Wilhelm Schmidlin AG is the only Swiss manufacturer of bathroom products made from glazed titanium steel. Since its foundation in 1947, the family-owned company has been producing bathtubs and, later and still today, shower bases, washbasins, urinals and whiteboards. But what exactly is glazed titanium steel?
A perfect bond#
Glazed titanium steel is a combination of two materials: steel and enamel. Both are made from natural raw materials. Steel is an iron-carbon alloy, while enamel is molten glass made from minerals that forms a hard, resistant surface. During the manufacturing process, the two materials bond permanently, creating a particularly robust and durable unit.
From fine enamel frit, the resistant glaze is created that protects and refines our titanium steel, giving it its distinctive surface.
The advantages of glazed titanium steel#
Glazed titanium steel combines the strengths of two high-quality materials: the stability of titanium-alloyed steel and the resistant, elegant surface of enamel. The result is a material that proves itself in everyday use – functional, durable and aesthetically pleasing. The key advantages at a glance:
Stable and resistant
The titanium-alloyed steel ensures a high level of stability, while the enamel surface is scratch-resistant and durable.
Hygienic and easy to clean
The smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean and provides ideal conditions for hygienic applications.
Colorfast and lightfast
Even with intensive exposure to light, the color and surface remain permanently preserved.
Warm and conductive
Steel conducts heat well and therefore provides a pleasant user experience – for example when bathing.
Magnetic
Practical magnetic accessories can be flexibly attached and repositioned at any time.
Environmentally friendly
Steel and enamel are made from natural raw materials and are recyclable – an important contribution to long-lasting and sustainable products.
The production process#
Schmidlin bathroom products are made from sheets of high-quality titanium steel. In the deep-drawing press, with up to 1,400 tons of pressure, the titanium-alloyed steel sheets are brought into their final shape – for example as bathtubs, shower bases or washbasins. In further steps, the blanks are cut to size, punched, embossed and carefully inspected by trained eyes. They are then cleaned and degreased in preparation for enameling.
The basis for enameling is enamel frit: glass granulate made from minerals, mainly borax, feldspar, quartz and soda, as well as other raw materials. The enamel frit is further processed at the Schmidlin production facility. Mixed with water and clay and then ground, it becomes enamel slip. This is wet-sprayed onto the steel blanks and fired in a continuous furnace at 850 degrees Celsius, bonding inseparably with the steel. The result is the composite material known as glazed titanium steel. A second enamel layer is applied using the same process to achieve the desired color, finish or anti-slip coating.
Conclusion
Made for generations
Bathroom products made from glazed titanium steel are virtually indestructible, hygienic, UV-light-resistant and heat-conductive. They impress with their durability and are therefore a sustainable investment. The material is made from natural raw materials and is fully recyclable.