Food Industry Balls | McMaster-Carr

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	For Use With For Use With

Acetic Acid

Acetone

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

	Specifications Met Specifications Met

FDA Compliant 21 CFR
177.2480

FDA Compliant 21 CFR
177.2600

FDA Compliant 21 CFR
177.1520

FDA Compliant 21 CFR
177.1680

FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5

FDA Compliant 21 CFR
177.1020

FDA Compliant 21 CFR
177.1580

	System of Measurement System of Measurement

Inch

Metric

	Diameter Diameter

	Material Material

Plastic

Rubber

	Shape Shape

	Ball

	Color Color

	White		Off-White
	Clear		Gray
	Blue

	Hardness Rating Hardness Rating

	Performance Properties Performance Properties

Low Thermal Expansion

	Environment Environment

Food and Beverage

Sanitary

	Maximum Temperature Maximum Temperature

Less than 250° F

250° to 499° F

Not Rated

	Comparable To Comparable To

	Friction Rating Friction Rating

Very Slippery

Not Rated

	Minimum Temperature Minimum Temperature

-249° to -50° F

-24° to 0° F

Not Rated

	For Use Outdoors For Use Outdoors

Yes

	Tolerance Rating Tolerance Rating

Standard

	Tensile Strength Tensile Strength

	DFARS (Defense Acquisition Regulations Supplement) DFARS (Defense Acquisition Regulations Supplement)

DFARS Specialty Metals
COTS-Exempt

	Density Density

0.033 lbs./cu. in.

0.051 lbs./cu. in.

	Clarity Clarity

Transparent

Semi-Clear

Opaque

	Construction Construction

Hollow

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

	RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

RoHS Compliant

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73 Products

About Rubber

About Plastic

Color: White
Temperature Range: -20° to 180° F
Tensile Strength: 10,000-11,000 psi (Good)
Impact Strength: 1-1.5 ft.-lbs./in. (Poor)
Hardness: Rockwell R120-R122 (Hard)
For Use Outdoors: No
Specifications Met: FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2480

Able to hold tight tolerances, these balls resist expanding when exposed to heat and moisture. They have a naturally slippery, wear-resistant surface. Use them for bearings and low-load rolling applications. Delrin® acetal resin is also known as acetal homopolymer.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Inch
Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
1/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	000000	00000
3/32"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
1/8"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
9/64"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
5/32"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
3/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
7/32"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
1/4"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
9/32"	-0.001" to 0.001"	25	0000000	0000
5/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	0000
3/8"	-0.001" to 0.001"	100	0000000	00000
7/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	50	0000000	00000
1/2"	-0.001" to 0.001"	50	0000000	00000
9/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	25	0000000	0000
5/8"	-0.001" to 0.001"	25	000000	00000
3/4"	-0.001" to 0.001"	10	0000000	0000
13/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	1	0000000	0000
7/8"	-0.001" to 0.001"	10	0000000	00000
15/16"	-0.001" to 0.001"	1	0000000	0000
1"	-0.001" to 0.001"	10	0000000	00000
1 1/8"	-0.002" to 0.002"	1	0000000	0000
1 1/4"	-0.002" to 0.002"	1	0000000	0000
1 1/2"	-0.002" to 0.002"	1	0000000	0000
2"	-0.002" to 0.002"	1	0000000	00000
Metric
2mm	-0.0254mm to 0.0254mm	100	0000000	0000
3mm	-0.0254mm to 0.0254mm	100	0000000	0000
3.5mm	-0.0254mm to 0.0254mm	100	0000000	0000
4mm	-0.0254mm to 0.0254mm	100	0000000	0000
5mm	-0.0254mm to 0.0254mm	100	0000000	0000
8mm	-0.0254mm to 0.0254mm	50	0000000	0000

Polypropylene Balls

Color: Semi-Clear White
Max. Temperature:
Solid Balls: 180° F
Hollow Balls: 220° F
Tensile Strength: 2,900-5,070 psi (Poor)
Impact Strength: 0.9 ft.-lbs./in. (Poor)
Hardness: Rockwell R99 (Hard)
For Use Outdoors: No
Specifications Met: See table

Resistant to swelling when exposed to water, these balls are often used in laboratory applications.

