What Is MEK Used For

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What is MEK used for and is it the right chemical for your needs? MEK is an extremely versatile chemical that is used in anything and everything including cleaning, degreasing, oil extraction, indirect food additives, lacquers, varnishes, inks, thinning agents, and so much more. Industries from furniture production to aerospace engineering all use MEK for its various abilities from simple cleaning properties to important additive ingredient functions. If you are wondering if MEK can be used in your industry, and if it is the best option for you, Ecolink can help you understand MEK and decide if it is the right chemical solvent for your needs. 

What Is MEK Used For Most Commonly:

  • Oil Extraction – MEK is used in the extraction process of fats, oils, and resins. MEK is a popular solvent for this use due to its evaporation rate, and ability to extract larger amounts of oil than other solvents that evaporate at different rates.
  • Industrial Cleaning and Degreasing – MEK is a very potent solvent that has the ability to easily cut through hardened resins, grease, and other build up that can gum up industrial machinery. Cleaning machinery with MEK after use, effectively removes debris and build up that can cause costly damage to machinery.
  • Ink Production – MEK is used as an additive in the production of inks used for printing processes, dry erase markers, and more. 
  • Paint Thinner – MEK is also used in various paint thinners and stripping agents used in building or refurbishing furniture. 
  • Food Additive – MEK is even an FDA approved, indirect food additive. MEK is cleared to be used as an indirect additive ingredient for adhesives and polymers used with food products. 

Want More Info On MEK Uses?

If you want to learn more about what MEK is used for, or need help deciding if it is the right chemical for your needs, contact Ecolink here. Ecolink is a trusted provider of chemicals and solvents who provides high quality chemical products for a competitive price. Contact Ecolink today to learn more!

Has MEK Been Banned?

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MEK is a popular chemical solvent used across several industries including ink, varnishes, and paint, but has MEK been banned? The answer is no. MEK, while it can be hazardous when not used properly, is not considered to present a considerable enough threat to the user or the environment for the EPA to ban the use of this chemical. In fact, MEK is even approved by the FDA for indirect food processes, such as use as an additive for adhesives and polymers. MEK is a versatile chemical that is used for cleaning, degreasing, paint thinning, and in the production of inks, lacquers, and more. So, has MEK been banned? Absolutely not! And if you are in need of MEK for your industrial practice or product production, Ecolink can help. 

Benefits of MEK from Ecolink:

  • High Quality – Ecolink proudly supplies high purity, safe, quality chemicals and solvents. In addition to providing quality products, Ecolink also strives to provide these chemicals in an environmentally conscious manner, while also offering green chemical alternatives to help reduce carbon footprints.
  • Bulk Quantity – Ecolink offers bulk quantities of all of their chemical solvents. From 5 gallon buckets to 55 gallon drums, Ecolink has you covered.
  • Affordability – In addition to quality, and quantity, Ecolink also offers their products at a competitive price. And the availability of ordering in bulk quantities, allows for the added benefit of bulk pricing. When you shop chemical products like MEK with Ecolink, you can rest assured that you are receiving a high quality product for a fair price. 

Want to learn more about MEK?

If you are interested in learning about MEK, or other chemical uses and restrictions, contact Ecolink here! Ecolink and their knowledgeable team can help you find and understand the best chemicals for your particular needs. For everything from chemical supply, use instruction, safety information, proper storage, and chemical recycling, Ecolink is here to help!

Difference Between MEK and MPK

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It is important to understand the difference between MEK and MPK as they are often used in similar practices. However, there are some key differences between MEK and MPK which will influence which chemical is best for your specific uses. Both MEK and MPK are used in various cleaning and degreasing applications, but due to certain properties such as evaporation rate, chemical strength, and price one can be better than the other. If you are in need of a chemical solvent for industrial cleaning and degreasing, oil extraction, or stripping surfaces, understanding these three key properties is important. If you are looking for a versatile solvent that is strong, affordable, and has a fast evaporation rate, MEK might be right for you.

