About SRJ Steel, LLC
As a limited supply, niche product primarily used by large appliance OEMs, enameling steel historically has had limited distribution options for non-steel mill direct customers.
By dealing directly with the producers, SRJ Steel, LLC provides customers an ongoing supply of enameling steel at a competitive cost. SRJ Steel, LLC has over 20 years of experience selling enameling steel to a variety of customers, big and small. We work closely with our customers to develop supply programs that meet their manufacturing needs. By utilizing multiple storage and processing strategically located across the US and Canada, we keep costs and delivery timing to a minimum.
SRJ Steel, LLC practices “Enamellurgy” with dedicated technical resources and over 3 decades of experience working with vitreous enameling steel. Our team includes a degree metallurgical engineer who has traveled extensively throughout North America to resolve technical issues related to enamel steel performance.
Understanding Enameling
ENAMELING PROCESS
Enameling Steel 101
SRJ Steel, LLC is not a porcelain enameler. However, we work closely with both the steel provider and the enamel shop to ensure outstanding quality.
ENAMELING PROCESS
Surface prep after forming to clean any oils/residue that may impact the enameling process.
Preparation of enamel.
Application of enamel to the steel via wet or dry process through electrostatic spraying or dipping.
Drying to prevent rusting before enameling.
Firing at ~1500 degrees for enamel to properly adhere to the steel surface.
ENAMELING TYPES
Conventional enameling (2 coats / 2 fires)
Ground coat enameling (1 coat / 1 fire)
Direct white enameling (2 coats / 1 fire)
Below is an illustration of the enameling process:
Bare Panel
Porcelain-coated, unfired
ENAMELING STEEL TYPICAL CHEMISTRIES
Enameling Steel 101
Chemistry, Property, Benefit, and Process Tables for Enameling Steel
ASTM Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, for Porcelain Enameling
ENAMELING STEEL END USE EXAMPLES
Enameling Steel 101
End Use Examples
BBQ Grill
Oven
Broiler Pan
Antique Cook Stove
Fireplace
Signage
Burner Bowl
Bathtub
ENAMELING STEEL TERMINOLOGY
Enameling Steel 101
Terminology
Fish scale: Patches of glass chip removal due to hydrogen diffusion from steel after fire
Formability: Combination of stretchability (n value) and drawability (r-value) properties of steel
Open Coil Annealing: Steel production method whereby a wire is inserted into the steel coil prior to annealing to produce zero carbon enameling steel Type 1
Reboil: Also known as “Out gassing”; Carbon existing steel during fire, creating a black gaseous defect in the glass
Warpage: Dimensional change due to residual stress during fire
Sag: Dimensional change due to load bearing during fire
Titanium Carbide: Microscopic particle precipitate in IF steel that prevents both boil and fish scale
Vitreous: Involving glass, e.g., vit steel or glass-coated steel
Wire Marks: Small linear scratches in Type 1 caused by separator wire used in OCA