Click on the link below to view the press release:
http://www.idicomposites.com/files/IDI%20Berkel%20Food%20Slicer%20PR.pdf
IDI Composites International has been chosen to provide custom thermoset molding compounds to Berkel Company, a leading supplier of slicers, processors, mixers, and packaging equipment to the commercial food service industry. IDI’s custom bulk molding compound (BMC) is being utilized in Berkel’s latest line of automatic food slicers: the X13A. The use of BMC from IDI ultimately contributed to a 40% parts reduction in the new line of slicers, and is indicative of the increasing use of thermoset molding compounds in the commercial food service industry.
Berkel’s new X13A slicers are unique, as they utilize a single-molded base that promotes sanitary operation. Plus, it’s easy to clean. By switching to IDI’s BMC material, Berkel was able to eliminate seams in the “drip and drop zone” of the slicer caused by welded or bolted metal parts. The material provided by IDI is corrosion resistant, providing an effective cleaning surface that will not degrade from exposure to common sanitizers and cleaners, or acids and proteins commonly found in food.
In addition to the cost savings realized by eliminating secondary operations required with traditional aluminum bases, IDI thermoset molding compounds have other properties that make it ideal for the commercial food service industry, including:
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Dimensional stability and reduced weight
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Flame resistance around machined parts
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Ability to mold-in color and tolerate powder-coat or water-based paint
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Ability to mold to net shape due to zero shrink
The IDI BMC material is available for production at all of IDI’s global manufacturing facilities, including Noblesville, IN (USA); West Midlands, UK; Shanghai, China; Shenzhen, China; and Aguirre, Puerto Rico.
“Our relationship with Berkel illustrates the benefits of thermoset molding compounds in a market traditionally dominated by metal and aluminum die cast,” said Tom Flood, Vice President and General Manager of IDI Composites International. “The X13A slicer from Berkel features a material that is lighter, easier to clean, and safer to operate, giving our customer a distinct advantage in the marketplace.”