Key Differences between MEK and MPK

  • Strength – MEK is typically considered to be a stronger solvent than MPK. This makes MEK the better option for cleaning and degreasing industrial equipment and machinery as it can cut through build up and hardened resins faster and easier than MPK.  
  • Evaporation Rate – MEK has a higher evaporation rate than MPK. This further demonstrates that MEK is a stronger, less diluted chemical solvent. This quality makes MEK more desirable for various applications as it will dry faster, reducing the risk of damaging various surfaces due to prolonged exposure. This property also makes MEK a preferred solvent for various ink and printing products, as well as extraction processes.
  • Affordability – One important thing to consider when deciding between MEK and MPK is price. MEK is typically more affordable than MPK, and it is a more potent chemical, meaning a little bit can go a longer way. This makes MEK more cost effective than MPK in the long run. 

Want to learn more about MEK vs MPK?

If you are interested in learning more about the difference between MEK and MPK, or want to find bulk MEK for your business, contact Ecolink here. Ecolink is a trusted chemical supplier who will work with you to find the best chemicals for your needs for an affordable price. Contact us today to learn more.  

Common MEK Solvent Uses

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MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), also known as butante, is a common chemical solvent used for a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications. Known for its low toxicity levels and potent cleaning abilities, there are several industries that utilize this versatile solvent. Whether it is for cleaning machinery, or producing a consumer good, many businesses can benefit from the use of a high quality bulk supply of MEK or butane.  If you are unfamiliar with MEK these are some of the more common MEK solvent uses, and industries that should consider using this chemical solvent in bulk.

Practical Applications and MEK Solvent Uses 

  • Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser – One of the most common applications of MEK is in cleaning and degreasing industrial machinery. MEK has a lower evaporation rate and higher boiling point than similar chemical solvents, like acetone, making it a stronger cleaning agent that can remove sticky substances from machinery, allowing them to run efficiently.
  • Solvent Ingredient in Consumer Goods – Some other common MEK solvent uses are as additives in consumer goods like printing inks, adhesives, dry erase markers, or surface coatings. As MEK evaporates at a slower pace, it is an ideal solvent for these liquidus products.
  • Manufacturing – MEK is often also used in the production of products like plastic, vinyl, textiles, and paraffin waxes.
  • Food Products – MEK is often found occurring naturally in food products like milk, apple juice, beans, chicken, and honey. While the FDA has declared MEK safe in food as an indirect additive where is occurs naturally, it should not be directly added into food products as consumption of too much MEK can be harmful.

While these are some common MEK solvent uses and sources, there are many more applications of MEK as an additive or cleaning agent. If your business uses a lot of MEK and could benefit from a reliable bulk supplier, contact Ecolink. Ecolink is a reliable and environmentally friendly supplier of chemical solvents like MEK. For a bulk supply quote or to learn more about MEK, contact us today!

What is MEK? (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)

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Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a liquid solvent that is found in adhesives, printing inks, and surface coatings. MEK cleaner contains lube oil dewaxing agents and is used as a medium to extract waxes, oils, fats, and resins. Its effectiveness has made it one of the most popular liquid solvent today.

What can I use MEK for?

You can use MEK for thinning specific types of coatings such as adhesives, polyester, inks and epoxy resins. It is also effective when trying to clean dried adhesives such as lacquer and latex paints. If done properly, there will be no observable damage to the surface of what was cleaned. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation in the area where the MEK is being used.

Anything that cannot be cleaned with acetone will most likely be cleaned by MEK since it is stronger. Acetone is dimethyl ketone which is similar to, although weaker than, methyl ethyl ketone.

Where should I store MEK?

Ensure that the cap is on tightly and leave it in a dry, cool area. It should be far from any source of heat including direct sunlight. Store it in storage spaces where the temperature is below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper storage will ensure that you will get at least six months of shelf life to clean surfaces with a MEK cleaner.

Looking to buy MEK?

No matter your cleaning purpose, we can find an MEK solution or alternative to meet your needs. Call us today 800-563-1305, or browse our online products here.