Tin-free steel, abbreviated TFS, is a corrosion-resistant steel used for making food cans as an alternative to traditional tinplate. Instead of a tin coating, the steel carries an extremely thin layer of chromium and chromium oxide, which protects it from rust and from reaction with foods. Cans made from TFS always need an internal lacquer coating, since the chromium layer alone does not suit direct food contact for all products. It is strong, economical, and widely used for can bodies and ends. For consumers the difference is invisible — the can looks and performs like any other — but for can makers TFS offers cost and supply advantages over tin, whose price fluctuates.