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Product specifications

FINE PORCELAIN

All raw materials used by Vista Alegre, such as feldspar, sand, clay and kaolin, are of the highest quality. All products are subject to two firings. The first firing, at 980 °C, and the second at 1400 °C in a reducing atmosphere, gives them an excellent whiteness, without porosity, and an exceptional mechanical resistance.


CONTINUOUS QUALITY TESTING

All Vista Alegre products undergo a strict and continuous quality control, from the choice of raw materials to the shipment of the pieces, including various inspections and laboratory tests to ensure the highest quality of the end product. All products are entirely chosen by an internal team specializing in this process. The Vista Alegre pieces have a tracking mark that identifies the year and quarter of their production. It is a system for the control and management of information that can reconstitute the entire manufacturing process, from the raw materials used, to the end product. The shape of the pieces’ shipping cases and the special attention given to the polishing process provide a soft feel, minimizing scratches on the glass surface during piling up.


 THERMAL RESISTANCE

All Vista Alegre pieces are resistant to freezing and microwave*. The oven porcelain pieces can be used at high temperatures (about 300 °C) and may be served directly at the table. All Vista Alegre pieces are tested in terms of resistance to thermal shock, resisting to a minimum of 9 cycles at 290 °C, as long as they are placed on an insulating surface.

* Except pieces with precious metals.


CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

The Vista Alegre decorations are resistant to washing machines and will therefore not lose their brightness or colour in more aggressive cleaning cycles (up to 90 °C). The high resistance of the Vista Alegre glazes to chemical attack results from the fact that the glaze is baked at high temperatures, providing, in its composition, raw materials with low castability. Vista Alegre porcelain’s porosity = 0% prevents the entry of food waste on the surface of the piece, thus providing greater resistance of the glazed surface to the acids in the food, during washing.


THERMAL RESISTANCE

All Vista Alegre pieces are resistant to freezing and microwave*. The oven porcelain pieces can be used at high temperatures (about 300 °C) and may be served directly at the table. All Vista Alegre pieces are tested in terms of resistance to thermal shock, resisting to a minimum of 9 cycles at 290 °C, as long as they are placed on an insulating surface.

* Except pieces with precious metals.


MECHANICAL RESISTANCE

The mechanical resistance of the tableware is enhanced by the combination of raw materials, the manufacturing processes and the design, specially designed to ensure high levels of resistance and durability in their use within the hotel industry. The simulation of extreme conditions of use of the pieces allows a permanent evaluation of impact resistance. Vista Alegre holds side and top impact tests on the plates and cups, in order to ensure a resistance above 7 kgf. cm/cm. Due to the strict control parameters of raw materials and the entire manufacture process, the Vista Alegre pieces have a surface with a high resistance to scratches and metal marking.


ECOLOGY AND RECYCLING

Most of the waste generated in the production process before the second firing, is re-introduced into the manufacturing process. All solid, liquid and gas waste that is not reused is properly treated and a strict monitoring is performed to minimize the environmental impact.


FOOD SAFETY

All Vista Alegre pieces that are white and decorated are laboratory tested to ensure compliance with the maximum permitted levels of lead and cadmium released into the food (Directive 84/500EEC). Due to high firing temperatures, Vista Alegre porcelain has high densification, which makes its surfaces totally hygienic. The absence of porosity prevents the collection of germs and food waste. The cups for exclusive use in the hotel industry have a glazed edge, which gives them a soft feel and perfect hygiene.


 DECORATIONS

Vista Alegre has a unique ability to develop decorations, from the simplest to the richest, always with high quality standards. This is due to the flexibility and variety of solutions that are available, including a wide range of applications, paints and precious metals, and the different types of firing applied: onglaze (850 °C), inglaze (1200 °C) and underglaze (1400 °C). Firing above 1200°C allows the decoration to penetrate the glass, becoming protected by it, providing high resistance to extreme conditions of use. Firing at 850 °C, in turn, allows the use of a wide range of shades and precious metals, such as gold and platinum.