What are 6 reasons to use stainless steel in the food processing industry
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to chemicals and corrosion
- Durability
- Sustainability
- Compatible with heat
- Easy fabrication of the material
- Material stays neutral with food items
Stainless steel is one of the common metals used in a lot of things like copper and aluminum for manufacture, transportation, and presentation applications. Stainless steel is widely used in food and beverage processing industry depending on the grade of the selected material tested by stainless steel suppliers in the Philippines. Many food processing and beverage manufacturers made a switch into using stainless steel in their production methods. Here are the reasons why your stainless steel makes a popular choice in the food processing industry.
Easy to Clean
Effective cleaning is essential in maintaining the quality of material and its process which helps in avoiding corrosion in the future. Stainless accessories are easy to sterilize and the material last longer, unlike other metals, there are no pores that can harbor germs and bacteria. It can be easily wiped off the mess and it is not easily susceptible to bacteria. Food workers can work with ease because of its low maintenance. Cleaning crevices and surfaces free from cracks are the easiest in maintaining clean and smooth stainless steel.
Resistant to Chemicals and Corrosion
There a lot of variations of stainless steel grades and each grade will tell you how it reacts to chemicals and corrosions. It means that even heavy bleaches and other stainless steel cleaners can still be used on stainless accessories and equipment without breaking the material down. Stainless Steel has outstanding resistance to corrosion and attack from a wide range of chemicals. Various grades of 304, 316, and 409 are extensively used for their excellent resistance to chemicals and corrosion.
Durability
Stainless steel by nature is by far one of the most durable materials in the market. It is favored because of its low maintenance that is preferred in many commercial uses. It is prone to damage and resistant to corrosion as well. If being careful, stainless steel is most likely to undergo a few professional maintenance repairs. Stainless steel is certainly a strong material to take a few pressure without showing any noticeable damage. Stainless steel can be stable over time while maintaining its properties and aesthetics while producing no effect among its surroundings. While other materials may lose effectiveness over time, stainless steel can retain both functionality and appearance over a long period of time.
Sustainability
Stainless steel products are the best value in a long and the good thing about using the material it is 100% recyclable. Many manufacturing companies are concerned about the environmental impact and using stainless steel is one way of mitigating some of the impacts during the process. Most environmentally friendly products are corrosion resistant and have exceptional durability and stainless steel meets its criteria in providing long service life and reduces waste of resources.
Compatible with Heat
Stainless steel is a useful property not only in the food processing industry but also working with heavy machinery in different industries. It is able to hold higher temperature pressures without altering in different ways while still holding its shape. The most common reason stainless steel is used because of its high-temperature properties where high-temperature oxidation is necessary and other applications are required making it beneficial to their high-temperature strength and resistance at elevated temperatures.
Easy Fabrication of the Material
With its easy formability and weldability, there are many ways stainless steel is easily fabricated. It requires special attention in preventing scratches or dents. With the right techniques, it can be easily cut, welded and formed into many shapes especially with the more modern metal-working procedures which is why food grade stainless steel is made suitable to make small tools for different appliances like professional knives and spatulas, food mixers, beer kegs and industrial ovens used in the food processing industry.
Material Stays Neutral with Food Items
One benefit why food and beverage manufacturers choose stainless steel in their production is that stainless stays neutral to the food items. It will not change its color, taste, and smell of any food or beverage. It prevents contamination and maintains freshness of the food items. The common grade of steel used in food processing and packaging applications is grade 316 or “Food Grade Stainless” meaning it is low carbon content and resistant to salt exposure for any process that required salt or saltwater in their products. Not all steel materials are food grade so make sure to choose the right material for your production process.
Key Takeaway
Stainless steel suppliers in the Philippines and elsewhere will tell you the many advantages of stainless steel in the food and beverage processing industry. It’s important to know what kind of steel and selection of the best material to use when it comes to equipment. Stainless steel is an optimum choice in exceptional maintenance to all food processing, packaging, and storage from using the different tools and surfaces.