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Kynar® –  PVDF

Kynar® – PVDF

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PVDF – Kynar®

Kynar® 740 and HD1000 have excellent chemical resistance

Polyvinylidene Fluoride

PVDF – Arkema Kynar®

This extremely chemical resistant material is used in high purity fluid handling systems and parts.

PVDF material has excellent abrasion resistance, nuclear radiation resistance, and unsurpassed chemical resistance.

Used extensively in applications for extremely low moisture absorption and resistance to virtually all chemicals and solvents.

The most popular trade name is Kynar® and Kynar® 740 – made by Arkema®. The material is also available as: HD1000, Ensikem®, Tecaflon®, Mechatec® PVDF, Polystone® PVDF, Unitar®, Sustatec®, Kytec®, Symalit®, Foraflon®, Solef®, Trovidur®, and others.

PVDF materials are FM-4910 rated materials, with excellent heat and flame resistance.

We Specialize in Engineering Plastics, Mechanical Plastics and PVDF – Kynar® High Performance Plastics

PVDF and Kynar 740 sheet and rodWhy you should use PVDF – Kynar® brand:

This material has excellent abrasion and exceptional chemical resistance. Has high dielectric strength and very good mechanical strength.

  • Excellent corrosion & chemical resistance at ambient and elevated temperatures
  • Chemically inert and extremely high purity
  • 300 degrees F continuous use temperature
  • Low permeability to gases and liquids
  • Excellent balance of strength, toughness and abrasion resistance
  • FDA, USDA, 3A, FM4910 and USP VI compliant
  • Offers excellent strength, rigidity and machinability
  • PVDF is ITAR compliant, and PVDF is RoHS compliant

Frequently used in:

  • High Purity Fluid Processing Systems
  • Fluid sensors, manifolds and valves
  • Chemical processing and storage parts
  • Liquid chromatography components
  • Bearings and bushings
  • DI water systems

Materials available as:

Sheet:
.250″ – 4″ in Natural (Ivory – Tan) in 24″ X 48″
Rod:
375″ – 6″ diameter in Natural (Ivory – Tan) up to 120″ lengths (.250″ – 2.50″)

Typical Resin Properties for Kynar - PVDF

These Properties are for evaluation purposes only. This information is not to be construed as a warranty, guarantee or assurance that you may achieve the same results. Materials made from different resin types, manufacturing techniques and manufacturers will react differently. The information should be used to compare against other materials only, and each user should make his own tests to determine suitability. No warranty as to this materials suitability are either expressed nor implied.

Conductive – ESD Products

Conductive – ESD Products

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Anti- static, Conductive, E.S.D. (Electro Static Discharge)

Please specify Anti-static, Conductive or E.S.D material

Various plastics with additives or fillers to add levels of conductivity.These materials are frequently in sensitive electronic and spark sensitive applications such as hard drive and memory fixtures, computer work surfaces, part moving systems, and chemical storage areas. This material has an excellent range of machinable materials offering various levels of conductivity. From Anti-Static to fully conductive, they can eliminate the need for using metals in sensitive applications where any static is unacceptable.

  • Good to Excellent Machining
  • Low co-efficient of Friction with various levels of conductivity
  • Dimensionally stable and anti-slough properties yield excellent performance
  • Static – The curse of the electronics industry
  • Wide range of materials and fillers (additives) produce limitless choices of end use properties

A wide variety of ESD, Conductive, and Static Dissipating materials are available. Due to the range of materials and conductivity levels, we request you contact us for your specific requirements. Here are some common trade names for the ESD, Conductive and Static Control materials:

Tecaform SD, Hydel PE17, Hydel PC-P ESD, Hydel PC7, Tecapeek PVX, Sintimid ESD 23, Krefine ESD PEEK, Tempalux CN, PES CN, Pomalux CN, Pomalux SD, Semitron ESD 225, Semitron, Absylux SD, Absylux CN, Lennite CN, Tivar 1000 Antistatic, Zelux SD, Zelux CN, Kynar SD, Kynar CN, and many more.

Please contact us for more details.

