Terms of Sale & Service

01. Preamble & Commercial Agreement

These Terms of Sale and Service ("Terms") govern all transactions, purchases, and acquisitions of precision coffee preparation instruments, replacement components, and accessories manufactured or distributed by VORTEX INSTRUMENT CO. ("VORTEX," "Company," "we," or "us"). By submitting an acquisition request through our online storefront or authorized global lab distribution partners, the purchaser ("Client," "you") unconditionally accedes to these terms.

VORTEX instruments are engineered to industrial laboratory tolerances. Any commercial modification, reverse engineering, or unauthorized alteration invalidates all associated warranties.

02. Precision Hardware Specifications & Manufacturing Tolerances

VORTEX instruments are manufactured in accordance with DIN ISO 2768-m (General Tolerances for Linear and Angular Dimensions) and DIN 7168. Dimensions stated across our technical dossiers (including the 68.00mm outer diameter, 92.50mm operational height, and 0.250mm needle diameter) represent nominal engineering targets with a verified production variance not exceeding ±0.015mm.

Natural variations in raw materials:

• 6061-T6 Aluminum: Bead-blasted and clear anodized; minor microscopic tooling witness marks are characteristic of high-feed CNC turning and do not constitute defects.
• C360 Brass: Uncoated solid architectural brass will develop a natural oxide patina over time when exposed to air and skin oils. This reaction is metallurgical and does not affect mechanical tolerances.
• Delrin POM-H: Self-lubricating polyoxymethylene homopolymer gears are dry-machined and must never be exposed to petroleum or silicone solvent lubricants.

03. Pricing, Taxes, and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Terms

All prices are denominated in United States Dollars (USD). Where indicated at checkout, international orders are fulfilled on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis according to Incoterms 2020. Under DDP terms, VORTEX assumes full responsibility for export clearance, import customs brokerage fees, value-added taxes (VAT), and applicable import tariffs prior to final delivery.

Should a customs authority in an unlisted territory erroneously assess supplementary duties, please contact our logistics desk at logistics@vortexinstruments.co with the official carrier customs invoice for immediate reimbursement or clearance intervention.

04. 10-Year Limited Mechanical Warranty

VORTEX warrants all CNC-machined structural housings, internal acetal planetary gear assemblies, and ceramic bearing stacks against mechanical failure, material defect, or abnormal tooth stripping for a duration of ten (10) calendar years from the confirmed date of dispatch.

Warranty Scope:

05. 100-Day Lab Trial Guarantee

We provide an unrestricted 100-day trial period commencing upon carrier delivery confirmation. If the VORTEX Model 01 does not demonstrably improve your espresso extraction uniformity, reduce channeling, or enhance TDS consistency across your workflow, you may initiate a return for a 100% refund of the instrument acquisition price.

For full procedural terms, inspection standards, and complimentary return label issuance, consult our formal 100-Day Lab Trial & Returns Policy.

06. Intellectual Property & Anti-Counterfeiting

All design schematics, CAD topologies, epicyclic gear arrangements, cycloidal needle sweep mathematics, technical drawings, typography hierarchies, and brand marks associated with VORTEX INSTRUMENT CO. are protected under international patent treaties and copyright conventions.

Unauthorized commercial replication of the planetary gear geometry, 3D printing of replacement gear assemblies for commercial sale, or deceptive marketing of derivative instruments constitutes copyright infringement and will be prosecuted under federal and Swiss civil statutes.

07. Governing Law and Arbitration

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of Switzerland (for European and Asian acquisitions) and the State of Delaware (for North American acquisitions), without giving effect to conflicts of law principles. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be settled through binding arbitration under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).