Sep 6 2013
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Process Seals will introduce its new polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) compound Y005 at Drinktec 2013 in Munich (Sept. 16-20, 2013, Hall A 4, stand 441). Developed especially for use in guide bands on valves that come into contact with foodstuffs, the material complies with the regulations of the FDA and European Union (EC Regulation 10/2011) and also prolongs service life.
Guide bands compensate for lateral forces and extrusion in valves, which means that the materials used must be extremely pressure-resistant. At the same time, the guide bands must have a certain degree of flexibility in order not to be damaged during assembly. The previously used combinations of carbon and PTFE achieved good service life but were not recommended for food device engineering. A benchmark test of comparable guide bands showed that they were not capable of withstanding great force in valves; the direct consequence being greater wear and thus shorter service life.
The main reasons for developing the special PTFE compound Y005 were therefore to achieve a targeted balance between pressure resistance and flexibility, authorization for contact with food, and resistance to CIP (Cleaning-In-Place) and SIP (Sterilization-In-Place) cleaning products. Both at 80 degrees C and 120 degrees C Freudenberg's special PTFE compound displays up to 75 percent less tendency to extrusion than other materials authorized for food contact.
The preliminary introduction of Y005 guide bands in series production of valves has shown outstanding results. Device manufacturers confirm that this special PTFE compound has a very good price / performance ratio because of the long service lives achieved. These food-grade guide bands are currently available as standard products in over 40 different sizes, with diameters from 19 to 100 mm and a variety of widths.
Drinktec 2013, which takes place at the Messe Munchen exhibition center in Munich, is expected to attract over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 70 countries. For more information on Freudenberg products, including the Y005 compound, please visit the company's booth in Hall A4, booth 441 or visit our website at www.fst.com
About Freudenberg Sealing Technologies
The technology specialist Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is a supplier, development and service partner for customers from a variety of market segments, such as the automotive industry, civil aviation, mechanical engineering and shipbuilding, food processing and pharmaceuticals, or the agricultural and construction machinery industry. On the basis of the Simmerring® developed by Freudenberg in 1929, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies now has a broad and continuously customer-oriented product portfolio of seals. Based on detailed process knowledge, innovative development methods and selected materials, the range includes both customized individual solutions as well as complete seal packages.
Together with its partners NOK Corporation, Japan, Sigma Freudenberg NOK, India, and NOK-Freudenberg Group China, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies forms a global network which aims to supply its customers all over the world with products of the same high quality.
In fiscal 2012, the largest business group of Freudenberg generated sales of more than 1.68 billion euros and had a workforce of about 12,000 employees. The company is part of the Freudenberg Group whose business areas Nonwovens, Seals and Vibration Control Technology, Household Products and Specialties and Others generated sales of more than 6.3 billion euros in 2012 with a workforce of 37,453 in 57 countries.