Hollow balls float. Use them in tanks to slow evaporation and reduce heat loss.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Hollow
Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
0.787"	-0.010" to 0.010"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	150	0000000	000000
1"	-0.015" to 0.015"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	25	0000000	0000
1.4"	-0.015" to 0.015"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	25	0000000	0000
1.496"	-0.010" to 0.010"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	50	0000000	00000
1.969"	-0.020" to 0.020"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	40	0000000	00000
3.15"	-0.030" to 0.030"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	10	0000000	00000
3.937"	-0.050" to 0.050"	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	1	0000000	0000

Food Industry Abrasion-Resistant Natural Rubber Balls

FDA compliant for direct contact with food, these balls are often used to clean screens in vibrating sifters in food, beverage, and other sanitary environments. You can also use them as seals in pumps and check valves. All are made of natural rubber, which is also known as gum rubber and latex rubber.

Metal- and X-ray detectable balls contain metal and chemical additives that will set off metal detectors and show up on X-ray machines if they fall into your line, helping you comply with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs. The metal additive also makes it easy for magnetic traps to catch the balls—or any piece of them—that fall into a line. All are bright blue, making them easy to spot. These balls do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which is a chemical that can contaminate your process lines. Free of plasticizers, they won’t impart tastes or odors to items they come into contact with.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Balls

Color: White
Temperature Range: 0° to 180° F
Tensile Strength: 3,000 psi
For Use Outdoors: No

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Durometer	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
5/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	10	00000000	000000
1"	-0.115" to +0.125"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	10	00000000	00000
1 1/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	5	00000000	0000
1 3/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	5	00000000	00000
2"	-0.115" to +0.125"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	1	00000000	0000

Metal- and X-Ray Detectable Balls

Color: Blue
Temperature Range: -65° to 180° F
Tensile Strength: 4,000 psi
For Use Outdoors: No

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Durometer	Specifications Met		Each
1 3/8"	-0.016" to +0.016"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	00000000	00000
2"	-0.020" to +0.020"	45A (Medium Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	00000000	0000

Food Industry Abrasion-Resistant Polyurethane Rubber Balls

Color: Gray
Temperature Range: 0° to 180° F
Tensile Strength: 3,900psi
For Use Outdoors: Yes

Safely use these balls in food and pharmaceutical environments to clean screens in vibrating sifters or to act as a seal in pumps and check valves. They’re made with metal and chemical additives to set off metal detectors or X-ray machines if they fall into food, helping you comply with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs. The metal additive also ensures these balls will be caught by magnetic traps. These balls are FDA compliant for direct contact with food, and contain no BPA or plasticizers that could cause contamination. They’re made of polyurethane, which combines rubber’s shock-absorbing properties with the strength of plastic. To withstand rough use over time, these balls are designed to be abrasion resistant.

Diameter	Diameter Tolerance	Durometer	Performance Properties	Specifications Met		Each
1 3/8"	-0.017" to +0.017"	90A (Extra Hard)	Metal Detectable, X-Ray Detectable	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1680	0000000	00000
2"	-0.22" to +0.22"	90A (Extra Hard)	Metal Detectable, X-Ray Detectable	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1680	0000000	00000

Food Industry Multipurpose Neoprene Rubber Balls

Color: White
Temperature Range: 0° to 212° F
Tensile Strength: 2,000 psi
For Use Outdoors: Yes

Loosen fine particles from the grip of vibrating-sifter screens with the bounce of rubber balls. Also use them as seals in pumps and check valves. They’re made from FDA-listed materials for use with food and beverage. Neoprene is also known as chloroprene.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Durometer	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
5/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	55A (Medium)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	10	00000000	000000
1"	-0.115" to +0.125"	55A (Medium)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	10	00000000	00000
1 1/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	55A (Medium)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	5	00000000	00000
1 3/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	55A (Medium)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	5	00000000	00000
2"	-0.115" to +0.125"	55A (Medium)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	2	00000000	00000

