Commodity knowledge

The material enamel:
Versatile, unique, ancient and yet high-tech

Enamel, or fused glass, has been used in glass and blacksmithing for thousands of years. Molten glass is applied as a coating to a supporting metal, usually sheet steel. At just over 800° Celsius, a very durable and corrosion-resistant protective layer is created on the metal.

Because that's what's really fascinating about enamel: theoretically, it lasts indefinitely . 100 years, 1000 years… no problem, as enamel products from ancient times prove to us to this day. Improper handling can cause the enamel layer to chip off, but today's enamel products are actually much more impact-resistant even against these traditional weaknesses thanks to the thinner glass layer that is possible today. The fact that the enamel protective layer undoubtedly has outstanding properties despite the risk of splintering, comparable to ultra-modern high-tech materials, has been known since the invention of enamel.

  • Enamel creates a cut, scratch, acid and alkali resistant surface
  • Enamel is easy to clean, antibacterial and anti-allergic
  • Enamel is food-safe (odorless and tasteless)
  • Even with intensive use, there is hardly any abrasion thanks to the enamel
  • Optimal heat distribution and heat retention when frying and heating on all types of stoves
  • Climate, UV and weather resistant, making enamel perfect for outdoor signage
  • Incombustible and non-conductive

With so many positive characteristics, it is natural to ask whether there are also disadvantages. In addition to the reduced breaking strength despite modern processes, the risk of chipping remains a disadvantage of enamel. Since the chips caused by improper handling of enamel products that come into contact with food are usually on the outside, there can be no concerns about the enamel from this point of view.

The last minor disadvantage of enamel is that the production of good enamel is relatively complex, which means that the low prices of pure plastic or metal goods cannot be achieved. However, the protective properties of the coating win over pure metal, and the sustainability of enamel wins over plastics and chemical coatings.

Most environmentally friendly alternative to any coating of its kind

What makes enamel particularly interesting these days is its absolutely unprecedented environmental friendliness: the production of enamel only requires iron, quartz, clay, feldspar, borax, soda and potash, all common mineral resources. No living being has to suffer for production and, in addition to its extreme longevity, every product made from enamel is 100% recyclable. The energy-intensive melting process is very efficient thanks to today's technology.

Due to the re-examination of the overall economic viability of enamel, the material is currently experiencing a comeback. Maintained for a long time in industrial and medical applications, enamel is increasingly taking its deserved place in German households. In addition to the strong trend towards a return to the "good old days", enamel helps modernize production processes and in no way affects environmental sustainability at every level of the production process.

At Münder Email we pride ourselves on being well versed in all facets of enamel. For further questions about enamel, visit the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section or contact us on +49 (0) 5043 97 36 60 or by email at info@muender-email.com .