In sectors where safety and traceability of plastic materials are essential, such as food, pharmaceutical, and medical, the need for compounds detectable by both metal detectors and X-rays is increasing.
This dual detectability allows even the smallest plastic contaminations to be identified, preventing risks to consumers and ensuring compliance with the strictest safety regulations.
From magnetic detectability to X-ray traceability
LATI has extensive experience in developing magnetically detectable compounds (MDT – Magnetically Detectable Thermoplastics), used for years in environments where accidental plastic contamination can compromise the quality of the finished product.
The new MDT09 compounds represent the evolution of this technology, offering dual detectability:
- by metal detector, thanks to the addition of calibrated paramagnetic or ferromagnetic fillers;
- by X-ray, due to the presence of high-density mineral additives that make the material opaque to X-rays.
This combination ensures cross-checking in industrial inspection systems, enhancing safety and reducing false negatives.
Applications of Detectable Compounds: Safety and Quality Control
Food and Pharmaceutical Sector
In the food & pharma sector, the use of detectable materials is essential to prevent accidental contamination in packaging, dosing, or mixing lines.
LATI MDT09 compounds are formulated in compliance with food contact regulations (Food Contact Approval) and maintain:
- high mechanical and thermal resistance;
- absence of free metals or toxic substances;
- stability over time even after repeated washing or sterilization.
Industrial and Infrastructural Applications
In the industrial field, X-ray detectable materials are used for non-visible or buried components, such as electrical housings, sensors, or safety enclosures, where rapid localization is essential for maintenance or inspections.
Technical Properties of LATI MDT09 Compounds
The MDT09 metal detector and X-ray detectable compounds are available on various polymer bases (PA, POM, PBT, PP, PC, etc.) and maintain the typical performance of LATI structural compounds.
| Property | Typical value | Technical notes |
| Magnetic detectability | Paramagnetic or ferromagnetic | Compatible with major industrial metal detectors |
| X-ray opacity | High | Traceable even in small fragments |
| Colorability | Excellent | Suitable for laser markings and identification codes |
| Elongation at break (PP base) | >10% | Good ductility |
| Impact resistance (Charpy unnotched) | 17 kJ/m² | Excellent toughness |
| Food suitability | FDA/EU compliant | Available upon request |
MDT09 formulations maintain excellent mechanical performance, despite the presence of significant mineral fillers. Additionally, colorability and laser markability allow the material to be customized with permanent codes, logos, or traceability data.
Competitive Advantages of MDT09 Compounds
| Advantage | Description |
| Dual detectability | Identifiable by both metal detectors and X-rays |
| Food safety | Materials compliant for food contact |
| High mechanical performance | Suitable for structural and technical components |
| Laser markability and colorability | Ideal for industrial coding and tracking |
| Versatility | Available on multiple thermoplastic resins |
LATI MDT Range: from Basic Grade to Maximum Magnetic Sensitivity
The LATI MDT range includes over 10 different formulations, each optimized for specific levels of detectability:
| Code | Type of detectability | Main application |
| MDT05 | Basic detectability | Standard components and food utensils |
| MDT09 | Magnetic + X-ray detectability | Pharmaceutical, food, technical-industrial |
| MDT16 | High paramagnetism | High sensitivity inspection systems |
Real Application Examples
- Detectable food utensils (spatulas, tongs, screws): identifiable even in small fragments.
- Components for packaging machines: reducing line stops and contamination risk.
- Housings for underground sensors: locatable by X-ray in case of loss or failure.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about metal detector and X-ray detectable compounds
- How does a metal detector and X-ray detectable compound work?
Thanks to special paramagnetic and mineral fillers, the material can be detected by both magnetic and radiographic systems, even in small quantities. - Are these compounds suitable for food contact?
Yes, LATI MDT09 grades are suitable for food contact, compliant with European and FDA regulations. - Is it possible to color or laser mark MDT09 materials?
Yes, despite the presence of fillers, LATI MDT09 compounds maintain excellent colorability and laser markability, useful for identification codes or logos.
Conclusion
Metal detector and X-ray detectable compounds like LATI MDT09 represent an advanced technological solution to ensure safety, traceability, and product quality in highly regulated environments.
Do you want to enhance the safety of your production processes?
Request a customized technical consultation on MDT compounds and discover the formulation best suited to your detectability and mechanical performance needs.
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