High-Temperature Silicone Rubber Balls

Color: White (semi-clear)
Temperature Range: 0° to 400° F
Tensile Strength: 2,000 psi
For Use Outdoors: No

Use these balls as seals in pumps and check valves, or let them bounce inside of vibrating sifters as an effective screen cleaner. Silicone, commonly called polysiloxane, offers good resistance to ozone and salt water.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Durometer	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
5/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	35A (Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	10	0000000	000000
7/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	35A (Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	5	0000000	00000
1"	-0.115" to +0.125"	35A (Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	5	0000000	00000
1 1/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	35A (Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	1	0000000	0000
1 3/8"	-0.115" to +0.125"	35A (Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	2	0000000	00000
2"	-0.115" to +0.125"	35A (Soft)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2600	1	0000000	00000

Foaming Agents for Plastic Molding Machines

Commonly used in molding applications such as injection molding and extrusion, these foaming agents reduce weight, warpage, and sinks in finished parts. Mix them into resin as 0.5-1.5% of the total mixture—by decreasing the amount of resin needed to make a part, they help reduce costs. They also lower the melt viscosity of resin so that it can be processed at low temperatures, which reduces cooling times, cycle times, and the risk of heat degradation. These foaming agents are compatible with most plastic and rubber resins. All are FDA compliant for direct contact with food.

Agents with a 310° F or 325° F activation temperature are for use with low-melt-temperature resins such as polyolefins, polystyrenes, and thermoplastic elastomers. Agents with a 400° F activation temperature are for use with high-melt-temperature resins such as polycarbonates and polyamides.

Microfine agents produce smaller bubbles and a tighter cell structure than other foaming agents. They improve the appearance of your final product and keep its mechanical properties consistent throughout. They’re often used to create parts that have thin walls.

Fine agents produce more gas than microfine agents. Use them to ensure uniform foaming when molding bigger parts.

Microfine
Activation Temperature, °F	Melting Temperature, °F	Gas Evolution	Color	Container Type	Specifications Met		Each
325°	250°	30 cc/g and higher	White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	0000000	0000000
325°	250°	65 cc/g and higher	White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	0000000	000000
400°	350°	30 cc/g and higher	Off-White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	0000000	000000
Fine
310°	310°	95 cc/g and higher	White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	0000000	000000

Impact-Resistant Plastic Pellets

Absorbing impact without cracking or breaking, these plastic pellets are molded into parts that endure bumps, scrapes, and falls. Use them with injection molders, 3D printers, and other molding equipment.

HIPS pellets are easy to thermoform, so they’re good for signs, packaging, and other light duty applications.

ABS pellets are easy to thermoform, have good impact resistance at low temperatures, and have more chemical resistance than those made of HIPS or polycarbonate. They’re also more impact resistant than HIPS pellets. Use them to make storage cases, tote trays, equipment housings, and protective gear.

PVDF pellets are flexible, weather resistant, and have the most chemical resistance of all these materials. PVDF is also known as Kynar.

Polycarbonate pellets handle higher temperatures than any of these other materials, but they’re more difficult to thermoform. Clear in color and a lightweight alternative to glass, they’re often used to make windows, machine guards, and instrument covers.

