What Makes an O-Ring Food Grade?
Featured Product from Arizona Sealing Devices, Inc.
In the food and beverage industry, food-grade sealing hardware is crucial for safe, efficient operations that meet the stringent standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Arizona Sealing Devices is a leading distributor of superior-quality sealing solutions for customers worldwide. With more than 30 years in the sealing industry, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional-quality products that meet and exceed ISO 9001:2015, AS9120B, and FDA requirements.
What Makes an O-Ring Food Grade?
Food-grade O-rings and gaskets are manufactured based on strict requirements established by the FDA. For food-safe O-rings to be FDA approved for use in food products, they must be able to withstand the rigors of equipment operation while maintaining a safe seal. The most popular food-grade O-ring materials include:
- EPDM: A durable and flexible polymer that is extremely cost-efficient, EPDM is the most popular food-grade O-ring material. It maintains its structural integrity at a wide range of temperatures, and is resistant to lipids and phosphate esters.
- Nitrile Rubber: Nitrile rubber is highly flexible and impact resistant. It maintains its flexibility in the presence of extreme temperature fluctuations and has an exceptionally long service life.
- Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon is a high performance material that maintains integrity in the presence of extremely hot liquids and steam.
- Neoprene: Neoprene is extremely resistant to ozone and oils, with an exceedingly long service life.
- Silicone: Engineered with outstanding stability when exposed to extreme temperatures and corrosive chemicals, silicone provides outstanding performance in food-grade applications.