Posted on

Enamel slip properties

The consistent liquid enamel slip properties is a critical parameter at any automated wet application process.

Unfortunately enamel rheology is known to change easily under the influence of particle size, specific weight, temperature, milling additives and/or pretreatment chemicals.

Failure to maintain its properties within measurable tolerances, may result in inconsistent enamel layer thickness and eventually even enamel defects.

Do you really believe that you can “feel it” with your fingers as demonstrated on the picture below, or do you rather prefer a more precise testing method ?!

Measuring enamel slip characteristics by hand
Old fashion way
Rotational Viscometer with temperature sensor
Rotational Viscometer with temperature sensor
Posted on

Fishscaling of porcelain/vitreous enamel coatings

Fishscaling

Fishscaling is an enameling defect, which is characterized by small enamel particles chipping off.

Chipping off may happen directly after firing when cooling down or sometimes even days later.

example of enamel defect called fishscaling

Effected products may usually not be repaired. Due to this reason, this defect is still one of the most described topics within the international enameling industry.
Continue reading “Fishscaling of porcelain/vitreous enamel coatings”

Posted on

Thermal imaging of enameling furnaces

The performance of industrial enameling furnaces may gradually decline over time.

This may result in higher energy consumption (read increased enameling cost) and reduced quality of the coated surface.

In extreme cases the enameling furnace may even unexpectedly break down, because insulation has been damaged and/or worn out.

Therefore we suggest regular inspections & thermal imaging to identify major heat bridges and other spots with possible insulation issues.

Thermal imaging of industrial enameling furnace roof at hotzone near 180 degree turn
Thermal imaging of industrial enameling furnace roof
Thermograph inspection of enameling furnace door
Heat bridges at clean out door
Posted on

Challenges for coating companies

The German coating magazine “Besser Lackieren” did a survey among their readers about expected challenges in 2019.

Below a summary of their conclusions in descending order of importance :

1) Lack of skilled labor
2) Increase cost of raw material
3) Higher energy prices
4) Increased legislation
5) Increased competition
6) Reduce turn-over

Kindly refer to https://www.besserlackieren.de/Firmen-Maerkte/Unternehmensmeldungen/Trendbarometer-Welche-Herausforderungen-erwarten-Beschichter-2019 for the full report in German language on expected challenges for coating companies in 2019.

Posted on

Other second-hand enameling furnace for sale

One of our relations has a low thermal mass continuous enameling furnace for sale.

The main characteristics of this furnace are as follows :

– original manufacturer New Furnace
– double hooked U-type
– hotzone length 5 meters
– effective product sizes 1250 mm height and 550 mm width
– gas fired with 4 radiant tubes & metal flue
– capacity circa 2500 kg gr/h

Please contact us, if you are potentially interested in this second-hand enameling furnace.

Second hand New Furnace

Posted on

Second-hand enameling furnace

One of our relations has a low thermal mass continuous enameling furnace for sale.

The main characteristics of this furnace are as follows :

– original manufacturer Ferro (Holland) BV
– double hooked U-type
– hotzone length 5.3 meters
– effective product sizes 900 mm height and 600 mm wide
– gas fired with 5 radiant tubes & metal flue
– capacity circa 900 kg gr/h

Please contact us, if you are potentially interested in this second-hand enameling furnace.

Second hand enameling furnace