Italy-based Fluorten chose Victrex PEEK, a thermoplastic, for over-molding the steel core of a cone valve used to process tomato paste. During processing, the tomato paste is forced through a system of pipes and cone valves to obtain the right quality and consistency. Because the valves are in contact with the paste, the valve material must be capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures of 120C and have good non-stick properties. It must also exhibit superior surface hardness due to the high processing rates and good adhesion to the steel core. Victrex PEEK has a glass transition temperature of 143C and can withstand continuous service temperatures close to the melting point of 340C.
