Elko

How To Find Food-Safe Mesh for Your Products

2019-12-31T21:07:00-06:00

How To Find Food-Safe Mesh for Your Products

Safe food production depends on food safety management and compliance from all parties that contribute materials, which contact food items. Packaging manufacturers and companies that produce and supply food-contacting materials are involved.

The food-safe mesh is among the highly demanded materials that contact food during the processing stage. It's commonly used in commercial kitchens and food processing plants. It's also utilized for food drying, tea bag production, liquid filtration, and much more.

How can you find high-quality mesh and other food-safe industrial equipment supplies for your products?

FDA Compliance

In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration is in charge of regulating food-safe products. If the product is FDA-compliant for food contact, it's made of the correct quality and type of materials that are safe for touching food.

The main problem with such materials is that their molecules can move onto or into food when touching it. While in some cases, it may affect the taste, color or odor, in others, it may make products dangerous for consumption.

When determining whether the material is food-safe or not, other parameters such as resistance to temperature changes, oil content, and others are considered. The most common food-safe materials that are used for mesh are stainless steel, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

How Can You Find Food-Safe Mesh For Your Products?

When you are planning to purchase food-safe mesh and other industrial equipment supplies, it is highly important to find the right vendor. Companies that sell food-safe materials are responsible for maintaining strict FDA compliance.

Manufacturers offering food-grade and food-safe products should have proper certification. You have the right to ask for all the necessary certificates as well as check their validity by contacting the issuing authority. Ask if the company has one or more of the following.

The provider you choose to work with should ensure quality and compliance of all components for its food-safe materials as determined by the FDA.

Food safety is among the most delicate issues in the manufacturing industry since the consequences of errors may be grave. That's why spending extra time looking for food-safe product manufacturers and suppliers can pay off tremendously.

At Elko Filtering Co., we offer top-notch food-safe mesh for different purposes. We are ready to demonstrate all certificates that allow us to call our products safe for food contact. If you have any further questions, please contact us today.

How Do You Find a Mesh That is Food Safe?

2019-12-31T21:05:00-06:00

How Do You Find a Mesh That is Food Safe?

Mesh is a vital tool in the food industry. From sieving, filtering, deep-frying, grilling, extraction juices and oils to covering foodstuff, the role of the mesh cannot be overlooked. However, safety is a major concern when it comes to using a mesh. Some meshes are known to contaminate food and cause sanitary issues. Therefore, companies that are in the food sector want a mesh that is not only strong, resilient, and functional, but also extremely safe. If you are looking for a food-grade mesh, here's how to go about it.

Make Sure it's FDA Regulated

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tasked with ensuring the public is consuming safe food. This agency makes sure that all tools, chemicals, technologies, and raw materials that are used in food production processes are safe. This includes equipment used in preparation, packaging and storage of foodstuff.

When looking for a mesh, ensure the product you want to purchase is FDA approved. Whether the mesh is made of nylon, polyester, teflon, or polyester, investigate whether the product has the not of the government. A mark of approval is a guarantee that the equipment will not pollute any food it comes into contact with. All FDA approved products undergo strict tests to ensure they are safe.

Ensure it's Suitable for the Job at Hand

Not all meshes are created equal. Each mesh is designed with a different purpose in mind. Before making an order, outline your needs to ensure the equipment can handle the task at hand. Some meshes are versatile and can be used for different applications, while others can only be used for specific jobs. On the minimum, the mesh should be durable, heat resistant, easy to clean, and its material and finish should meet essential sanitary standards.

If the meshes will be exposed to high levels of heat, such as during deep-frying, ensure you select a product that can withstand extreme temperatures. This will not only prevent damage to the equipment, but you will also avoid contaminating the food. Also, ensure the mesh can't be damaged or degraded by salt, acidic solutions, and other food production chemicals.

Conclusion

To find a food-grade mesh that will satisfy your needs and expectations, you need to partner with the right mesh manufacturing company. The company you pick should have extensive experience producing the specific type of mesh you want, and they should also offer customizable options. It should also adhere to all FDA regulations and promote high safety and ethical standards. With a professional mesh manufacturer, you are guaranteed a safe and flawless food production process.

