Food Manufacturers: what to look for in an O-ring supplier

Food processing is a demanding industry. The sourcing of sealing solutions which satisfy the internal needs of a successful business – namely efficiency, productivity and profitability – while keeping consumers safe, is critically important. It is vital that all food manufacturers foresee the potential risks of shortcomings in their process on the consumer, and take precautionary measures to prevent or minimise the likelihood of a hazard. If you work in food processing and your application requires an elastomeric sealing solution, here are some points to consider when sourcing a reputable O-ring supplier: 1. Food grade materials Sealing materials used in food applications will be exposed to a range of chemicals, temperatures and pressures, and must be able to withstand such environments without degradation to the seal. Ensure that the O-ring supplier uses materials that are both traceable and compliant. Here are the key food sealing standards and regulations to look out for: FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 3-A Sanitary Standard 18-03 WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) EC 1935-2004 & EC 2023-2006 Related: Novotema elastomer sealing materials gain FDA compliance 2. Comprehensive sealing service If you need a component that delivers on performance, you need a manufacturer that can demonstrate a wide range of capabilities and offer a comprehensive sealing service. For assured performance, look for manufacturers and suppliers that provide a range of premium design, moulding and testing services and can be held responsible for demonstrating material sources through to ensuring sterile environments, and assessing how your component will perform in real-world applications. When researching for a new O-ring supplier, ensure that they offer a comprehensive sealing service that includes: Engineering Consultancy Component Design FEA Simulation Manufacturing Capabilities Cleanroom Manufacturing Laboratory Testing Surface Treatments 3. Quality as standard Ensure that your food O-ring supplier can guarantee nothing less than the highest possible standards across their operations. International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification can often be indicative of quality, but it may be more indicative to assess the supplier’s specific certification in relation to standards in your industry, such as FDA, 3-A, WRAS and EC compliance. Novotema certifications for food applications are available to view on their website. 4. Experience delivering sealing solutions No industry is the same, and no application is straightforward. Sealing engineers are often challenged with finding solutions to complex problems that lie in highly critical applications. Should you need a sealing solution for your application, be assured that your O-ring supplier has the experience necessary to find one. Food applications often have custom requirements, and customs requirements require custom solutions. So when faced with choosing an O-ring supplier, enquire about their abilities to design custom components for your food application. Novotema has a strong heritage in delivering elastomeric sealing solutions, helping find the answers to countless food processing issues over the last 40 years. 5. Rigorous safety procedures Ensure that your component manufacturer and supplier has safety guidelines and codes of conduct which are aligned to your own. There are a plethora of regulatory standards, policies and guidelines for the food industry to follow and maintain in order to safeguard consumers and reduce the risk of product contamination. Don’t be let down by your O-ring supplier. Take every step to make sure that they can guarantee the safety of their products, trace their raw materials appropriately and deliver the level of cleanliness and sterility you require for your sealing components.

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