## Common ground
All options are containers used for storing liquids, gases, or bulk materials, classified by their primary material.
## Options at a glance
**3925.10 – Made of plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene, PVC).
- **Typical examples:** Water storage tanks, chemical drums, fuel tanks.
- **Best fit when:** Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, or low-cost storage is needed.
**7309.00,7310,7311.00 – Made of iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Fabricated from ferrous metals, often with coatings for rust resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial oil tanks, water reservoirs, pressure vessels.
- **Best fit when:** High strength, durability, and large capacity are required.
**7419 – Made of copper**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from copper, valued for thermal conductivity and antimicrobial properties.
- **Typical examples:** Heat exchanger tanks, laboratory storage vessels.
- **Best fit when:** Thermal efficiency or purity (e.g., in food/pharma) is critical.
**7508.90 – Made of nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Resistant to corrosion and high temperatures; used in extreme environments.
- **Typical examples:** Chemical processing tanks, aerospace fuel reservoirs.
- **Best fit when:** Resistance to harsh chemicals or high heat is essential.
**7611.00,7612.90,7613.00 – Made of aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight with good corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
- **Typical examples:** Beverage storage tanks, transport containers, solar water heaters.
- **Best fit when:** Weight matters (e.g., mobile applications) or moderate durability is needed.
**7806.00 – Made of lead**
- **Defining trait:** Dense, highly corrosion-resistant; historically used for acid storage.
- **Typical examples:** Battery containers, acid storage tanks (rare today due to toxicity).
- **Best fit when:** Acidic or corrosive environments where lead’s resistance is key.
**7907.00 – Made of zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Often used as a protective coating; rarely for standalone tanks.
- **Typical examples:** Galvanized steel tanks (zinc layer only).
- **Best fit when:** Corrosion protection via galvanization is the primary function.
**8007.00 – Made of tin**
- **Defining trait:** Used mainly as a protective coating; not structural alone.
- **Typical examples:** Tin-plated steel food cans (not large tanks).
- **Best fit when:** Food or beverage storage with non-reactive surface.
**8101.99 – Made of tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely dense and heat-resistant; not practical for standard containers.
- **Typical examples:** Rare, specialized lab equipment (not typical reservoirs).
- **Best fit when:** Extreme temperature or radiation resistance needed.
**8104 – Made of magnesium**
- **Defining trait:** Very lightweight but reactive; prone to corrosion.
- **Typical examples:** Experimental or aerospace prototypes.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical and environment is controlled.
## Key differences
| Material | Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Weight | Common Use Case |
|--------|----------|-----------------------|--------|----------------|
| Plastic | Low | High | Very light | General storage |
| Steel | High | Medium (with coating) | Heavy | Industrial |
| Copper | Medium | High | Medium | Thermal/chemical |
| Nickel | High | Very high | Medium | Harsh environments |
| Aluminium | Medium | High | Light | Transport, solar |
| Lead | Medium | Very high | Heavy | Acid storage |
| Zinc | Low | Medium (coating) | Medium | Coated steel |
| Tin | Low | Medium | Medium | Food packaging |
| Tungsten | Very high | High | Very heavy | Specialized |
| Magnesium | Low | Low | Very light | Prototypes |
## How to choose
- Is the container primarily for general or chemical storage? → 3925.10
- Does it need high strength and durability? → 7309.00,7310,7311.00
- Is thermal conductivity important? → 7419 or 7611.00,7612.90,7613.00
- Is it exposed to acids or extreme conditions? → 7508.90 or 7806.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Zinc and tin are typically used as coatings, not standalone tanks; avoid if the container is made of base metal.
- Tungsten and magnesium are niche; unlikely for standard reservoirs.
- Copper, aluminium, and nickel may overlap in corrosion resistance—choose based on cost, weight, or temperature needs.
- **No clear priority**: Use the product’s MAIN function (e.g., storage type, environment) to decide