It’s important to choose the right O-ring materials for your equipment and systems. FDA food-grade silicone O-rings offer all the benefits of FDA-grade silicone, with additional characteristics that make them safe to use around consumable products. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at FDA food-grade silicone O-rings and their benefits. We will also explore the different uses of FDA-grade and FDA food-grade silicone so you can choose the best sealing option for your needs.
What Are FDA Food-Grade Silicone O-Rings?
FDA food-grade silicone O-rings are made from a high-quality silicone material. The food-grade construction meets or exceeds FDA requirements for products that handle or process consumable goods. This means manufacturers can safely use FDA food-grade silicone components for a wide range of processes, particularly those seen in food and beverage (F&B).
Benefits of FDA Food-Grade Silicone O-Rings
Food-grade silicone O-rings maintain a tight, durable seal that won’t let ingredients out or air and moisture in. These seals are also bio-inert, meaning they won’t off-gas or leach chemicals into food, beverages, and other consumable goods. They can resist extreme temperatures, chemicals, and other stressors while eliminating many contamination risks and maintaining some flexibility.
The benefits of using a proper grade of silicone for seals and O-rings include:
- A longer-lasting seal in applications with temperature extremes, including high cooking and preservation temperatures and low refrigeration temperatures
- Silicone materials free of harmful chemicals or chemicals that could otherwise negatively impact the taste and smell of products
- Ability to handle changing temperatures and fluctuating temperature cycles (such as in beverage dispensing stations and heat sealing applications)
- Non-reactivity and durability, making these seals safer in food-related applications
Together, these advantages make them ideal for assemblies that conduct repeatable processes, especially those that must make direct contact with consumable products.
Applications of FDA Food-Grade vs. FDA-Grade Silicone O-Rings
FDA Food-Grade
The food and beverage industry encompasses different parts of the supply chain, from the production of food and drinks to warehousing and shipping to safe dispensing in restaurants. Some of the most common applications for FDA food-grade silicone O-rings in this industry include:
- Antimicrobial seals for process equipment and storage vessels
- Brewery tubing
- Dairy tubing and seals
- Food transfer tubing
- Industrial oven seals, including food-grade oven doors and seals
- Seals for food processing machinery
- Soda machine tubing
- Water purification tubing
FDA Grade
Similarly, the pharmaceutical and medical industries use FDA-grade silicone seals for a wide array of applications due to their bio-inert, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic properties. Possible applications include:
- Drug delivery and dispensing systems, including inhalers, insulin pumps, and syringes
- Critical care equipment that requires airtight seals, including breathing masks, IV pumps and dispensers, and medical ventilators
- Laboratory equipment that won’t introduce contaminants during use, such as autoclaves, heated mixers, vials, and other containers
Not only is FDA-grade silicone bio-inert, but it also can be heated and sterilized without damage, making it even safer for applications that cannot risk contamination.
Arizona Sealing Devices: Your Trusted Supplier of FDA Grade & FDA Food-Grade Silicone O-Rings
Arizona Sealing Devices is committed to supplying high-quality silicone seals that meet or exceed industrial regulations and requirements, including stringent FDA compliance standards. We serve our clients with high-quality products and services, starting with in-depth research into compatible materials for each project and ending with stringent quality testing and ongoing customer service. Whether you require reliable sealing products for food processing equipment, medical manufacturing, or another application, we can provide a solution that meets your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our FDA-grade products, including O-rings, caps, plugs, gaskets, and kits, or request a quote for pricing details.