If you are searching for a suitable food-grade mesh, get in touch with us today and we will find you the best mesh options!

What's the Difference Between Woven Mesh and Mechanically Bound Polyester Mesh?

2019-12-17T19:45:00-06:00

There really is no simple answer to the question of what is better between woven mesh and bound mesh. A more important question that you should ask before choosing one over the other is what you need to wire mesh for. Each type of metal cloth has its own strengths and weaknesses, which depend on the manufacturing process. Perhaps understanding the intrinsic differences that exist between these two types of polyester mesh is the first step in choosing the right one for your needs.

THE WOVEN WIRE MESH

Woven wire mesh has been in use since the 18th century. The benefits that come from woven wire mesh are countless. This is why its popularity hasn't dropped, despite the introduction of mechanically engineered products. Today, woven cloth is made from a wide array of metals, including stainless steel, brass, copper, and other aluminum alloys. There are even some woven metal fabrics which are made from materials such as molybdenum and tungsten. There are several weaving techniques applied in the current market. These include fire cloth weave, twill weave, and pre-crimp weave among others. Woven mesh fabrics are very flexible in nature. This makes them ideal for applications such as small containers and ultrasonic devices.

The only challenge which you will face when trying to work with woven mesh is that it is not as strong as the mechanically bound mesh. Its lack of tensile and structural strength limits the number of applications that it can be comfortably used for.

THE WELDED CLOTH WIRE MESH

This is the more recent of the two metal fabric types. It was developed purely out of the need to simplify the process of creating wire mesh fabric. Unlike the woven mesh, the welded cloth is joined at every intersection between the wires using welding. This creates a stronger metallic fabric. The strength of the fabric also means that it can hold on to form easier than the woven fabric. The welded cloth is, therefore, more efficient in holding lids in place, when compared to the woven cloth. It is also made with heavy loads, which makes it more efficient as a protective barrier in several applications. It is possible to galvanize welded cloth, which makes it stronger and increases its resistance to corrosion.

More time and labor is involved in the creation of welded mesh because all the minute intersections have to be welded together. As a result, the material is often costlier than a polyester mesh.

As mentioned, both woven and welded meshes have their strengths and their weaknesses. Picking the right fabric ensures the mesh serves you efficiently and for longer. It is upon you to compare their pros and cons and decide on the polyester mesh type that best serves your purpose.

4 Surface Treatment Options For Medifab Meshes

2019-12-17T19:44:00-06:00

4 Surface Treatment Options For Medifab Meshes

Surgical mesh, also known as medical mesh, is a loosely woven sheet or mesh of fibers that is primarily used to provide temporary or permanent support to organs and tissues undergoing a surgery. These meshes are usually specially treated or coated polyester mesh or polypropylene mesh. One of the most common usages of such mesh is in hernia surgeries. Needless to say, these mesh products must have precise openings and defined surface properties within the stringent biological manufacturing guidelines. Sefar's Medifab mesh line of products is developed by taking these points into careful consideration.

The Medifab mesh not only meets the strict manufacturing requirements but also adheres to the cleanliness guidelines of the medical industry. These products are made of monofilament yarns and are typically polyamide (PA) or polyester mesh (PET).

Usages of Medifab Mesh

With its precise and fine pore size (as low as 1 micron), uniform weaving, and open-mesh structures, the Medifab mesh provides perfect filtration with very low flow restrictions. Hence, it is used as a security filter as well as for wicking away or spreading media. Some examples of its usage are as follows-

In Transfusion and Infusion Sets
For Cardiotomy and Arterial Blood Filters
In Blood Bags
In Dialysis Sets
In Diagnostic Self-Test Strips

Surface Treatment Options

The Sefar Medifab mesh is manufactured in such a way that it achieves the required hemolysis and pyrogen levels without any added coatings. However, certain medical cases necessitate that the medical mesh has a further surface treatment done for better functioning.

The following are such 4 surface treatment options that are considered necessary for the medical mesh. Sefar provides these options to the customers as per their specific requirements.

Hydrophilic Coating

A hydrophilic coating on a mesh is water-absorbent. As such, a Medifab mesh that is coated with a hydrophilic material is especially useful in surgical or other cases where excess moisture is detrimental. This mesh product wicks away the extra moisture in the system and provides a conducive medical environment.

