White Food Quality Sleeves

12th December, 2017

Enquiry

So we knew that when we received an enquiry from a customer that our high quality products and customer service would be a good match for this project. The customer asked if we could make thin walled connector sleeves for use in the production area within his facility.

As this product was going to be used for food movement inside their production facility, we prepared for the challenges that would accompany this project.

Delivery

As this was unlike other projects where we could simply work from drawings or have a sample product to work from, we had to go and visit the site. When we attended the site, we took careful measurements as we knew we would be unable to go back if we needed any other measurements. It was also helpful visiting the site as we got to see the product being manufactured, which raised some questions we may not have though of otherwise.

The challenges of this project was visiting the site as well as deciding on the best rubber as it had to pass the food safe standards but also be suitable for the physical properties of the product being manufactured.

As the location of the site was outside of our normal range, we had to organize a special trip out to the site. While we were there to take measurements, the production facility was still in operation, which meant adhering to strict health and safety rules all while trying to be as accurate as possible. This made measuring difficult and time consuming, but was necessary to get things right the first time.

The ingredients that would be on the sleeves as well was wet and sticky so we needed to find a rubber that would not impede its movement during the manufacturing process. We agreed that silicone would be the best for this product.

Results

After our site visit we returned to the shop floor and set about producing a sample. We made one of the smallest size sleeve that was commissioned for the customer to check and sign off before manufacturing more. The sample passed with flying colours and lead to the rest of the order being given the go ahead.

We used white silicone rubber Kevlar reinforced for the final product. It was chosen for the temperature range and food quality properties. The Kevlar was inserted to increase the pressure rating on the thin wall application, making it sturdier.

The customer satisfaction speaks for itself as the rest of the order was fulfilled after our sample product.

If you’re looking for a company to work with on your next food grade rubber product, get in touch!