Why you should use Conductive Materials:

  • Static Removed from wearing areas
  • ESD and/or Conductive Fixtures For Electronic Applications
  • Static Discharge or Conductive Without Using Metals
  • Fills of Carbon Fiber,Carbon Powder, Stainless Steel, and Non-Carbon based Homogeneous Materials
  • Light Weight, Machinable and ESD In One Material
  • ESD products are ITAR compliant, and ESD products are RoHS compliant
Applications – Frequently used in:

  • Fixtures around sensitive electronic components
  • Tooling for working on electric materials
  • Protection and shipping of sensitive electronic components

Three common terms used to subdivide ESD with materials based on their surface resistance are:

  • Anti-Static–pertaining to a material or procedure that disperses, or inhibits the accumulation of, static charges
  • Conductive– surface resistance of less than 1 x 10 5 ohms/square
  • Dissipative– surface resistance of more than 1 x 10 5 ohms/square but less than 1 x10 11 ohms/square.

Material Available As:

Sheet, Rod and Film:

Call for details on specific Materials or Applications Common Materials Available (many others available, please call)

MaterialMaterial
ABS- Carbon Fiber FilledPolycarbonate- Stainless Steel Filled
ABS- Carbon Powder FilledPolypropylene- Carbon Fiber Filled
ABS- Non-Carbon Fiber FilledPolypropylene- Carbon Powder Filled
Acetal- Carbon Fiber FilledPolypropylene- Non-Carbon Powder Filled
Acetal- Non-Carbon Fiber FilledPVDF(Kynar)Carbon Fiber Filled
Acetal- Stainless Steel FilledPVDF(Kynar)-Carbon Powder Filled
PES (Polyethersulfone)- Carbon Fiber FilledUHMW- Carbon Powder Filled Polycarbonate
Ultem -Carbon Fiber Filled

Typical Resin Properties:

MaterialsSpecific GravityD792Izod Impact – NotchedD256Tensile Elongation – %D256Surface Resistivity (ohms/sq)D257
ABS – Carbon Fiber1.091.03.0102 –106
ABS – Carbon Powder1.131.610.0102 –106
ABS – Non – Carbon Alloy1.036.013.0109 –1011
Acetal – Carbon Fiber1.440.93.0102 –106
Acetal – Non – Carbon Alloy1.331.33.5109 –1011
Acetal – Stainless Steel1.500.7N/A102 –106
PES – Carbon Fiber1.400.945.0102 –106
Polycarbonate – Carbon Fiber1.291.55.0107 –1012
Polycarbonate – Carbon Fiber (conductive)1.321.45.0103 –106
Polycarbonate – Stainless Steel (conductive)1.261.87.0101 –105
Polypropylene – Carbon Fiber.951.05.0102 –106
Polypropylene – Carbon Powder1.00No Break25.0102 –106
Polypropylene – Non-Carbon Alloy.941.4200109 –1011
industrial performance plastic sheets and rods

Properties are for evaluation purposes only. This information is not to be construed as a warranty, guarantee or assurance that you may achieve the same results. Materials made from different resin types, manufacturing techniques and manufacturers will react differently. The information should be used to compare against other materials only, and each user should make his own tests to determine suitability. No warranty as to this materials suitability are either expressed nor implied.

Acetal Copolymer

Acetal Copolymer

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Acetal Materials

Acetal Copolymer / Dupont Delrin® 150SA Homopolymer

Which Acetal material should you use? (POM)

  • Both Acetal Copolymer and Delrin® 150SA Homopolymer are FDA Compliant
  • Both are very stiff and have excellent dimensional stability
  • Are Self Lubricating, Abrasion Resistance, and Excellent Wear properties
  • Available in Natural, Black and Blue. Custom colors also available.
  • Cuts extremely well with standard cutting tools
  • Delrin® AF (PTFE Filled), Glass Filled, and Specialty Grades Available
  • Delrin® 150SA Homopolymer have similar properties and frequently replace: Noryl®Nylon®, and PET or PBT materials
  • Acetal and Delrin® are High Tech Performance Plastics

Some reasons to choose Homopolymer vs. Copolymer

Both Acetal (POM) grades have very similar properties. Our clients seem to prefer the Dupont brand name Homopolymer materials because of the superior physical properties. The issues that lead clients to the Copolymer is a slightly lower cost, and the minor inherent center-line porosity in the Delrin® 150SA Homopolymer grade.