Hydrophobic Coating

As the name suggests, the hydrophobic coating repels water. As a result, a Medifab mesh with a hydrophobic coating is used primarily to spread an even layer of a water-soluble media in medical procedures. Additionally, due to its water-resistant nature, mesh with hydrophobic coatings degrade slowly when in contact with tissue. Hence, it remains one of the most used products for hernia repair surgeries.

Plasma Treated Coating

Modern research in biomaterials trends allows the delivery of active compounds to the site of surgery locally from a medical device. This greatly reduces the chances of postoperative infections, especially from mesh products. Medifab mesh with plasma-treated coatings helps to achieve this by altering the chemical compositions of the mesh surface to achieve optimum adhesion and wetting. This, in turn, makes it easier to manage infections in surgeries like hernia operation.

Dye Treatment

Sometimes, specific medical requirements necessitate that the medical mesh is dyed with a particular color or pattern for easy indications. For such requirements, our polyester mesh can be dyed with virtually any color as per the needs of the customers.

We take into account our customer's specific medical needs and provide the Medifab mesh products and their surface treatment options accordingly. Contact us today to learn more about our product formulations and customer-specific offerings.

Applications of Nylon Mesh in the Laboratory

2019-12-17T19:36:00-06:00

Nylon mesh is a material that is resistant to wear and dries very quickly. The material is, however, not completely indestructible. Manufacturers of nylon mesh often make it stretchy and lightweight. The material can be cut effortlessly. The material usually comes in a variety of sizes, patterns, and sizes. It can also be used for a variety of purposes in a variety of fields.

Researchers often use nylon mesh for a variety of reasons

Uses of Nylon Mesh in the Laboratory

Filtration

Nylon mesh can be used to make nylon filter mesh that can, therefore, be used in the industries for filtration. Owing to the properties of the mesh, it can be used to filter liquids, gases, and oil, as well. Nylon mesh filters can also be applied in;

The collection of algae and cells
Analysis of particles
Background filtration for automated particle imaging systems
Pre-filtration of solvents
Monitoring of paint
And the filtration of large particles

The properties that allow for such applications include the hydrophilic features, the fact that it is compatible with a wide range of solvents, and the resistance to wear and ability to dry very fast.

Nylon Mesh filters come in a variety of sizes with openings of different but precise opening percentages ranging from 6 percent to 53 percent, various pore sizes, and thicknesses. These allow for the different sized nylon filter meshes to be used in different situations and for different purposes.

Printing

Nylon Printing Screens are made from nylon mesh. Nylon printing screens feature excellent chemical and wear resistance features that allow them to be used in the industrial printing production process. The nylon screen printing mesh is used for different substrates like in ceramic, plastic, and glass industries. They can be used with highly abrasive ink

Owing to features like high elasticity, high tenacity, water-resistance, and chemical resistance, easy to clean and ease of maintenance, nylon mesh screens make it easy to print on muffled ware glass and ceramics.

Other uses of nylon mesh

Outside the labs and research stations, nylon mesh can be used in agriculture and aquaculture for the protection of fish and plants, respectively. It can also be used in sports and construction.

Nylon mesh is often confused with polyester mesh because they have similar applications.

Difference Between Nylon mesh and Polyester Mesh

One of the differences is that nylon is made from polyamides, while the latter is made from plant materials or a variety of materials made of polyester. The other difference is that nylon has a silk-like feel, while polyester has a fiber-like feel. Additionally, nylon tends to be more elastic than polyester.

Defend Your Patients From Unsafe Medifab Mesh Manufacturers

2019-12-17T19:29:00-06:00

Shoddy manufacturing is a detriment to any business or enterprise — but in the healthcare industry, it can be devastating. When it comes to products like medifab mesh, quality control is an absolute necessity.

Manufacturing medifab mesh requires a precise, controlled environment. Unfortunately, there are still manufacturers producing medical mesh in unsafe conditions. When searching for a new manufacturer, it's important to weed out any potential threats.

Fortunately, there are several ways to find out if a manufacturer's products are suited for use in the healthcare industry.

