====== Melamine ======

**Melamine** is a hard, durable, and BPA-free plastic resin used to create tableware that mimics the look of ceramic or porcelain while being virtually unbreakable. It is the gold standard for high-volume environments, outdoor dining, and children's dinnerware.

Unlike traditional plastics, melamine is a thermosetting compound, meaning it is highly resistant to heat (up to a certain point) and chemical degradation.

===== 1. Key Characteristics =====

  * **Durability**: Shatterproof and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic environments and household use with children.
  * **Aesthetic Versatility**: Can be manufactured in any color or pattern, often mimicking the texture of [[:en:materials:stoneware|Stoneware]] or marble.
  * **Heat Retention**: It is an excellent insulator, staying cool to the touch even when serving hot foods.
  * **BPA-Free**: Most modern high-quality melamine is certified BPA-free and food-safe.

===== 2. Melamine vs. Porcelain =====

^ Feature ^ Melamine ^ [[:en:materials:porcelain|Porcelain]] ^
| **Weight** | Lightweight | Heavy |
| **Break Resistance** | Extremely High (Shatterproof) | Low (Fragile) |
| **Microwave Use** | No (May damage resin) | Yes (Usually safe) |
| **Price** | Affordable | Premium |

===== 3. Safety Guidelines =====

  * **Temperature Limits**: While heat-resistant, melamine should typically not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 70°C (158°F) to 100°C (212°F) depending on the quality.
  * **No Microwave or Oven**: Never use melamine in a microwave or oven. High heat can cause the material to degrade and potentially migrate chemicals into food.
  * **Avoid Scouring Pads**: Use soft sponges to clean; abrasive pads can strip the protective glaze and lead to staining.

===== 4. Care and Maintenance =====

  * **Dishwasher Safe**: Most melamine is dishwasher safe (top and bottom racks).
  * **Stain Removal**: For stubborn coffee or tea stains, use a specialized oxygen-based soaking solution rather than bleach.
  * **Phasing Out**: If a melamine plate becomes heavily scratched or charred, it should be replaced to ensure food safety.

===== 5. Notable Manufacturers =====

  * [[:en:brands:zak_designs|Zak Designs]] (USA) - A leader in colorful, fun, and functional melamine dinnerware for all ages.
  * [[:en:brands:le_creuset|Le Creuset]] (France) - While famous for cast iron, they offer premium melamine collections for outdoor use.
  * [[:en:brands:cambro|Cambro]] (USA) - The industry standard for durable melamine products in professional food service.
  * [[:en:brands:rice|RICE]] (Denmark) - Known for vibrant, high-quality melamine with a focus on ethical production.

{{tag>materials plastic melamine outdoor kids durable}}