Choosing the Right Plastic for Sanitary, High Wear Environments
Food and dairy processing environments require materials that can stand up to daily washdowns, chemical exposure, constant movement, and ongoing wear. Plastics have become a preferred choice because they are clean, lightweight, cost effective, and offer excellent durability. Choosing the right plastic helps prevent contamination, improves performance, and extends the life of critical components.
At Royal Custom Plastics, we work closely with food processors, cheese producers, and packaging facilities to select materials that meet strict industry and FDA standards. Below are some of the most commonly used plastics in food and dairy processing and the applications where they perform best.
1. UHMW for High Wear and Low Friction Applications
UHMW is one of the top choices in food processing because it provides exceptional abrasion resistance and extremely low friction. It performs well in conveyor systems, guides, wear strips, chutes, and other areas where parts need to move smoothly with minimal noise. UHMW also resists moisture and chemicals, which makes it ideal for facilities with frequent sanitation. It maintains its shape and durability even under constant use.
2. Acetal for Precision and Dimensional Stability
Acetal is often used when parts require precision and consistent performance. It provides excellent strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. This material is common in gears, rollers, bushings, and automated equipment found throughout food production lines. Acetal’s dimensional stability ensures it holds its shape during operation, which helps maintain accuracy and reduce downtime.
3. Nylon for Tough, Hard-Working Components
Nylon offers a strong balance of toughness and impact resistance. It performs well in areas with repeated movement or impact, such as mechanical components, bearings, and wear parts. Nylon absorbs some moisture, so it performs best in environments where water exposure is limited or predictable. For applications that require strength without added weight, nylon is often a dependable choice.
4. FDA Grade Plastics for Sanitary and Safe Processing
Many plastics used in food and dairy operations must meet FDA standards for sanitation and food contact. These materials provide clean, smooth surfaces that resist bacteria, chemicals, and corrosion.
Because Royal Custom Plastics works exclusively with plastics, customers benefit from zero risk of metal contamination. This is important in cheese, dairy, and general food production where cleanliness and safety are top priorities.
5. Acrylic for Clear, Rigid Covers and Guards
Acrylic is commonly used for machine guards, windows, and covers that require visibility and strength. It offers clarity along with rigidity, which allows operators to easily monitor equipment while keeping the work area safe. Although not used for direct food contact, acrylic is valuable for sanitary environments that need clear barriers and durable protective surfaces.
6. Matching Materials to Your Facility Needs
Choosing the right plastic depends on the conditions your equipment faces each day. Factors like chemical exposure, temperature, movement, cleaning schedules, and load requirements help determine what material will perform best.
Royal Custom Plastics has extensive experience machining and fabricating plastics for food and dairy environments. Our team can review your application, identify performance needs, and recommend the ideal material to improve durability and minimize downtime.