Silicone rubber is a popular material of choice when durability and performance under extreme conditions are required. This is because extruded silicone can resist high levels of heat and extreme cold, and its properties won’t degrade with time. While some of the most common applications of extruded silicone products include the aerospace, automotive, medical, and architecture industries, they play a particularly important role in the food and beverage industry.

Different applications require different tolerances and performance characteristics from extruded silicone, which is why it is essential that you work with an expert manufacturer of custom extruded silicone products. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of choosing custom silicone extrusions from Vanguard Products and their applications in the food and beverage industry.

Why Choose Custom Silicone Extrusions?

Custom extruded silicone products from Vanguard Products have a range of characteristics that make them ideal for use in food and beverage applications, including:

  • Superior performance in extreme temperatures. Silicone extrusions can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from 100 °C to nearly 230 °C (-148 °F to nearly 550 °F) without degrading. This is essential in operating conditions involving prolonged heat or freezing cold, such as in ovens or commercial freezers.
  • Food-grade compliance and certifications. Our extruded silicone products use FDA food-grade silicone compliant with 21CFR177.2600 and are made primarily of non-toxic silicone. We also have grades that have been certified to NSF-51. They can safely be used in the manufacturing, packing, transport, and holding of food, replacing more traditional styles like natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, PVC, Teflon, and EPDM.
  • Customization for unique equipment needs. Not only is silicone food safe and extremely durable, but it is also highly customizable. Silicone extrusions from Vanguard Products can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, lengths, colors, and configurations to meet the needs of the specific application.

Silicone Extrusion Applications in Food and Beverage

Due to its durability and non-toxic food-grade properties, silicone extrusions from Vanguard Products have numerous applications in the food and beverage industry, including:

Tubing for Beverage Dispensing Systems

Silicone tubing is commonly used in food processing plants and commercial kitchens to safely transfer liquids. It is also frequently used in beverage dispensers, coffee makers, ice machines, and peristaltic pumps, as well as the components that go into them, such as gaskets, valves, and tubing. At Vanguard Products, we offer high-quality, cost-effective NSF-51 silicone tubing for food production facilities, commercial kitchens, and other food-related operations.

Seals for Food Processing Equipment

Food-grade silicone extrusions from Vanguard Products can also be used to create seals for food processing and storage equipment. Sealing solutions are essential in the food and beverage industry, as they help to maintain the integrity of food and beverage flavors by preventing leakage or odor transfer among products during processing.

Proper seals also prevent cross-contamination between products and external contamination from processing fluids, moisture, dust, and more.

High-Purity Silicone for Dairy and Brewery Use

In dairy facilities, FDA silicone tubing plays an essential role in transferring milk and other dairy products. Silicone is ideal for this application, as its hygienic properties prevent contamination, making it safe for handling various dairy products. Additionally, custom silicone seals from Vanguard Products are durable and support ongoing system performance, making them a robust solution for breweries and other beverage applications.

Partnering With Vanguard for Custom Silicone Solutions

Silicone products are durable, hygienic, and highly customizable, supporting various processing needs. If you are in need of silicone extrusions in the food and beverage industry, consider working with Vanguard. We can help you design the ideal food-safe product for your application while ensuring optimal performance and complete parts compliance.

Feel free to contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a quote for your project.