Metal detectable silicone rubber is unique solution to avoid contamination in production line. Market of metal detectable silicone is growing and many industries are waiting to taste fruits of this development, says Nikunj Thakkar.

 

Product quality is matter of bigger concern in pharmaceutical, food and drink industry. Major processing steps involve the dynamic movement of silicone rubber parts. Silicone is most preferred choice for sealing application in food and pharma industry. There was a risk in the pharmaceutical, food and drink industry of silicone rubber particles accidentally falling into the products during the production process, due to natural wear and tear. This kind of contamination can cause serious quality problems during the production and it may affect the reputation of company.

 

Scope of Metal detectable silicone rubber

To assure the products contamination free, idea of Metal detectable silicone arose. As the name suggests, metal detectable silicone rubber is unique solution to avoid contamination in production line. Metal detector devices can detect silicone-based products made from this unique formulation.

 

During mass production if device generates any signal of metal presence in product due to failure of seal or abrasion of gaskets, Line can be stopped immediately.Due to the safety and cost effective solution, Metal detector silicone rubber products are quickly become best solution for the pharmaceutical, food and drink industry.

 

FDA Approved Metal detectable silicone rubber: A challenge

Designing formulation as per food and pharma regulatory compliances is really challenging task for rubber formulators. To maintain food properties along with metal detectable formula is matter of expertise, which is required to be placed for balancing both properties. Few Silicone products are used in food and pharma product contact applications with required compliances to BfR, FDA, ISO 10993 (Biocompatibility testing), Class VI, European Pharmacopoeia, TSE-BSE, RoHS Compliant, Phthalate-free, French Pharmacopoeia, etc.

 

FDA-approved metal detectable silicone rubber and its applications

Metal detectable silicone rubber is used in following industries:

silicone sheet

Above mentioned all the products can be traceable through X ray devices. Any small segment of rubber contaminating with drug product can be traced through devices and defected products can be separated due to this innovation.

 

Market of metal detectable

silicone is growing and many industries are waiting to taste fruits of this development.

Polymer industries are developing multiple applications of these formulations and we expect that conventional silicones will be soon replaced with metal detectable silicones.

 

About the Author:

Nikunj Thakkar is the Assistant Manager (R&D) at Ami Polymer Pvt Ltd. He can be reached on Mob: +91 82389 22236 or email: research@amipolymer.com