We now offer parts in Metal Detectable Silicone, Nitrile, Natural Rubber, EPDM, FKM, Neoprene and Polyurethane.
Most of these materials can be supplied with FDA 21 CFR pt 177 and EC1935 / EC2023 approvals.
Silicone is the most adaptable of all these compounds, and many different colours can be produced.
Traditionally food and drugs grade parts were made in White Silicone. This is particularly difficult to see if there is particle break-down of the seal in many foods and drugs – so by using blue materials visual inspection equipment can easily identify foreign particle during processing and the line can be stopped, and seals replaced.
The added benefit of having metal detectable material means that automatic equipment can now quickly identify any foreign particles which result from the break-down of a gasket of seal – and it’s not down to the operator to continuously watch!
While 3-dimensional parts are normally moulded – many flat gaskets and seals are cut from sheet. While this is often a quick solution, it can also be the most wasteful – and more expensive.
Using low-cost tooling, we can often mould products in metal detectable materials without producing the waste from cutting processes where centre usage is not made, or skeleton waste cannot be recycled.
By moulding the product, and using only the specific shot weight with minute flash – metal detectable parts, which tend to have a higher specific gravity, can be produced with less than 1% waste.
Give us a call, or email us with your particular enquiries – while metal detectable compounds limit which colours can be used – we can certainly advise on availability!
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