Dupont™ Delrin ® is a popular acetal homopolymer brand name and the most commonly used acetal homopolymer.

The Delrin® 150SA is a brand name of Dupont, and it is often referred to as POM-H or Acetal Homopolymer. Common brand or trade names for extruded Acetal sheet and rod materials include: Tecaform® AH, SUSTARIN® C, ZL® 900-C, Pomalux®, Unital®, Mechatec Acetal®, Acetron® and many more. This excellent mechanical plastic material is also referred to as: Acetal Copolymer rod, Copolymer Acetal rod, Copolymer Plastic Rod, Acetal Copolymer vs Acetal Homopolymer, Homopolymer Acetal rod, Acetal Homopolymer rod, and many others.

Specializing in Wholesale Acetal and Delrin Engineering Plastics, Mechanical Plastics and High Performance Plastics

**Note:  Delrin® is a registered Trademark of Dupont

**See also: Alignable Acetal – Delrin Page

 

10-inch-Black-Acetal-Rod

Why you should use Acetal/ Delrin®

  • Both the Dupont Delrin® and Acetal Copolymer are FDA Compliant
  • They are very stiff and have excellent dimensional stability
  • Are self-lubricating, abrasion-resistant, and have excellent wear properties
  • Cuts extremely well with standard cutting tools
  • Delrin® AF (PTFE Filled), Glass Filled and Specialty Grades Available
  • Delrin® Rod and Plate have similar properties and frequently replace: Noryl®Nylon and PET materials

Some reasons to choose Homopolymer vs. Copolymer

Both POM grades have very similar properties. Our clients seem to prefer the Acetal over the Homopolymer materials due to the inherent center-line porosity in the Delrin® Homo-polymer version. This means, that along the center of a rod, or the middle of a sheet, there is a band of area with tiny porous holes. This can weaken or cause problems with a finished part, and in extreme cases, you may see blow by or leakage at this center line. While Delrin® is a brand name, it is a POM Homo-polymer.

The most requested and popular item we supply is the Acetal; the POM Copolymer resin made by one of the other big resin manufacturers – like BASF or Celanese/Tacona.

Both Delrin and Acetal are ITAR compliant, and Delrin and Acetal are RoHS compliant.

The most requested and popular item we supply is the Acetal; the POM Co-polymer resin made by one of the other big resin manufacturers – like BASF or Celanese/Tacona.

Both of these premium performance plastic resins are readily available. If you would prefer the Delrin® brand Sheet or Rod, drop us a line, send us an email – we will be happy to ship the requested material for you. We don’t make judgments on the suitability of material for your application, we just supply what you, our clients ask for. Please, just let us know ahead of time if you have a preference. There are a few other names we hear when people are looking for Delrin®, like Delron, Delran, Delrun, Delren, and many more. Just let us know, and we will be happy to supply a high quality Delrin® brand or Copolymer Acetal product.

Want more information on the differences?  Acetal Compared With Delrin®  and Use The Best Wholesale Acetal Rod and Delrin® Rod Supplier. Natural Acetal Copolymer Rod Now Available up to 24″ in Diameter

Still not sure Delrin® or Acetal is the proper material for your application, consult our free Plastic Materials Selection Guide.

Industrial Plastic Supply proudly stocks Acetal and Dupont Delrin 150SA from these premium manufacturers:

Ensinger® Plastics for Dupont Delrin 150SA and Tecaform AH Copolymer Acetal

Rochling® Plastics for Dupont Delrin 150SA and Sustarin C Copolymer Acetal

Z/L Plastics® for Dupont Delrin 150SA and ZL® 900 series Copolymer Acetal

And many more ‘American Made’ quality plastic manufacturers.

Both Delrin and Acetal are ITAR compliant, and Delrin and Acetal are RoHS compliant.

Acetal materials are excellent machining materials – a favorite of machinists. Works like a soft brass, and has exceptional dimensional stability. It comes as a stress relieved material, however if you plan to do extensive machining, you may need to stress relieve the parts prior to final pass. Rods are machined well in lathe and mill, sheets are machined or cut in most common machine tools.

