Compounds for Food Coffee Machine Components: Performance and Safety with Technopolymers

High-performance Technopolymers for the Coffee Industry

In recent years, the use of technical plastics in the coffee machine sector has evolved beyond mere aesthetic function.
Today, besides casings and panels, food-grade compounds are also used in structural and functional parts, such as brewing units, supports, valves, and fittings.

These elements must withstand:

• temperatures above 100°C,
• pressures up to 20 bar,
• continuous exposure to steam, water, and coffee,
  without losing dimensional stability or mechanical strength.

To meet these requirements, manufacturers choose high-performance reinforced technopolymers, capable of ensuring durability, food safety, and long-term reliability.

LATIGLOSS: High-Performance Compounds for Food-Contact Components

The LATIGLOSS family, developed by LATI Industria Termoplastici, represents one of the most advanced solutions for applications in professional and domestic coffee machines.

These PPA or PA66-based compounds are reinforced with glass fiber up to 60%, offering an ideal balance between mechanical strength, rigidity, and thermal stability.

Main Properties of LATIGLOSS Compounds:

• High mechanical strength even at 20 bar pressure.
• Dimensional stability in the presence of moisture and thermal variations.
• Compliance with international food regulations:
  • NSF (USA)
  • ACS (France)
  • KTW (Germany)
  • WRAS (UK)
• Excellent chemical resistance to coffee, steam, and detergents.
• Glossy and uniform surfaces, ideal for visible aesthetic parts.

The Tecnoplastica Group Case: Reliability of Technopolymer Brewing Unit

Tecnoplastica Group, Coffee Division (tpvcoffee.com), has chosen LATIGLOSS 57 G/50 for the production of brewing units in their range of capsule espresso machines.

During the extraction process, coffee powder is exposed to water at approximately 90°C under pressure up to 20 bar.
The brewing unit structure must therefore:

• maintain rigidity and creep resistance,
• withstand cyclic mechanical fatigue,
• ensure leak-free operation and consistent sealing over time.

The PPA in LATIGLOSS 57 G/50 has proven ideal for these conditions, ensuring mechanical performance comparable to metals but with reduced weight, no corrosion, and food compatibility.

Component Design and Validation

Creating a brewing unit with reinforced thermoplastic compound requires a precise engineering approach.
In this project, Tecnoplastica Group conducted:

• FEM simulations to optimize component geometry.
• Injection molding process analysis, to verify deformations, flows, and weld lines.
• Thermal resistance and pressure tests up to the operational safety limit.

The result is a component that is mechanically stable, dimensioned with micrometric precision and capable of maintaining seal integrity even after thousands of brewing cycles.

Advantages of Technopolymer Compounds in the Coffee Sector

The adoption of compounds for food coffee machine components enables more efficient and sustainable production, reducing waste and processing costs compared to metals.

Learn more

👉 Discover the LATIGLOSS range of high-performance food-grade compounds.
Explore solutions at www.lati.com or request a dedicated technical analysis for your project in the coffee and vending sector.

FAQ – Compounds for Food Coffee Machine Components

1. What are the safety requirements for coffee machine materials?
   They must comply with NSF, KTW, WRAS, and ACS regulations and withstand high temperatures and pressures in contact with water and food.
2. Why choose reinforced PPA over metal?
   It offers comparable mechanical strength, is lighter, non-corrosive, and allows for more economical production through molding.
3. Can LATIGLOSS be used in components in direct contact with coffee?
   Yes, it complies with major food contact certifications and ensures long-term chemical and thermal stability.