Metal detectable plastics

The detection of foreign bodies during processing and packaging of food, plays a fundamental role in ensuring safety, quality and in avoiding the possibility of plastic contamination in food.  Can metal detectors detect plastic is a question more Engineers in the food industry have begun to us.  In response to this need, we offer a range of compliant materials and in an ID (metal detectable plastic) and UD (ultra-detectable plastic) series, both of which are specially designed for the food industry.

All food grade plastics from the ID series are produced by adding a metal detectable additive. This ensures that  any plastic fragment can be identified rapidly using a standard metal detector present in the line, should there be breakage of a component made of one of these materials during production. Additionally, the blue coloration of the helps to facilitate  optical detection by the operator if this type of detection system is in use.

Ensinger's UD series also contains a special additive package that among other things makes it a metal detectable plastic.  Like many of our other food grade materials, its blue coloration facilitates optical detection, while other aspects of the formulation also allow for  x-ray detection.  These characteristics make Ensinger Ultra Detectable plastics one of the most versatile detectable plastic families available today.

ID series products are detectable using a metal detector to achieve greater safety in food production lines. ID plastics are available in rods and plates, in a wide range of sizes, and are available in many different variants to meet application requirements:

• TECAPEEK ID blue - based on Victrex PEEK polymer, has high mechanical strength, excellent chemical resistance and is able to withstand high operating temperatures
• TECAFORM AH ID blue and TECAFORM AH ID grey - the most popular food grade plastics in this field. This acetal food grade material ensures high dimensional stability and machinability - characteristics necessary for the production of precision components. Its high resistance to sterilizers and low moisture absorption makes this material ideal for a wide range of applications in the food industry

All products in the ID series comply with the strict requirements of the food industry and are subject to migration tests required by the regulation (EU) 10/2011. The raw material used also meets FDA requirements.

Like the ID series, Ensinger's ultra-detectable UD family is available in a variety of base polymers and shapes.

• TECAPEEK UD blue is PEEK based, and offers the highest temperature, chemical and physical property characteristics in a food grade material.
• TECAFORM AH UD blue uses copolymer acetal as the base polymer, and serves as the family work horse, suitable for both structural parts as well as wear applications.
• HYDEX 4101 UD blue is a PBT polyester that is best suited to application where chlorine and caustic cleaning solutions are utilized.