  • Excellent Machining
  • Low co-efficient of Friction
  • Very low moisture resistance

The work horse of the mechanical plastics family, it is one of the most popular grades of material we supply. Other brand or trade names: Pomalux®, Acetron®, Ensital®, Unital®, Tecaform®, Ultraform®, Celcon®, BASF®, Hostaform®, Ticona®, and Dupont Delrin®. Occasionally we are asked for the difference between Acetal and HDPE – here is an explanationApplications – Frequently used in:

  • Wear and Slide machined parts from Rod and Plate
  • FDA, NSF, 3-A, and USDA Compliant Machined Parts
  • Easily machined parts for water / moisture environments
  • Critical tolerance and dimensionally stable parts
  • 185 degrees F Continuous Temperature Environments
  • Rod and Rods, Sheet and Sheets for numerous applications

Acetal Sheet and Rod Specifications:

In stock we normally carry one of these resins: BASF Ultraform® H4320, Kepital® F10-02, or Hostaform® M25. Current Certifications and Specifications used for Acetal – Delrin®: FDA, USDA, NSF, ASTM D6778 Superseded or out dated Specifications for Acetal – Delrin®: L-P-392, ASTM D4181

Materials Available As

Delrin® Sheet – Delrin®Plate or Acetal Sheet – Acetal Plate: .062″ – 6.0″ up to 48″ X 120″ in Natural (White) and Black.

Acetal sheet and Acetal Plate thickness normally in stock: .125″, .187″, .250″, .312″, .375″, .500″, .625″, .750″, .875″, 1.0″, 1.250″, 1.500″, 1.750″, 2.0″, 2.250″, 2.500″, 2.750″, 3.0″, 3.250″, 3.50″, 3.750″, 4.0″, 4.50″, 5.0″ and larger

Delrin® AF Sheet and Plate: .062″ – 3.0″ thick in 24″ X 48″, brown in color

Delrin® AF Rod: .250″ – 10″ diameter rod in up to 120″ lengths, brown in color

Film: .005″ – .062″ up to 24″ wide in Natural (White) and Black (minimums may apply)

Acetal Rod and Rods: .125″ – 10″ diameter in Natural (White) and Black up to 120″ lengths For Colored Acetal – Delrin Rod® Read Here.

Acetal Rod diameters normally in stock: .125″, .187″, .250″, .312″, .375″, .437″, .500″, .562″, .625″, .750″, .875″, 1.0″, 1.125″, 1.250″, 1.375″, 1.500″, 1.625″, 1.750″, 2.0″, 2.250″, 2.500″, 2.750″, 3.0″, 3.250″, 3.50″, 3.750″, 4.0″, 4.50″, 5.0″ and many more – up to 20.0″ diameter rod is available!

Special Formulations: Conductive, Static Dissipative, PTFE-TFE Filled, Glass Reinforced, Custom Sizes, Formulations, or Colors Occasionally we are asked for the difference between Acetal and HDPE – here is an explanation.

Typical Resin Properties:

General PropertyASTM TestTypical Value Unfilled Delrin® Homo-PolymerTypical Value Unfilled Co-PolymerTypical Value Delrin® AF
Specific GravityD7921.421.401.50
Tensile Strength YieldD6389,600 – 11,0009,000 – 10,2007,600
Tensile ModulusD638450,000400,000400,000
Izod Impact – NotchedD2561.21.00.9
Hardness – RockwellD785M94M90M89
Deflection Temp @ 264psiD648257220260
Deflection Temp @ 66 psiD648347335347
Water Absorption @ 24 hrs%0.240.250.20
Co. Thermal ExpansionD6966.83X10-55.4X10-55.0X10-5
Acetal Copolymer Sheet and Rod

Properties are for evaluation purposes only. This information is not to be construed as a warranty, guarantee or assurance that you may achieve the same results. Materials made from different resin types, manufacturing techniques and manufacturers will react differently. The information should be used to compare against other materials only, and each user should make his own tests to determine suitability. No warranty as to this materials suitability are either expressed nor implied.

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Supplying only Quality Plastic Sheet and
Rod from American Sources for over 45 years.
Call Your Friends In The Plastic Business at 866-832-9315
We are not a plastic material broker. We are a full-line stocking distributor with many materials in stock and on the floor. Some specialty or infrequently ordered materials may need to be special ordered. Our shipping prices for FedEx Ground and UPS are for the United States Only. We prefer to use FedEx shipping services because we have almost zero issues with them, but UPS is also available. Contact us, your local plastic supplier today!

