The Secret to Vibrant, Fade-Proof Color.

Architectural enameling requires very large-scale enamel equipment. The steel panels can be several meters long and must have a perfectly flat, uniform finish. The pretreatment tanks and application booths must be oversized to accommodate these parts. The most critical component is the furnace. It must be exceptionally long and have multiple zones of precise temperature control to ensure the entire panel heats and cools evenly to prevent warping. The conveyor system must also be specially designed to hold the panels perfectly flat throughout the high-temperature firing process. TIMS has the specialized engineering experience to design and build the massive enamel equipment required for these impressive architectural applications.

When choosing enamel equipment, a key decision is the application method. Wet application uses a water-based slurry of enamel particles called a "slip." It is very versatile and can be used to coat complex shapes via dipping or spraying, but it requires a separate drying stage. Dry electrostatic application uses equipment similar to powder coating to apply a layer of fine glass powder. This method offers very high transfer efficiency, produces little waste, and often results in a more uniform layer. However, it can be more challenging to get coverage in recessed "Faraday cage" areas. TIMS has deep expertise in both types of enamel equipment and can help you determine the optimal process for your product.

Inconsistent color in an enamel finish is a frustrating problem, usually rooted in a lack of process control in the enamel equipment. The top three causes are: 1. Inconsistent Application Thickness: Even a small variation in the amount of enamel applied will cause the color to look different after firing. This is solved with automated or robotic applicators. 2. Inconsistent Firing Temperature: The final color of many pigments is highly dependent on the exact temperature and time in the furnace. Even a 5-10 degree variance can cause a noticeable shift. 3. Inconsistent Enamel Slip: In a wet process, the water content and viscosity of the enamel slip must be kept constant. A high-quality TIMS enamel equipment system uses automation to control all three of these variables, guaranteeing consistent color from batch to batch.

A "Two-Coat, Two-Fire" (2C2F) process is the gold standard for high-quality enameling and requires a complete enamel equipment line. It involves: 1. First Coat: Applying the dark, cobalt-rich ground coat, which is designed for maximum adhesion to the steel. 2. First Fire: Firing the part in a furnace to fuse the ground coat. 3. Second Coat: After cooling, applying the colored cover coat, which is designed for aesthetics and surface properties. 4. Second Fire: Firing the part again at a slightly lower temperature to fuse the cover coat. This multi-stage process, automated by a continuous TIMS enamel equipment line, creates a far more durable and flexible finish than a single-coat system.