Testing of High-Temperature Ink for a Calcium Aluminum Silicate Refractory in the Aluminum Industry

A customer in the Czech Republic was in need of a specially formulated high temperature ink to be used to mark kiln fired products. They sent us pictures from ink they were currently using, which was hard to read and not holding up in the 700° C environment. They were marking a calcium aluminum silicate material with the company logo, the date, and the word “Fired”. They needed a specially formulated product that would be clear and legible after firing, as well as being opaque, with low viscosity characteristics. The 66W501 DuraFire™ marking ink met and exceeded all of these criteria.

This ink utilized our advanced mixing capabilities; once a base line formulation was determined, small samples were fired on test pieces at temperature. Each sample was microscopically inspected for cracking, sintering, adhesion, scoring, and glass development levels. This process was repeated until the optimal formula was achieved.

This comprehensive development and testing process produced one kilo of ink for this customer in less than 2 months. To learn more about this project, or the processes used to manufacture it, see the table below or contact us directly.

 

Custom High-Temperature Ink Project Highlights

Product Description

This ink was used to mark a company’s product with their logo, the date, and the word “Fired”.

Capabilities Applied/Processes

66W501 DuraFire™ Marking Ink. Low viscosity ink, opaque, easy to read, permanent, capable of firing into product at 700 degrees Celsius.

Equipment Used to Manufacture Part
  • High-Temperature Kiln
  • High Shear Mixer
  • High Speed Disperser
  • 3-Roller Mill
  • Hoover Automatic Muller
  • Scales
  • Microscope
  • Viscometer
Final Process Inspections completed
  • Specific Gravity
  • Viscosity
  • Temperature – 700 degrees Celsius
  • Surface Tension
  • Opaqueness
  • Fineness of Grind
Material Used

Calcium Aluminum Silicate

In process testing/inspection performed
  • Received the chemical breakdown of the materials of the item to identify which ink bases are likely to work as a starting point
  • Makes small ink samples to apply to the test piece
  • Fire the test piece
  • Test for cracking, sintering, adhesion, scoring & glass development levels. Results checked under a microscope. Alternative tests & levels dependent upon material used.
  • Repeat batch process until the required results are received
Industry for Use

Aluminum

Temperature

700C

Color

Red or Black

Volume

1 Kilo

Delivery/Turnaround Time

2 months

Delivery Location

Blansko, Czech Republic

Standards Met

Customer supplied photos of their product marking problems and actual product with their ink marking

Product Name

66W501 DuraFire™ Marking Ink