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  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 material 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.  

The ID series of metal detectable plastics is available in rods and plates in a wide range of sizes and is obtainable in many variants in order to meet different application requirements

• TECAPEEK ID blue, based on Victrex peek polymer, has high mechanical strength, excellent chemical resistance and is able to bear high operating temperatures.
• TECAFORM AH ID blue and grey, the most popular food grade plastic in this field. This acetal food grade ensures high dimensional stability and machinability - characteristics necessary for production of precision components. Its high resistance to sterilization and low moisture absorption makes this material ideal for a wide range of applications in the food industry.   
• TECAMID 6 ID blue, this blue nylon is characterized by a very high toughness which further reduces the risk of brittle breakage of the components.

All products of 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.
• TECADUR PBT UD blue is a PBT polyester that is best suited to application where chlorine and caustic cleaning solutions are utilized.