Maintaining A Reliable Wet Enamel System

A successful enamelling operation depends on specific process parameters and their maintenance. This paper illustrates the operation of the use of pre-milled enamel (ready-to-use) at Whirlpool's Cleveland, TN, plant. Attention is focused on maintaining the proper rheological characteristics of the enamel slurry though regular measurements of the slump, specific gravity, and pick-up of the enamel. Additionally, control of the metal cleaning operation is maintained as well as the dryer for the cleaned parts. Finally, the process evaluates the coating thickness after flow-coating by wet film gauge.