Role of stainless in the food industry

Posted by Dinesh metal Industries on December 31st, 2020

The role of stainless steel in the food industry is growing every day. With technological progress, the sector has managed to adapt to modern needs, offering increasingly resistant, durable and aseptic finishes.

Today, most industrial and domestic kitchens have significant advantages over conventional equipment. For the food industry, the benefits of stainless steel translate into profitability and performance, two fundamental aspects of the production and handling of food.  

Use

Being a ductile and malleable metal, a333 grade 6 can be used to manufacture a wide range of specialized equipment in gastronomy. Remember that the food industry has specific needs that must be fully met. Among them, you can mention the degree of asepsis that the equipment must have, as well as the corresponding efficiency and functionality. 

In this sense, you can say that API 5L seamless pipe is a suitable material for the gastronomic sector, as it optimizes all maintenance processes and adapts easily to extreme hot and cold conditions.

That is why metal is currently used in manufacture industrial and domestic kitchens, cutlery, plates, fryers, display cabinets, and other great variety of indispensable equipment for the sector. 

The importance of stainless steel in food handling

Unlike copper and iron, stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion. In fact, by not reducing its longevity, 4140 pipe offers hygienic benefits that limit contamination and increase performance in areas destined for food production.

All these characteristics make API 5l x70 pipe a suitable material for storing food since the metal contributes to the supply of food and uncontaminated substances. 

The type of steel used in the food industry

Although the type of steel to be used depends on its application, every alloy has high mechanical resistance and high durability and elasticity compared to other materials. 

That is why stainless steel can be used to manufacture industrial and domestic equipment, in which sheets, tubes and complementary bars also stand out.

To guarantee the efficiency and the healthiness of the machinery, the industry opts for stainless steel 304 and 316, since the main characteristics are the addition of chromium at 10.5% in both types of steel.

 304 Stainless Steel: Contains up to 24% chromium and other essential elements such as nickel, carbon, and manganese. We are talking about a steel alloy with anticorrosive properties that facilitates the manufacture of utensils and other tools.

 316 Stainless Steel: Unlike 304 steel, 3% molybdenum is added to 316 to increase chloride resistance and achieve smoother finishes, which is ideal for handling low-salt meats and foods.

Duplex stainless steel: Another type of steel that is commonly used in the industry is the sought-after duplex stainless steel; a special biphasic microstructure material for high temperatures and for handling viscous foods.

What is the best alloy for food preservation?

Generally speaking, 315 steel tends to be the best choice for machinery for catering services. Its ability to resist the salt and acid of citrus fruits make it an ideal material for the restoration and preservation of food.

However, regardless of the finish, it is important to opt for less rigorous surfaces that optimize the cleaning process and reduce the risk of cracking and deterioration.