TECAFORM AH can be processed faster and more accurately, meaning less rework is necessary. In contrast, not all forms of PE can be processed, resulting in certain restrictions on procurement. Selecting the thermoplastic material TECAFORM AH can thus cut processing costs. Another improvement is the use of TECAFORM AH blue, the acetal blue compliant with FDA and EU 10/2011 developed by Ensinger for food applications. Blue is not only a popular colour in the food industry, it also significantly reduces the risk of plastic contamination in food because of its optically detectability. Blue is a strategy for detectability – optical detectability by the finishing line operator. TECAFORM AH blue, as the natural grade, is also chemically resistant to detergents.
After a training course for introduction of EU 10/2011, in cooperation with the customers, the needle block was the first application which was adapted for optical detection. A prototype was developed and, after successful tests, customers were encouraged to convert more components.