A Wax Heating Device for the Small – Scale Batik Industry

Abstract

This study seeks to produce a locally wax heating device which can melt wax and maintain it at a consistent temperature to facilitate wax application during batik production for the small – scale Batik Industry. This is to address the lack and irregularity of attaining constant temperature of the melted wax during batik production to effect clarity of design prints produced. The research approach was qualitative and the data instrument used were mainly interviewed and participant observation and the secondary data from literature. The scope of the study covered selected small-scale batik producers in the Greater Accra Region with a limited population of fifty people, which comprised of thirty (30) Batik Producers, ten (10) Machine producers and ten (10) ceramics producers. The findings indicate that fifty percent (50%) ”Nfensi” clay, twenty percent (20%) quarry dust, twenty percent (20%) crush bricks (grog) and ten percent (10%) wood ash when properly mixed in their right proportion generate a good heat retention appropriate for a heat retention chamber. This was supported with a galvanized metal plate and angle iron, to form a suitable structure of the heating device. The study recommends that the wax heating device be judiciously used to address the temperature irregularities and increase the rate and clarity of batik production so as to improve the efficiency of the small – scale Batik Industry.