Check for ISO Certifications

Manufacturers who use ISO (International Organization for Standardization) quality control systems make better, more reliable products. You may have heard of the ISO 9001 — a great quality control system for any business.

However, you should also check to make sure that the manufacturer is ISO 13485 certified. This ISO quality control system is tailor made for the healthcare industry. Designed to protect patients from unsafe product, these standards are far more rigorous than the ones found in the ISO 9001 system. An excellent manufacturer will likely be certified in both ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.

Routine Testing for Harmful Substances

Medical mesh is frequently used in situations where lives are at stake. For instance, if you're using medical mesh as a security filter for a transfusion, you don't want there to be any chance of contamination. The same is true for virtually any application of medical mesh, from blood strips to dialysis sets.

A good manufacturer will routinely test their product for potentially harmful substances. Check to make sure that your potential manufacturer is running regular ISO 10993 and cytotoxicity tests on their product.

Safe Environment for Manufacture

In order to safely manufacture medical grade materials, you need a space with clean, filtered air. Make sure that your manufacturer is operating according to ISO "cleanroom" standards.

In manufacturing terms, a "cleanroom" is more than just a clean environment. An ISO cleanroom is a specialized facility in which the air is constantly being filtered to remove particulate. Staff enter and leave the room through an airlock, and protective gear is worn to mitigate the risk of outside contamination.

In the healthcare industry, it's important to exercise the greatest possible care and caution. It's important to use medical mesh that has been produced in a clean, safe environment by people who are operating with caution and respect. At Elko Filtering Co., we supply product from the SEFAR MEDIFAB® product line because we know that their manufacturing standards meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry. For more information, contact us today!

Need Multifilament Fibers for Your Filtration and Screening Processes?

2019-12-17T19:22:00-06:00

Globally, there is a wide number of factory solid and liquid separation process. Most of these need a corresponding diversity of highly particular, mechanically and chemically resistant, highly functioning filter media. The appearance of synthetic monofilament fibers provided the likelihood to create a wide range of tailormade filter components from woven synthetic fabrics. After concentrating with the accuracy of woven fabrics for screening and filtration, Sefar has come up with a global reputation for its to quality goods and services. Particularly, the essentials of how to go about possibilities to grow the value of the filter media to the final user in different fields and applications are described.

Industries use filter fabrics in a big number for an industrial sieving and filtration purposes ranging from medical filters in infusion sets to the treatment of wastewater, from dye fragment separation bags to food sorting and drying belts.

Below are benefits of Sefar filter fabrics:

A high flow rate with durability with least blinding

Excellent mechanical, chemical and thermal properties and resilience

Low cost

More firm standards imposed by surroundings protection laws dictate that the current production process attains ever greater efficiency and are progressively cost-effective. Similar standards can only be achieved by developing advanced sifting and filtration products. The two major contributors to the success of Sefar are the 170 years of concentrating on advanced woven fabrics for filtration and separation of its combination of:

1. Whenever possible they depend on the benefits of monofilament synthetic fibers on top and cake forming filtration process.

2. Prioritizing on always choosing the most preferred raw materials, product design and exceptional product treatment to enable its performance; and lastly, using the most progressed and modern skills of fabrication and making up techniques.

Focusing on the development of a particular product for a long time helps improve its quality, for instance, Sefar focused on the production of filter fabrics for 170 years. This has ensured that their products are of high quality with the lowest price. It is also important to consider the selection of raw materials, always ensure you pick the best raw materials. This will help in the production of the best quality of your products. Sefar is a good example, they ensure that they chose the right raw materials that ensure their product last long and they have mechanical and chemical properties that are resistant. Contact us for more information.

Applications of Nylon Mesh in the Laboratory

2019-11-28T01:02:00-06:00

Researchers often use nylon mesh for a variety of reasons

Uses of Nylon Mesh in the Laboratory

Filtration

The collection of algae and cells
Analysis of particles
Background filtration for automated particle imaging systems
Pre-filtration of solvents
Monitoring of paint
And the filtration of large particles

Printing

Other uses of nylon mesh

Outside the labs and research stations, nylon mesh can be used in agriculture and aquaculture for the protection of fish and plants, respectively. It can also be used in sports and construction.

