The Compression Process for Corelle Glass
Since 1970, Corelle has offered consumers a sturdy line of glass products with features attributed to the processing of the glass. Affordable, lightweight, chip-free, break-free and fade-resistant, as well as oven- and dishwasher-safe -- Vitrelle is just as popular today as it was in 1970. With a warranty covering stains, chips and cracks sustained during ordinary household use, Corelle stands by the strength in the lamination process they designed for the glassware. Not only does it have strength, but also beauty, thanks to the lamination process. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Vitrelle
-
Vitrelle is the term used for the three-layer lamination process Corelle uses for their line of glassware. The glass is very strong due to the process and resists normal wear and tear. Vitrelle is composed of three sheets of glass compressed together to form one. The outer layers are transparent while the inner "core" layer is white opal.
Process
-
Streams of liquid glass are ushered together and formed into three separate sheets by machine to prevent them from mixing before they set. It is the friction between the layers of glass that causes the compression to occur. Thermal vacuum forming shapes the dishes into a mold from which they are cut with a device akin to a heavy duty cookie cutter. After being fire-polished, the dishes are decorated and sent for another process called air tempering, which strengthens the dishes further. The process takes a scant 15 minutes to complete a bowl or a plate.
-
Durability
-
The compression process renders the Vitrelle glass strong but deceptively light in weight. Typical warranties on the dishes are three to five years depending on what type of Vitrelle the dishes are composed of. The second Vitrelle formula (Vitrelle 2) has a core 70 percent thicker than its original and commands a lengthier warranty. While the glass is stronger than most it is still glass and will break if dropped or knocked roughly against something.
Care
-
Vitrelle's lamination process ensures it will be stronger than anything else in your cupboard; it is still important to care for it properly. It can be used in the microwave, dishwasher or oven if proper measures are taken. For the microwave, always make sure to use the appropriate size of dish for whatever it is you are heating. Using the wrong size with too little in it could cause cracks or breaks. Avoid overloading the dishwasher to prevent Vitrelle glassware from knocking against anything else. And for heating it in the oven, do not exceed 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