We stock a complete line of plastic materials in basic shapes:

ISO Certified by KSQA Quality Management System

Plastic sheets and plates are available in over 80 different materials in a huge thickness range (from .125” – 6.0” or more in most materials).

Our plastic rods and plastic profiles are also available in over 80 different plastic materials in a huge range of diameters (from .125”– 8.0” or more in most materials).

Industrial Plastic Supply has been an industry leader in Commercial Plastics, Mechanical Plastics and Industrial Plastics since 1975, contact us today. We have the answers to all your plastic questions.

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To Sustainability

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Your Trusted Business
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Industrial Plastic
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Supplying Only American
Made Plastic Materials

Reviews from some of our many satisfield clients

Ian Volker

1/11/2021

Called and spoke to Jasmine and she was very helpful! Had just left another local plastics supplier annoyed with the help and quote they had just given me. She was MUCH nicer to deal with, and gave me a MUCH better price and a less than 2 day turnaround compared to 2 weeks from the other guys…Looks like IPS will be my new go to for all my plastic related projects!
Ian Volker

1/11/2021

Called and spoke to Jasmine and she was very helpful! Had just left another local plastics supplier annoyed with the help and quote they had just given me. She was MUCH nicer to deal with, and gave me a MUCH better price and a less than 2 day turnaround compared to 2 weeks from the other guys…Looks like IPS will be my new go to for all my plastic related projects!
Ian Volker

1/11/2021

Called and spoke to Jasmine and she was very helpful! Had just left another local plastics supplier annoyed with the help and quote they had just given me. She was MUCH nicer to deal with, and gave me a MUCH better price and a less than 2 day turnaround compared to 2 weeks from the other guys…Looks like IPS will be my new go to for all my plastic related projects!

Plastic doesn’t pollute… People do!
Please reuse, reduce and recycle!

 

News About Plastics

Got Milk… jugs? Now made from HDPE

Why Food Safe HDPE plastic replaced glass as the go-to milk container. Many of you, should you be older than 60, may remember the “Milk Man”. This delivery service from decades ago, was a most common way of transporting milk to the consumer. Back then, suppliers used glass bottles, delivered by this milk man…

Performance Plastic Vs Single Use Plastic

Performance plastics are a wide range of materials that are designed for use in mechanical, engineering, aerospace, food processing, and  many other applications. These performance plastic materials generally have superior physical properties, and frequently are used to replace other materials like metals, wood and glass…

Industrial Plastic Supply, Inc. Newsletter

 

[contact-form-7 id=”119″ title=”Newletter”]

Performance Plastic Vs Single Use Plastic

Performance Plastic Vs Single Use Plastic

What is a Performance Plastic?

The quick answer is: the opposite of single use plastic.

Performance plastics are a wide range of materials that are designed for use in mechanical, engineering, aerospace, food processing, and  many other applications. These performance plastic materials generally have superior physical properties, and frequently are used to replace other materials like metals, wood and glass.

Most performance plastic sheets and rods are machinable, and can be used to replace other substrates that can not stand up to the same demanding applications that these performance plastics can. Performance plastics are the natural choice when considering replacement for traditional materials, such as bronze, stainless steel, glass, wood and copper, for not just one reason but rather a combination of features and benefits.

Nearly all Performance Plastic grades can be recycled.

Because of their cost-effectiveness as well as their reliability, durability, and special characteristics like resistance to chemicals and corrosion the high performance plastic materials are steadily replacing metals in the oil and gas industry. The constant development of new and better high performance plastics is therefore closely linked to the development and economic production of the range of available performance plastic materials. High performance plastics can be divided in amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, just like all polymers.

Performance Plastics properties

Single Use Plastic properties

Long life – up to 50 years of serviceVery short, often instant throw away
Wear ResistanceVery cheap
Self LubricatingLittle to no physical properties
High Heat ResistanceVery low melting point
MachinableVery light weight
Can be Very UV ResistantDeteriorates quickly
Very Long LifeExtremely short life
Tough and DurableConsidered disposable
Very High Impact StrengthFlimsy, low value

Why use a Performance Plastic?

