The food industry is a very challenging industry. Every mechanical component used in this industry should also pass food-grade certification to avoid contamination of a large number of edible foods. Manufacturers of silicone gaskets provide food-grade silicone gaskets for various applications in the food industry.
Industrial factories that manage edible products must take extra care. In a consumer-oriented market, products that cause health problems or are found to be stale/inedible when they reach the end user will cause a lot of negative attention. It may even lead to serious consequences, such as death due to food poisoning, closure of factories, etc.
In the food industry, food-grade sealants and gaskets are used for dairy products, beverages, and food processing – as well as for food packaging. The facilities in the food sector follow strict guidelines to ensure quality and prevent contamination of consumables.
1. Why use food grade silicone gaskets?
Silicone, also known as polydimethylsiloxane, is a mixture of silicon and carbon. It is a synthetic rubber used to make silicone gaskets complained by the FDA, and other food industry products such as molds, utensils and trays. In addition, an experienced gasket manufacturer in China, such as Longseal, can provide customized silicone gaskets to meet the unique needs of the food industry.
In food processing facilities, depending on the preparation method of the product, the processing mechanism can be piping hot or extremely cold. As an elastic material, silicone can effectively function at high or low temperatures as needed. Silicone washers are common in bakeries that use cake mixers and dough machines.
In the food production line, silicone will not react with food or other media. It is considered a food safe material and will not cause harm to the end user. The silicone material will not react with the product ingredients, maintaining product quality.
Silicone gasket manufacturers conduct rigorous testing and obtain the necessary certifications to produce high-quality food-grade gaskets. Compliance measures are critical to the health and safety of facility staff and end consumers.
The durability and flexibility of silicone makes it easy for gasket manufacturers to provide longer-lasting gaskets. Silicone is a food-grade rubber that can maintain its shape even under constant temperature or pressure.
Some of the key properties of silicon that are attractive to the food industry are high compressibility and good heat, water and chemical resistance. This is why silicon is used not only as a sealant in the food industry, but also in other industries.
Although silicone is non-toxic and used for a variety of purposes, food-grade silicone is produced by gasket manufacturers specifically for industries that process food and other edible products. Food-grade silica gel is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, and the drugs or products consumed by end users have health benefits.