FAQ - Frequently asked questions

What does "dishwasher-safe to a limited extent" mean?

Depending on the type of paint, the printing process and the printing technique as well as the structure of the decor, the cups will retain their color for a maximum of 100 wash cycles.

Glass decors that have been fired at less than 640 degrees C are generally not dishwasher-safe.

Can the machine be used despite recommended hand washing?

Certain products can withstand a very low number of machine wash cycles. However, water hardness, detergents and other factors play an important role here. For organic colors and special coatings, we recommend rinsing by hand to ensure a long-lasting product.

Note on dishwasher suitability, resistance, etc.

Dishwasher-safe, -resistant, -proof or -suitable are always the manufacturer's own definitions and not legally binding statements. In the strict sense of the word, dishwasher-safe means that no damage is caused to the machine during washing. Only if an item is dishwasher-safe according to DIN 12875 can it be safely washed in the machine for a certain number of cycles.

What does dishwasher-safe mean?

Since the end of the 1990s, this has been regulated in a standard: DIN 12875, which was expanded a few years later to become DIN 12875-2. A number on the corresponding dishwasher symbol indicates the maximum number of wash cycles that can be withstood without damage. The standard specifies certain criteria that apply to the number of wash cycles indicated by the symbol. If these criteria are met, the products are guaranteed dishwasher-safe for the wash cycles in accordance with DIN 12875. This applies to ceramic products with baked decorations (if the decorations have been baked at a minimum of 820 degrees C). Restrictions apply to precious metal and metallic decors.

What about the information "scratch-resistant / microwave-safe"?

Ceramic products with single-fired decors (firing temperature > 820 degrees C) are scratch-resistant and also microwave-safe. Glass decorations are microwave-safe, but not scratch-resistant. Metal decorations are generally NOT microwave-safe.

Which cups can go in the oven?

Not all cups - or other tableware - can withstand the enormous heat of the oven. Only those made of earthenware or porcelain are considered fireproof, which means that they can be exposed to the temperatures in the oven. After all, they are used to much higher temperatures: porcelain dishes are fired at over 1000 degrees Celsius for several days.

However, there can still be unpleasant surprises if you put cups made of inferior ceramic in the oven. The heat can cause it to crack or even break apart.

Another important tip: Ceramics that have been in the freezer should not be placed in the oven immediately afterwards. The same applies to serving hot mulled wine in cups that are stored outdoors. The cups should be warmed up at room temperature beforehand - this reduces the risk of cracking or shattering when filled with hot mulled wine.

By when do i have to have ordered so as to receive the goods on my desired date?

We specify the delivery time when you place your order. It will be communicated again in the order confirmation. We guarantee punctual delivery following a specific, individual agreement with our customers. This presupposes that the orders, including the respective print files, are placed as early as possible. After completion, an appropriate quality check is carried out by our employees. No delivery will be dispatched without this.

In what form do you need printing data?

Printing data is required as a vectorized file. Please refer to the print specifications for details.

What does a release sample cost?

The costs vary depending on the order quantity. We will be happy to provide you with information on this.

What is the minimum order quantity?

The minimum quantity for individual logo printing on stock items is 1200 pieces. We will be happy to provide information on the minimum order quantities for individual productions.

What are the special features of ceramics?

Clay/earth is a living material that always behaves differently during production, especially when fired at 1200 degrees. Ceramic is processed by hand in many steps, which means that it cannot be produced as precisely as with a machine. Thermal influences (decorative firing at 840°C), the resulting chemical reactions and additive color mixing of the glaze colors with the underlying raw materials also mean that deviations cannot be ruled out.

What about sustainability?

Due to climate change and rising energy prices, saving energy has become a virtue. We print ceramic and porcelain cups at one location with customized decoration for advertising purposes and for events. To ensure a long service life, this decoration must be firmly bonded to the uniware, i.e. baked on. This is done at 840 °C in a kiln. Reaching this temperature requires a great deal of energy. In the kiln, this energy is primarily converted into heat.

The constant uniform temperature control in all areas offers great advantages. Ceramic products should have a certain temperature level before they are processed. There is no need to adjust the temperature after removal from storage, and the goods can go into production at any time. Circulating air heat exchangers for heating colder work areas are also no longer required.

What is a proof?

A proof is a correction print and serves as a check of the status of the motif on the article, the glaze or printing color.

glaze or printing ink. Approval of the proof sheet / proof is followed by approval for printing.

Which printing area is available?

The printing area is defined in the stand sheet / proof. You will receive this from us, e.g. if you or your advertising agency would like to develop your decor on this basis.

What is screen printing?

The screen printing process is a so-called through-printing process in which the printing ink is printed using a rubber squeegee through a fine-mesh fabric (screen) onto the material to be printed. The non-printing areas are made impermeable to ink using a stencil on the screen. Screen printed items have the brightest colors because the ink is applied more heavily than other printing methods.

Why do glasses become cloudy over the time?

There are various reasons why glasses can become cloudy. Several different factors often work together. The most common causes include limescale deposits or glass corrosion.

LIMESCALE DEPOSITS

Reversible limescale deposits occur if unsuitable water treatment is used to operate the dishwasher when the raw water hardness is high. The limescale formers contained in the water get onto the glass and settle on the glass surface during the drying phase. As detergents also have hardness-binding properties, this limescale build-up can be avoided or at least delayed with a sufficient detergent dosage. A little acid in low concentration can remove limescale residue-free. But be careful: acids such as lemon juice or vinegar attack the surface of the glass and can cause corrosion. At the same time, limescale clouding also shows that the water contains too many hardening agents. It should be softened or demineralized accordingly.

GLASS CORROSION

Glass corrosion is also known as glass pest, glass rust, glass disease, glass fire or simply "milky glass". Glass corrosion is a visually recognizable clouding of the glass that can no longer be removed. This irreparable damage to the glass surface can occur after frequent washing in a dishwasher. This is caused by water that is too soft. Completely soft water or even pure water (osmosis water) tries to correct its "mineral-poor" state and retrieve the missing minerals from other materials when it comes into contact with them. It therefore has an aggressive effect on glass, which is known to consist of various minerals. The clouding of the glass is caused by the dissolving out of glass components or by different removal from the glass surface. What remains is a layer with a different refractive index, which the human eye perceives as clouding. Glass corrosion does not occur spontaneously during a single rinsing process, but continuously over a large number of rinsing cycles. The clouding is not always evenly distributed over the entire glass, but occurs preferentially in areas that have been thermally treated during production (e.g. mouth rim) or "injured" areas such as scratches (smooth surfaces offer less surface area to attack than roughened, scratched surfaces). Glass corrosion can occur with both very high-quality and simple glass. However, certain types of glass, such as simple soda-lime glass, are more susceptible to glass corrosion. Other types, such as crystal glass or borosilicate glass, are less susceptible. Water alone can cause glass corrosion under the conditions of machine dishwashing. The higher temperatures and more intensive detergents used in household dishwashers, for example, also greatly shorten the service life of the glass.

How can glass corrosion be prevented?

- Adjust the machine settings and detergent dosage according to the water hardness. If necessary, ask the machine manufacturer. - Avoid scratches as far as possible -> do not place glasses too close together - Ideally, wash glasses in an industrial dishwasher, as the glass is less stressed by short wash cycles.