Container
Type	Size, lbs.	Molding Temperature, °F	Melting Temperature, °F	Melt Flow Rate	Shrinkage	Hardness	Impact Strength	Tensile Strength	Clarity	Specifications Met		Each
HIPS Plastic
Off-White
Pail	5	100° to 150°	410° to 480°	9 g/10 min	0.3%-0.6%	Rockwell R105 (Hard)	2 ft.-lbs./in. (Good)	3,550 psi (Poor)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1020	0000000	000000
Cardboard Box	55	100° to 150°	410° to 480°	9 g/10 min	0.3%-0.6%	Rockwell R105 (Hard)	2 ft.-lbs./in. (Good)	3,550 psi (Poor)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1020	0000000	000000
ABS Plastic
Off-White
Pail	5	145° to 185°	400° to 460°	35 g/10 min	0.5%-0.8%	Rockwell R108 (Hard)	5.5 ft.-lbs./in. (Excellent)	6,500 psi (Good)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1020	0000000	000000
Cardboard Box	55	145° to 185°	400° to 460°	35 g/10 min	0.5%-0.8%	Rockwell R108 (Hard)	5.5 ft.-lbs./in. (Excellent)	6,500 psi (Good)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1020	0000000	000000
PVDF Plastic
Off-White
Jar	5	125° to 190°	270° to 280°	8 g/10 min	2%-3.5%	Durometer 57D (Medium Soft)	No Break (Excellent)	2,000 psi (Poor)	Semi-Clear	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	0000000	000000
Polycarbonate Plastic
Clear
Pail	6	180° to 240°	540° to 590°	22 g/10 min	0.5%-0.7%	Rockwell R120 (Hard)	14 ft.-lbs./in. (Excellent)	9,100 psi (Good)	Transparent	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1580	0000000	000000
Cardboard Box	50	180° to 240°	540° to 590°	22 g/10 min	0.5%-0.7%	Rockwell R120 (Hard)	14 ft.-lbs./in. (Excellent)	9,100 psi (Good)	Transparent	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1580	0000000	000000

Moisture-Resistant Plastic Pellets

These pellets resist swelling when exposed to water, making them suitable for use in wet environments. Melt and mold them into desired shapes. Pellets are made from virgin resins and are compatible with various types of molding equipment such as injection molders and 3D printers.

Choose HDPE pellets for general-purpose applications such as protoyping.

HoPP and CoPP pellets are harder than HDPE pellets, so they won't scratch as easily. HoPP has greater tensile strength than CoPP. However, CoPP has better impact resistance. It resists impact even at low temperatures.

Container
Type	Size, lbs.	Molding Temperature, °F	Melting Temperature, °F	Melt Flow Rate	Shrinkage	Hardness	Impact Strength	Tensile Strength	Clarity	Specifications Met		Each
HDPE Plastic
White
Pail	5	80° to 140°	375° to 440°	6 g/10 min	1.2%-2%	Shore D62 (Medium)	1 ft.-lbs./in. (Poor)	4,100 psi (Poor)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	0000000	0000000
Cardboard Box	55	80° to 140°	375° to 440°	6 g/10 min	1.2%-2%	Shore D62 (Medium)	1 ft.-lbs./in. (Poor)	4,100 psi (Poor)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	0000000	000000
HoPP Plastic
White
Pail	5	90° to 150°	375° to 450°	12 g/10 min	1.3%-1.7%	Rockwell R112 (Hard)	1 ft.-lbs./in. (Poor)	5,600 psi (Good)	Semi-Clear	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	0000000	00000
CoPP Plastic
White
Pail	5	90° to 150°	375° to 450°	4 g/10 min	1.3%-1.7%	Rockwell R105 (Hard)	No Break (Excellent)	3,200 psi (Poor)	Opaque	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	0000000	00000

Calibration Kit for Metal-Detectable Plastics

Made with metal additives, these balls test the sensitivity of food-processing metal detectors. They’re often used to calibrate metal detectors to find metal-detectable plastic tools that have fallen into a batch. To calibrate your metal detector, run different balls through the line—the smaller the ball, the more sensitive the detector must be to recognize it. Since they’re spheres, their orientation won’t affect a metal detector’s ability to register them. These balls help you comply with Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs for food safety. They’re FDA compliant for direct contact with food. Balls are autoclavable, so you can sanitize them with steam.

Material	Color	Max. Temperature, °F	Autoclavable	Includes	Specifications Met		Each
Polypropylene Plastic	Blue	180°	Yes	Sizes 4 mm to 14 mm (1 mm increments)	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.1520	0000000	00000

About Rubber

About Plastic

Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Balls

Polypropylene Balls

Food Industry Abrasion-Resistant Natural Rubber Balls

Food Industry Abrasion-Resistant Polyurethane Rubber Balls

Food Industry Multipurpose Neoprene Rubber Balls

High-Temperature Silicone Rubber Balls

Foaming Agents for Plastic Molding Machines

Impact-Resistant Plastic Pellets

Moisture-Resistant Plastic Pellets

Calibration Kit for Metal-Detectable Plastics