3-A Silicone
3-A silicones from ElastaPro meet the requirements of the 3-A Sanitary Standard from CFR Title 21, Part 177.2600 in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Choose these specification grade silicone materials as solid silicone sheet or uncured silicone compound in the durometers, sizes, and colors that you need.
- 3-A solid silicone sheet arrives ready for fabrication and is between .010” to .500” thick and available in widths of up 60”.
- 3-A uncured silicone compound arrives ready for molding and curing.
What are 3-A Silicones?
3-A silicones meet the requirements of 3-A Sanitary Standards for food and beverage processing equipment. These standards are found in CFR Title 21, Part 177.2600 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and ensure that compliant materials are safe for contact with food and beverages. 3-A silicones are often used for gaskets, seals, and other components in food production lines because they provide durability and flexibility while meeting hygiene requirements.
What are 3-A Sanitary Standards?
3-A Sanitary Standards are a set of guidelines that focus on the hygienic design and fabrication of equipment used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processing industries. These standards are designed to ensure that equipment can be adequately cleaned and sanitized to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants. They cover a wide range of equipment, including piping, pumps, values, and tanks.
What is the 3-A Symbol?
The 3-A Symbol is a registered mark which indicates that equipment used in food and dairy processing meets specific 3-A Sanitary Standards. The symbol signifies that the equipment has been certified by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) and inspected by an independent third-party.
Why Use 3-A Silicones?
These specification grade silicones provide the following advantages:
- Hygiene: 3-A silicones are specifically designed to be non-toxic and resistant to bacterial growth, making them ideal for use in food and beverage processing.
- Durability: They are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, temperatures, and physical stresses, ensuring long-term performance in demanding environments.
- Flexibility: 3-A silicones can be molded into various shapes and sizes, allowing for customized seals and gaskets that fit specific equipment needs.
- Compliance: Using 3-A silicones ensures compliance with regulatory requirements for food contact materials.
Applications for 3-A Silicones
Applications for 3-A silicones include:
- Gaskets and seals in food processing equipment
- Hoses and tubing for conveying food products
- Components in bottling and packaging machinery
- Membrane filters for food and beverage processing