Performance plastics are designed for repeated or multi-use applications and generate a smaller carbon footprint than glass, steel, or wood. High performance plastics are plastics that can perform well under extreme environments. Because most performance plastics are considered ‘self lubricating’, these materials can be made into parts that replace metals, and don’t require the continual maintenance and lubrication that metals require.

Over the past few decades Mechanical Plastics have increasingly replaced metals due to their strength-to-weight ratios, and resistance to wear have surpassed aluminum and steel, respectively.  When certain additives are blended with thermoplastic polymers, this performance plastic can meet code and compliance requirements for smoke, flammability, and even toxic gas release. Several high end performance plastics can meet the stringent FM-4910 flame and smoke rating.

Performance Plastic materials are not ‘cheap’

As opposed to ‘single use’ plastics, the performance plastic materials are not inexpensive or ‘throw away’. Rather these high performance materials are designed for specific applications, and out perform most other substrates. Other characteristics of high performance plastics can be extraordinary resistance to wear and tear, high purity or particular electrical insulation. High performance plastics are plastics that can perform well under extreme circumstances. High performance plastics are best known for their temperature, chemical and wear resistance.

Performance Plastics offers high performance plastics for high performance applications, at economical prices, made by quality American made engineering plastics manufacturers. High-performance plastics are formulated to operate under extreme chemical, high temperature and heavy load applications or any combination of these. Most performance plastics are used where the highest demands are placed on thermal or chemical resistance, product mechanics, or on the self-lubrication of products. Several of our key North American suppliers are: Ensinger Plastics, Rochling Plastics, Z/L Engineering Plastics, Simona-America, Plaskolite, and many more.

There are many materials that are considered high performance plastic. Several of the better known and popular materials include: Nylon (Type 6, Type 6/6, Type 6/12), Acetal (both Acetal Copolymer and Acetal Homopolymer), Polysulfone, PTFE, Radel R5500, Ultem (Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300) and PEEK (Victrex 450g), and many more. Each of these materials have their own unique set of physical properties as well as strengths and weaknesses. Please review the data sheets for each of these materials, and then contact us with any questions you may have on suitability for your applications.

In the performance plastic market, one size does not fit all. With over 50 high performance plastics, each with its own physical properties, several materials may be proper choices for your performance plastic requirement. Please feel free to call one of our certified and trained customer service personnel for assistance in choosing the best performance plastic for your application.

Blue Metal Detectable Plastic Helps Reduce Food Recalls

Blue Metal Detectable Plastic Helps Reduce Food Recalls

Food Recalls On The Rise?

During the last year, the number and size of food recalls has been staggering. With several major food processors, specifically in the poultry market, recalling massive amounts of product due to contamination, perhaps a change in material is in order, simply changing to a Metal or X-ray detectable plastic material may end recalls for contamination. The cost to change to a metal detectable plastic or x-ray detectable plastic is extremely small in comparison to the cost of these recalls.

What is a detectable Plastic

There are numerous quality high performance plastic materials that are available in Blue, X-ray and Metal detectable versions. These materials are designed with food safety in mind. These materials can assist the food industry and the food processing supply chain in keeping our foods safe. Identifying contaminates in the processing of foods can be made significantly easier with these detectable materials. Food safety should be the priority within the food processing industry. By changing to metal detectable plastic and X-ray detectable plastics, this can become a reality.

Metal Detectable Plastic and X-Ray Detectable Plastics

Here is a recent Press Release detailing the recalls and a rather straight forward and easy solution using detectable plastic.

(Newswire.net — October 10, 2016) Anaheim, CA – Can ‘Blue’ fix food recalls?The year 2016 has seen some staggering food recalls by large food processors. Massive recalls of chicken specifically seem to have happened multiple times. The part that is the most amazing is that the root cause of many of these kinds of recalls is preventable. The specific recalls listed below are all for possible plastic contamination in the food product.

These large food processors should be aware of some simple steps that can totally eliminate these kinds of contaminates from getting into their food products.Metal Detectable Plastic and X-Ray Detectable Plastics. Blue Acetal, Blue UHMW, Blue Nylon and Blue Hydex 4101 UD Blue Plastic Rod

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish

Keeping Food Processing Safe

While using FDA approved plastic materials for conveyor parts and moving components is a standard practice in most food processing plants, many processors use the cheapest available approved materials. This means that many producers are using a natural (white) HDPE, Acetal or other white approved plastic material. While it is safe to use these plastics, occasionally one of these parts gets jammed, breaks or wears to the point where parts can crack and pieces can get into the food processing line.

