Greater product safety in sensitive food processing
Foreign objects are among the greatest risks in food production. Even the smallest particles can lead to costly recalls, production downtime, and significant damage to a company's reputation. In addition to raw materials and packaging, quality managers are increasingly focusing on the structural components within production facilities.
Scrapers, seals, and conveyor elements made of plastic represent an often underestimated risk. They are constantly exposed to mechanical stress, cleaning chemicals, and temperature fluctuations—material fatigue or wear cannot be completely avoided, even with careful maintenance.
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Detectable plastics as part of holistic prevention strategies
To minimize the risk of plastic fragments in the product, many companies rely on detectable materials. These are formulated to be reliably identified by standard metal or X-ray detection systems. The decisive factor here is not just the basic detectability, but:
- detection reliability even with small fragment sizes,
- material durability under real-world process conditions,
- as well as compliance with food safety regulations.
However, conventional detectable plastics often reach their limits with highly stressed components like scrapers—for example, due to limited mechanical properties or poor processability.
INTEC D: Detectable safety for the food industry
With INTEC D we have created a newly developed, detectable material system that takes safety in food production to a new level. Together with the Team Plan Be from RICON we have succeeded in developing an innovative material concept that significantly reduces the risk of foreign body contamination while ensuring maximum material durability.
Detectable scrapers in demanding applications
The example of detectable scraper solutions based on the INTEC D material system shows how these requirements can be put into practice. The specially optimized formulation integrates magnetite additives and is fully food-contact compliant. Even fragment sizes from 3 mm are reliably detected by standard detection systems with a signal of over 140% – an outstanding value that sets new standards in industrial quality control.
In practice, operators benefit in particular from:
- longer service lives
- reduced signs of wear
- increased process reliability
As a result, detectable scrapers contribute not only to product safety but also to the stability and cost-effectiveness of the entire process chain.
Act early instead of reacting later
The integration of detectable plastics into structural components is an effective element in the preventive quality management of the food industry. The decisive factor here is a material design that does not view detectability in isolation, but consistently measures it against real process conditions. This allows risks to be minimized at an early stage – long before foreign bodies become a problem for the product and the brand.
More PU scrapers for the food industry
Our PU belt scrapers deliver impressive cleaning performance, high abrasion resistance, and long service life across a wide range of applications. They also comply with the requirements of Regulations (EC) No. 1935/2004 and (EU) No. 10/2011, as well as FDA guidelines for food contact.
- Standard scrapers: The simplest solution for clean belts and rollers – flexibly positioned to suit your product. Whether dealing with sticky substances or tight spaces, this scraper fits anywhere.
- Universal scrapers: Mounted on the return side, the universal scraper provides optimal belt contact and consistent tension. Bonus: it also works seamlessly in reversing machines.
- Heated scrapers: Heat is the secret: the heated scraper prevents chocolate, caramel, and fats from sticking in the first place. No more residue, just clean belts and efficient production.
- Heat-resistant scrapers: This scraper stays tough even in extreme heat up to 250°C. The PEEK material withstands high temperatures, chemicals, and wear—the perfect solution for demanding production environments.
- Scrapers as product deflectors: The belt scraper cleans the steel belt and precisely guides the chocolate mass. Thanks to the preload in the support tube, it compensates for unevenness and operates with exceptional reliability.
Properties of INTEC D scrapers
In addition to its exceptional detectability, INTEC D offers high resistance to oils, fats, cleaning agents, and solvents, while also meeting both EU and FDA regulations for food contact. Further technical advantages of the material include:
- High cut, tensile, and tear strength
- Hydrolysis resistance up to 35 °C
- Excellent flow properties for intricate components
These properties make INTEC D the ideal material for detectable wipers in demanding production environments.
With the INTEC D system, we are setting a new standard for process reliability, quality, and efficiency in the food industry. Our new material solution helps producers minimize safety risks while utilizing durable, robust components.
Sandro Siebert
Head of Research & Development
FAQ
Hier finden Sie direkt Antworten auf häufige Fragen zu unseren detektierbaren Abstreifern.
What are detectable wipers and what are they used for?
Detectable wipers are functional machine elements made from metal- or X-ray-detectable materials. They are used to seal moving parts or wipe away product residue while minimizing the risk of foreign object contamination in food production.
Why are detectable wipers necessary in the food industry?
Detectable wipers are essential in the food industry to minimize the risk of foreign objects. If particles break off due to wear or damage, they can be reliably detected and removed by metal detectors or X-ray systems. This contributes to product safety, quality assurance, and compliance with HACCP concepts.
How does metal or X-ray detectability work in wipers?
Metal or X-ray detectability is achieved through special additives in the PU material. These ensure that even the smallest particles detached from the wiper can be identified by metal detectors or X-ray inspection systems. If such foreign objects enter the product stream, they can be reliably detected and removed, thereby increasing product safety and reducing the risk of costly product recalls.