Detectable properties are often associated with plastic consumables in the food processing industry, required typically in items such as pens and clipboards. In food safety terms, it’s also important to consider the role of unseen, internal fittings, and the increased risk presented by loose or sheared seals and gaskets. X-ray & metal detectable silicone and rubber can help mitigate this risk.
Under the SCOPIC brand, Radical can offer x-ray & metal detectable silicone and rubber masterbatches, which embed detectable properties into the end material. Such masterbatches are manufactured from a range of well refined detectable additives and either generic or customer specific/supplied base elastomers.
They have been proven to seamlessly combine with a wide range of existing base materials, including NBR, SBR, natural rubber and silicone. Standard mixing techniques can be used to efficiently generate metal and/or x-ray detectable rubber/silicone compound ready for subsequent processing.
The addition of these custom masterbatches allows the flexibility of continued use of existing materials and eliminates the need to externally source and stock specific detectable compound/sheeting.
X-ray & metal detectable silicone & rubber masterbatches can also be offered with antimicrobial properties, most commonly through the use of silver-ion technology. Products using this combined masterbatch in hygiene-sensitive environments will benefit from x-ray and metal detectability as well as permanent antibacterial protection. This solution is ideal for use in modular conveyor belting and equipment for the food processing industry.
Metal detection is a well-established method in the food industry, but of ever-increasing importance is x-ray detection. Typical metal detectable silicone will give a level of x-ray detection but to achieve optimum performance in both areas then multiple additive systems are required. Through extensive development, Radical is able to offer solutions which optimise both detection methods either individually or combined in one package. Several different additives are available so that bespoke solutions can be tailored to optimise detectability, mechanicals, colouring potential and/or costs. Solutions are also available for UV/laser detection and magnetic separation.
Radical’s facility in South Wales offers extensive mechanical testing of final materials as well as x-ray detectability and metal detectability relative to standard sized metal balls as used in the food industry for detection system calibration. Products are exported across the world for use in a range of end products in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
