times non-zero. The heat supplied to effect the melting-on substantially continously compensates heat loss from the strip to the surroundings during the melting-on, and may for example be generated by electrical resistance heating using only a direct current or using an alternating current on which is superimposed a direct current. The strips produced are free of the so-called woodgrain effect.

Abstract: A method of electrolytic tinning of metal in strip form using an insoluble anode, comprises passing the strip to be tinned through an electrolytic tinning bath having an insoluble anode, the strip forming the cathode, to deposit tin from the electrolyte onto the strip, and circulating the electrolyte through an electrolytic replenishing cell outside the tinning bath for addition of tin ions in order to maintain the desired concentration of tin ions in the tinning bath. The replenishment cell has a tin anode chamber with a tin anode system, a cathode chamber having an insoluble cathode, and a membrane between them substantially impermeable to tin ions. To make the replacement of the anode easier and to improve efficiency, the tin anode system of the replenishing cell comprises an insoluble tin anode and a bed of granular tin material which is fluidized by the electrolyte.