Metallic Food Contact Test on AISI316/1.4404 (Declaration Of Compliance)
Expanite surface hardening on stainless steel passes critical test for metallic food contact with exceptional results. Superior wear resistance can now be combined with safety in relation to food contact!
Expanite, the leading provider of sustainable surface hardening and heat treatment on stainless steel and titanium, reaches outstanding results with the SuperExpanite® hardening of AISI316/1.4404 stainless steel for metallic food contact material. The tests, performed in accordance with the European Committee CM/Res(2013)9 Resolution, focuses on repeated food contact scenarios, and Expanite surface hardening is thereby concluded safe to use in stainless steel food contact applications. This achievement demonstrates that Expanite’s advanced technology can deliver enhanced wear, galling, and corrosion resistance while ensuring compliance with strict metallic food contact regulations.
The test
The tests was conducted in accordance with the Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res(2013)9, focusing on repeated food contact scenarios – and the possible migration of substances from metallic components into food. In the test, performed for Expanite in October 2023 by an independent laboratory, coupons of stainless steel were treated with Expanite surface hardening (SuperExpanite®) and hereafter exposed to the testing media. Results from the test are expressed in terms of migration levels of various elements into the testing medium, in essence food. Overall aim is to limit migration and stay below the limits expressed in the resolution.
The details of the test, were as follows:
- Material: AISI316/1.4404 stainless steel
- Expanite treatment: SuperExpanite20 NC
- Testing medium: 0.5% citric acid
- Temperature: 70 degrees Celsius
- Duration: 2 hours
The test methodology ensures that both surface integrity and underlying material properties are rigorously evaluated. By simulating real-life repeated contact with food substances, the laboratory assessment confirms that the surface hardening and heat treatment process does not compromise material safety while enhancing durability.
The test results
Basically, Expanite-treated components passed the migration criteria for all relevant substances. The tests showed exceptional performance achieved through Expanite’s surface hardening on stainless steel – the treated AISI316 stainless steel exhibited remarkable resistance and compliance with the stringent conditions outlined in the CM/Res(2013)9 test.
These results are particularly significant for industries where both material durability and food safety are critical. By combining enhanced wear, galling, and corrosion resistance with certified food contact compliance, Expanite provides manufacturers with a solution that extends the service life of stainless steel components while ensuring regulatory compliance.
In the larger perspective, it means that it can be considered safe to apply Expanite surface hardening to on stainless steel for food applications – and thereby combining safety with superior wear resistance.
Beyond stainless steel, Expanite’s surface hardening technology also applies to titanium and other high-performance alloys, offering similar benefits for corrosion resistance, wear, and galling resistance. This makes Expanite a versatile partner for manufacturers across the food processing, beverage, pharmaceutical, and medical industries who seek both compliance and long-term durability.
The surface hardening and heat treatment applied by Expanite not only meet but exceed the expectations for materials used in repeated food contact applications. The enhanced properties of the treated stainless steel make it an ideal choice for various industries, including those requiring compliance with strict regulatory standards.
By delivering solutions that combine metallic food contact compliance, superior wear resistance, and long-lasting corrosion protection, Expanite strengthens its position as the preferred partner for manufacturers seeking to optimize performance, safety, and sustainability in their stainless steel and titanium components.
About Expanite
Expanite offers state-of-the-art solutions for surface hardening and heattreatment of stainless steels and titanium.
With Expanite’s processes, it is possible to increase the material’s surface hardness tenfold while at the same time maintaining and even increasing its corrosion resistance. The technology also improves wear and galling resistance, enabling components to withstand harsh mechanical environments without compromising safety.
Expanite is a global organization with a combined development and production facility near Copenhagen, Denmark, and hardening capacity in both US, Germany, Korea and China. Expanite’s solutions are flexible and can be introduced directly into a customer’s own production line as part of a licensing arrangement. Learn more on www.expanite.com.