meirs Nov 7, 2012:

Tin vs. tin Just to make a point:

Tin - is the element Sn (Stanium in Latin) that, among other things, is the single "old" non-precious metal that is safe in contact with food (Aluminum is "new" - its industrial production started only by the end of the 19 century, when electricity was available at industrial scale - whereas Tin was known to the Romans and even earlier).

Solder is an alloy of Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb) - recently without Pb for electronics (RoHS directive) - used for soldering - joining metals at relatively low temperature - 250-350 deg C.

tin - is a container (box, can) - traditionally made from sheet steel plated with Tin (tinned) - to contain food, beverage, etc.

Hebrew פח is misleading translators because it means both sheet metal (as a material) and can (as finished goods)