It Is Plain To See

The first easy step would be to use the same quality FDA approved material, but to buy the Blue metal detectable plastic version of the same approved material. This minor color change in the material makes any contaminates very easy to see with the naked eye. Since there are no food products in these bright blue colors, as long as there are employees looking at the food line, these broken pieces are easy to detect.

I Can See You

Speaking of detect, the big step up for detection of contaminates is to use a FDA approved plastic that is detectable by the X-ray or metal detection equipment already installed in these food processing lines. While these ‘metal detectable plastics’ cost more, they certainly cost less than one recent 4.5 million pound poultry recall.

The goal here is not to point the finger or call any company a ‘bad processor’, but rather to encourage these great food processors to use the ‘best practice’ types of materials to eliminate these monster food recalls.

In September 2016, Tyson Foods recalled 130,000 pounds of chicken nuggets for foreign materials in the product.

https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/27/health/tyson-chicken-nugget-plastic-recall/

“According to Tyson Foods, the plastic material ranged in size from 21mm in length and 6.5mm in diameter and may have come from a round, hard plastic rod used to connect a plastic transfer belt. The firm said the products pass through a metal detector, but the plastic is not detectable to this technology,” the USDA recall announcement said.

Have You Considered Detectable Blue?

Blue Metal Detectable Plastic Materials

Blue Metal Detectable Plastics From Ensinger

Perhaps they could consider using a metal detectable plastic that is detectable by a standard metal detector. Industrial Plastic Supply has supplied this FDA approved Metal Detectable UHMW rod since early 2010. Currently, there are several FDA approved materials that are available in Blue; UHMW, Acetal, Nylon, Polyester and now PEEK. Some of these materials are also available in a ‘triple detection’ version, where it is detectable because of the vivid Blue color, and it is also Metal detectable and X-Ray detectable. One of these new versions is the Ultra-Detectable Polyester rod made by Ensinger® Plastics called Hydex® 4101 UD Blue (FDA Grade Polyester).

In April and May of 2016, Pilgrim’s Pride had a recall totaling 5,550,904 pounds (yes 5.5 million pounds) of poultry do to possible foreign matter contamination.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-027-2016-release-exp3

What is the cost of these huge food recalls?

The cost is staggering. To recall this quantity of food takes a small army of people to identify the possibly contaminated batches of food. Then notification is spread to all the possible distribution and wholesalers. The USDA is normally notified as one more step to notify the public.

Simple method to protect the safety of our food chain using detectable plastic materials

What is the cost to change to a more metal detectable plastic?

This depends on the type of plastic, and the detection method.

Let’s assume that the currently used material is an FDA approved grade of 1″ diameter Natural Acetal rod (a popular performance plastic used in food processing). And let’s assume this material would sell for approximately $2.00 – $2.50 per linear foot.

Changing to a Bright Blue FDA approved grade of Acetal Rod would cost about $3.50 – $4.00 per foot.

Upgrading to a Metal and X-ray detectable plastic that is FDA grade and Blue Acetal plastic rod would cost in the range of $8.25 – $9.00 per foot.

A recall of 100,000 pounds of poultry is, of course, significantly more expensive than upgrading the plastic materials in the food processing plant. Consider the upgrade an inexpensive insurance policy against these kinds of monster recalls, with a simple change to metal detectable plastic materials.

Metal Detectable Plastic and X-Ray Detectable Plastics Actually Saves Money

Reference Articles:

Tyson Recalls

Oct 15, 2016 – 1,148 pounds:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-096-2016-release

Sept 27, 2016 – 130,000 pounds:

https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/27/health/tyson-chicken-nugget-plastic-recall/

Pilgrim’s Pride

May 13, 2016 – 5,550,904 pounds: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-027-2016-release-exp3

Michigan Turkey Producers

Oct 15, 2016 – 54,011 pounds:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-097-2016-release

ThomasNet

625 Food Recalls in 2018 – Over 125 million pounds discarded:

https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/how-can-food-industry-improve-food-processing-purity/

Press Release Source: Massive Food Recalls For Contamination Making You Blue

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