To help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) meet the stringent regulations and quality requirements of the food equipment industry, Victrex has introduced a dedicated PEEK food-grade product portfolio. Compared with metals, the new VICTREX FG ™ series of high-performance thermoplastics has greater advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, productivity and performance of OEMs, as well as moderate tastes that consumers expect.
Victrex Introduces New VICTREX FG ™ Series of High Performance PEEK Thermoplastics for the Food and Beverage Industry
Food and beverage manufacturing equipment companies are facing challenges from regulators, industry and consumers with many requirements for health, safety and hygiene. In addition, with the application of Industry 4.0 technology, VICTREX ™ PEEK provides food and beverage manufacturers with opportunities to optimize efficiency and reduce production costs compared to the use of metals.
Reduce component production costs-increase reliability and extend maintenance intervals
In the short term, component costs will be affected by component manufacturing costs. For example, metal parts may require expensive multi-step manufacturing to make, so choosing alternative materials or scalable manufacturing processes (such as injection molding) can reduce part costs spatially. In the long run, by choosing more optimized materials, such as high-performance polymers and / or designs that extend component life, reduce downtime costs, or reduce product quality, the overall cost of the component can be reduced.
At present, machine parts used in the food production industry require regular maintenance because metal parts are prone to corrosion. This corrosion can cause local environmental pollution; for example, the use of stainless steel in salt environments at temperatures above 60 ° C (140 ° F). In addition, components can be damaged by exposure to extreme temperatures and chemicals, and the lubricants needed to move parts can cause local environmental pollution.
"In order to protect consumer safety and implement social and environmental standards, the regulatory environment for materials used in food, beverages and drinking water has become increasingly complex. Newer, more stringent requirements combined with improved taste experience, longer shelf life, cleanliness Labeling, product differentiation, and consumer safety requirements add further challenges, and the VICTREX PEEK food-grade product portfolio can help address these issues, "said Steve Dougherty, Victrex Director of Engineering Manufacturing and Production.
New food grades and product portfolios to increase cost efficiency and productivity
Victrex is able to provide certain PEEK products that have passed the relevant EU10 / 2011 test requirements. This will reduce the cost of home or commercial appliances and help increase the productivity / output of industrial installations. Compliance costs are often high. Approval of new materials by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) usually costs more than $ 130,000, and the review time may in some cases exceed one year. This does not include internal application testing and verification in specific applications, or actually food contact approval of the device. If material suppliers have certified their materials with NSF International, these costs can be reduced. Pre-approved materials can save costs of $ 13,000 and save about 12 weeks.
The food grades included in the VICTREX FG portfolio meet stringent testing requirements for all or at least one of the following regulations:
• Food: US FDA 21 CFR 177.2415 regulations (approved for all grades), EU EU 10/2011 (approved for all grades, excluding carbon fiber grades); South America Mercosur GMC RES 02/12; 32/07; No. 32/10)
• WATER: WRAS in the UK and KTW in Germany, including KTW guide test and DVGW W270 Micro test
Advancing applications based on food-grade product portfolios and extensive experience with PEEK
The food industry has been using the VICTREX PEEK solution for some time. Its applications range from commercial to industrial applications. Commercial applications mainly include household cookers and beverage dispensers. Industrial applications mainly include food contact parts in conveying systems, aseptic processing, sensors, gears. And nozzle. The company's in-depth understanding of PEEK is not only based on nearly 40 years of experience in this high-performance polymer, but also partners from the industry to help meet its needs.