Currently, the PEEK food grade industry is characterized by safety and effectiveness in its performances. This industry has evolved into one where PEEK (polyether ether ketone), a high-performance thermoplastic, shines through due to its following performance. In this article, specific information will be provided pertaining to the processing of foods using the PEEK product, most notably the PEEK scraper.
It was also found that PEEK is resistant to high temperature and its structure and mechanical properties remain relatively unaltered, also it is not easily deformed or damaged. Unfilled PEEK can also reach a temperature as high as 343°C (649°F), meaning it is safe for use in food preparation, especially during high-temperature cooking. For example, when the PEEK scraper is adopted in chocolate processing equipment, the machine runs smoothly and the working life of chocolate processing equipment could be long because it can safely work at high temperatures for a long time without deformation and damage.
Some of the foods, particularly the processed foods come into contact with substances that are corrosive, such as acids and alkalis, solvents, etc., during processing; PEEK has this characteristic of resisting these corrosive substances to a very high degree for long periods of time. Moreover, this will save the money that could be spent in new equipment; at the same time, guarantee uninterrupted and safe production. In the meantime, metals corrode under some chemicals, which means frequent equipment failure and high expenses for maintenance.
The PEEK materials conform to the regulations of EU and US food contact material, meaning that no substance migrates out from the materials to food which is harmful to the body. Some metallic materials are also faced with the problem of food aliases, wherein metallic ions transfer to the food, hence rendering it unsafe for consumption. PEEK scrapers do not shed metal particles like the metal scrapers so no possibility of contaminated foods by the metal particles.
Additionally, PEEK Food Grade is highly wear resistant and offers uniform mechanical behavior despite the service, frequent use, and high stressed applications. It is different for the metal parts whereby they are bound to degrade with time when in use and change very frequently. The recorded high wear resistance of PEEK means that the lifespan of the machines that are used is elongated; hence, the costs incurred in maintenance and replacement are cut. Another application where the chocolate processing wear resistance of PEEK scrapers helps the tools last for a long period before they are replaced is in helper applications.
PEEK is comparably light with most of the metals, therefore, when applied on the body structure of any machines results in lighter and more efficient machines hence consuming less energy in operation and the machines are portable to different locations. Due to low density of PEEK the energy consumption is much lower compared to metals and operating costs are also much less.
PEEK Food Grade comes with good processing performance, as it can be formed through injection molding and 3D printing methods and others that could assure complicated shapes of parts to meet the special requirements for food processing equipment. The working of metal as a process may be a bit more tedious compared to the rest; moreover, manufacturing complex shaped parts is expensive. Besides, as 3D printing technology is used, PEEK parts with a complex shape are completed in a reduced cycle time, and their performance and functionality are highly satisfactory.
It also needs to be mentioned at this point that PEEK Food Grade can be recycled while its raw materials and manufacturing and processing have minimal environmental impact. This presents a second disadvantage: metal processing pollutes the environment more frequently compared to polymer processing, not to mention the fact that some metals belong to non-renewable scarce resources. The proposed modifications and filling technologies result in higher recycling rates for PEEK with less environmental impact and encourage the food market to become more environmentally friendly.
In chocolate processing equipment, the metal scraper tends to wear out and corrode in most practical applications, thus posing an eating quality challenge. On the other hand, PEEK scrapers not only elongate the life of applied equipment but also serve to boost the hygiene quality of the chocolates based on its high temperature, anti-corrosive non-toxic properties. Addition to the above, PEEK Food Grade is also resistant to autoclaves and steam sterilization and has a good compatibility with many steriliants; hence this makes it suitable to the medical and bioprocessing markets.
Materials science will be a branch that complements the future advanced engineering. Broad prospects of applying PEEK Food Grade require needs for improvement of food safety and processing for efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly products.
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