TECAFORM® AH UD is an acetal copolymer (POM-C) compounded so that fragments can be picked up by three independent inspection methods: metal detection, X-ray, and visual inspection against the blue colour, which does not occur naturally in food. That combination is what separates it from ordinary blue or single-mode detectable acetals. The base polymer retains the properties that put acetal on food lines in the first place: 7,500 psi tensile strength at yield, 300,000 psi tensile modulus, 12,500 psi flexural strength, Rockwell M89 hardness, 0.68 ft-lb/in notched Izod impact, and water absorption of 0.13% at 24 hours.
It is specified for food and beverage processing, filling and bottling lines, packaging machinery, conveying and handling systems, and pharmaceutical equipment, in the form of star wheels, guide rails, timing screws, scrapers, wear strips, gears, and product-contact fittings. The material complies with FDA food contact requirements and with EU regulations 10/2011 and EC 1935/2004. Long-term service is 212°F (100°C) with 285°F short-term, and the UL 94 rating is HB. The detectable filler is harder on tooling than unfilled acetal, so carbide tooling and steady feeds help; blue is the only colour, and strong acids attack acetal.
Acetal copolymer detectable by metal detection, X-ray, and visual inspection
Blue does not occur naturally in food, so fragments stand out
Metal detectable near 4 mm particles, X-ray opaque near 2 mm
7,500 psi tensile strength at yield, 300,000 psi tensile modulus
12,500 psi flexural strength with Rockwell M89 hardness
Complies with FDA food contact, EU 10/2011 and EC 1935/2004
Service temperature 212°F long term, 285°F short term
Detectable filler is abrasive - carbide tooling and steady feeds help