In 1.7.10 normal cells are still there, they are just crafted by extruding a tin item casing in a metal former.
Since I also play in 1.7.10, I'd like to correct this for anybody facing the same issue - you have to use tin PLATE in extruding mode in order to create empty cells (1 plate yields 3 cells). Extruding tin ITEM CASING yields tin can (1:1 ratio).