Custom Mold Engineering
Develop original 3D models and custom plaster molds from scratch. Our technical team calculates clay shrinkage, rim reinforcement, and stacking geometry for optimum kiln yield and commercial durability.
Project Request & OEM Stoneware Engineering
Create, adjust, or design custom ceramic tableware and ovenware collections tailored precisely to your brand's technical and commercial standards.
Custom OEM Capabilities
Infinite Possibilities to Create a Unique Ceramic Line
Whether starting from a preliminary technical drawing, a physical target sample, or adapting an existing shape from our factory archives, Cerages provides end-to-end industrial solutions for international retailers, hospitality buyers, and home decor brands.
Our integrated manufacturing campus in Mortágua, Portugal combines internal plaster model-making, automated body preparation, proprietary glaze formulation, and controlled high-temperature kilns under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system.
Production Flexible Routes
Three Tailored Ways to Brief Our Engineering Team
We adapt our manufacturing processes to your project maturity, ensuring accurate prototyping, minimal lead times, and reliable volume scaling.
Glaze & Surface Adaptation
Apply new finishes to proven ceramic shapes. Choose from our proprietary library of over 1,300 reactive, solid, glossy, or ultra-matt glazes formulated for thermal shock and chip resistance.
Custom Backstamping & Packaging
Incorporate permanent backstamps directly into the mold base or via high-temperature decal firing. We deliver retail-ready packaging with custom barcode labeling and drop-test packaging compliance.
Structured OEM Process
From Initial Concept Brief to Export Freight Packaging
Every project is managed by a dedicated ceramic technician to preserve quality consistency across sampling and full production runs.
STAGE 01
Technical Assessment
Review of CAD drawings, target dimensions, volume requirements, and food-contact compliance parameters for destination markets.
STAGE 02
Sampling & Prototyping
Fabrication of master models, plaster molds, and lab-matched glaze trials for client evaluation and formal sign-off.
STAGE 03
Single Firing Vitrification
Controlled high-temperature tunnel kiln firing ensures low moisture absorption (<0.5%), high mechanical strength, and oven-to-table thermal shock tolerance.
STAGE 04
QA Inspection & Freight
100% visual and acoustic inspection, thermal shock testing, barcode labeling, and palletized export packing compliant with international logistics standards.
Manufacturing Parameters
Key Technical Specifications for Procurement Teams
Essential baseline parameters for international distributors, hotel supply buyers, and retail procurement managers.
| Specification Area | Standard Factory Capability | Compliance & Quality Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | High-density Portuguese stoneware body (fine clay & quartz matrix) | ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System |
| Thermal Shock Performance | Safe from freezer to heated oven up to 250°C (482°F) | EN 1183 Thermal Shock Resistance Standards |
| Food Safety & Glaze Integrity | 100% Lead-free and Cadmium-free glaze formulations | FDA food contact compliant & EU Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 |
| Dishwasher & Microwave Safety | Formulated for commercial dishwashers and microwave usage | Tested for edge-chipping and glaze crazing prevention |
| Custom Branding Options | Mold-engraved logo, underglaze backstamp, or overglaze decals | Permanent high-temperature fused backstamping |
| Packaging Specifications | Individual mail-order boxes, bulk retail inner cartons, export pallets | ISTA 3A drop-test capable e-commerce packaging |
Project FAQ
Frequently Asked Project Briefing Questions
To provide a comprehensive production quote, our engineering team requires product dimensions (or 2D/3D files), target glaze finish (solid, reactive, glossy, or matt), estimated initial order volume, destination market compliance rules, and packaging style requirements.
Custom mold development and physical sample glazing generally require 3 to 4 weeks depending on shape complexity and glaze matching iterations. Approved sample production leads straight into mass kiln scheduling.
Yes. Our in-house chemical laboratory regularly matches glazes against physical target samples or Pantone standards, testing for stability, firing expansion compatibility, and long-term surface durability under commercial cleaning cycles.
All engineering, molding, body preparation, glazing, firing, and packing take place at our single factory site in Mortágua, central Portugal. We arrange container shipments via Major Atlantic ports (Leixões / Lisbon) under FOB, CIF, or DDP terms.
Explore Technical Capabilities