Nylon mesh is often confused with polyester mesh because they have similar applications.

Difference Between Nylon mesh and Polyester Mesh

Which Mesh Materials Won't Degrade from Acidic Chemicals?

2019-11-21T14:36:00-06:00

Different types of mesh fabric come in handy in various applications. Thus, it is wise to know what properties a material possesses relative to where it is going to be used before ordering your custom-cut mesh or precision mesh.

While nylon mesh is arguably the most popular option for regular applications, thanks to its relative cost-effectiveness and flexibility, it may not survive acidic environments. Polypropylene mesh, Teflon mesh, and polyester mesh are more suitable in such applications.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene mesh is a relatively sturdy product that guarantees high resistance to inorganic substances, including simple hydrocarbons and strong acids and alkalis. The compound may, however, yield to chlorinated solvents, aromatic solvents, and oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. High temperatures may further lower the resistance of polypropylene mesh to the said substances and potentially make it vulnerable to concentrated acids. Whatever you do, avoid using polypropylene mesh with benzene, camphor, carbon tetrachloride, chlorine, chloroform, or chlorobenzene. Always consult an expert for a better understanding of the intended application before purchasing polypropylene mesh.

Polyester

Polyester mesh has also been shown to be pretty selective when it comes to chemical resistance. It can withstand most acids in their dilute states as well as most solvents and oxidizers and can be used with oils, brake fluid, hydrocarbon fuels, and lubricants. Most medifab mesh products are made of this fabric, too.

Compounds that are known to attack polyester mesh include sodium carbonate or soda ash, trisodium phosphate, ammonia, calcium hydroxide or lime, caustic soda or sodium hydroxide, and other alkalis in their concentrated states.

Polyester mesh owes its popularity to its high resistance to temperature fluctuations, water, and most types of solvents.

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a hydrophobic fluoropolymer mostly used in making non-stick cookware. It is also used in the manufacture of pipework, containers, and Teflon mesh thanks to its non-reactive nature. Teflon mesh possesses excellent dielectric qualities and has a higher melting point compared to polyester and nylon mesh. Due to its low friction, the fabric can be used in applications where a lot of sliding action is required, such as gears and plain bearings.

Overall, Teflon mesh is the best option in mechanically harsh environments, although its relatively high "stiffness" may act as a limiting factor. Some of the common acids that PTFE is resistant to include:

Dilute acetic acid
Acetone
Ascorbic acid
Benzoic acid
Carbonic acid
Citric acid
Formic acid
Dilute hydrochloric acid
Concentrated hydrochloric acid
Lactic acid
Maleic acid
Nitric acid
Sulfuric acid

Other less acid-resistant substances such as nylon may be used with select acid-based solutions as advised by a professional. Contact us today

for more information on mesh fabric and the most suitable option for your application.

Take the Frustration out of Choosing a Manufacturer. Look for an ISO 9001

2019-11-21T14:33:00-06:00

No matter the industry, shopping for a new manufacturer can be tricky, frustrating business. For nylon mesh — a product frequently used for medical and scientific purposes — this is especially true. Defective product can cause major headaches for consumers and businesses alike.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to weed out manufacturers that pose a potential liability. Perhaps the easiest method is to make sure the manufacturer is ISO 9001 certified.

What is an ISO 9001 Certification?

The ISO 9001 is an international standard for creating and maintaining quality management systems. For manufacturers, a quality management system (QMS) ensures that the product is quality tested at every step of the way. That way, customers receive the highest possible quality product. A nylon mesh manufacturer with an ISO 9001 certification is a nylon mesh manufacturer you can trust.

According to the ISO 9001, there are seven key principles of quality management:

A focus on satisfying the customer
Strong leadership
Competent, empowered employees
Using processes to achieve consistent outcomes
Seizing opportunities for improvement
Making decisions based on evidence and research
Maintaining relationships with other organizations (such as suppliers or retailers) for continued success.

In order to receive an ISO 9001 certification, a business or manufacturer must demonstrate that they have successfully implemented these seven principles.

Why Does It Matter?

Simply put, a manufacturer with an ISO 9001 certification is a manufacturer that has demonstrated their ability to deliver consistently high-quality product.

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a global federation representing more than 164 national standards bodies. They empower businesses to deliver excellent quality product to consumers.

What Else Should I Look Out For?

The ISO 9001 is an excellent indicator of quality if you're looking for a nylon mesh manufacturer, but it isn't the only indicator.

In the medical industry, quality is more than desirable — it's non-negotiable. If you're searching for a manufacturer to supply you with medical grade product, look for an ISO 13485. The ISO 13485 standard ensures that medical devices and their components are manufactured at the greatest possible level of care and quality.

The ISO also has certifications to help manufacturers manage their environmental impact — the ISO 14000 family. These standards ensure that manufacturers are operating with care and respect to the environment. This allows consumers and businesses to make more well-informed, ethical decisions in regards to choosing a manufacturer.

At Elko Filtering Co., we are committed to delivering the highest possible quality synthetic monofilament fabrics. Our supplier, Selfar, is certified to all the standards listed above and then some. For more information about Selfar's high quality nylon mesh, contact us today!

ISO 9001 Certification- What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

2019-11-21T14:28:00-06:00

Looking for a manufacturer for buying any particular product can become a time-consuming and confusing process. This holds especially true while shopping for things like polyester mesh or precision mesh where the quality dictates the efficiency. With several players in the market making claims about the superior performance of their manufactured goods, how does a customer make the best choice?

An easy answer is to look for an ISO 9001 certification. In this article, we discuss what exactly an ISO 9001 certificate is and how it can help you make the right decision while selecting a manufacturer. Read on to know more.

What is an ISO 9001 certification?

The ISO 9001 standard was first published in the year 1987 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is an "independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 164 national standards bodies".

ISO 9001 is the international standard that defines the particular specifications and requirements for a quality management system (QMS). This standard is used by different organizations and manufacturers to demonstrate that their products and/or services meet certain regulatory and customer requirements. The ISO 9001 Certification is a part of the ISO 9000 series. In fact, it is the only standard of the series for which organizations can obtain certifications. Hence, when buying a mesh product like nylon mesh screen or custom cut mesh, keep an eye out for the ISO 9001 certification on the manufacturer's site.

This standard is based on the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) methodology. It takes a process-oriented approach towards the various procedures and designs involved, the documentation and reviewing required and the actions necessary for achieving the set quality management goals for an organization. The current version of the ISO 9001 standard that is in use was released in September 2015.

How does this help you?

An effective way to weed out risky suppliers and manufacturers while buying something like a polypropylene mesh is to look for an ISO 9001 certification. A manufacturer with the certification is more often than not a legitimate one. You can rely on the quality of their products because the certification not only indicates that the manufacturer follows the ISO 9001 guidelines but also they meet all the necessary customer and statutory requirements.

These are assurances which you will otherwise not receive when working with a manufacturer who is not ISO 9001 certified.

Is ISO 9001 the only solution?

While ISO 9001 is the most widely used QMS standards, there are other standards that you can look out for to make a fast and informed decision. One such is the Lean Six Sigma certification which provides organizations with a set of tools to achieve the aspired quality standards. Though its scope is limited when compared to ISO 9001, it is a very good indicator of product quality.

Another is the Buy with Confidence scheme which is given by the Local Authority Trading Standards Services and is proof of trustworthiness of the business.

We understand that choosing the right manufacturer and supplier can be tough. That is why we ensure that we offer a wide range of ISO 9001 certified mesh products so that our customers can get the best deal for their money. Some of the products available with us are nylon mesh, Teflon mesh, medifab mesh, etc.

To know more about our full list of products, contact us today.

Applications of Nylon Mesh in the Laboratory

2019-11-21T14:18:00-06:00

Researchers often use nylon mesh for a variety of reasons

Uses of Nylon Mesh in the Laboratory

Filtration

The collection of algae and cells
Analysis of particles
Background filtration for automated particle imaging systems
Pre-filtration of solvents
Monitoring of paint
And the filtration of large particles

Printing

Other uses of nylon mesh

Outside the labs and research stations, nylon mesh can be used in agriculture and aquaculture for the protection of fish and plants, respectively. It can also be used in sports and construction.

Nylon mesh is often confused with polyester mesh because they have similar applications.