The food industry is an economic activity that never stops and maintains top-level technological growth. In Mexico, its importance lies in the dynamism it can present, mainly in areas such as employment positions and production, which are the ones that give the most benefits to the society of our country. This industry employs more than 4% of the labor force; in addition, gross production is almost 6.5% of the total Mexican economy. For this reason, it is important to take care of the materials for this type of manufacturing. The material that is most used in these tasks is stainless steel, which has become the favorite of various companies and businesses.
Stainless steel in the food industry
The stainless steel is characterized by being a hygienic alloy with extraordinary durability. Therefore, it is the best metal for designing and manufacturing various industrial equipment focused on the marketing, processing, and dispensing of all types of food. In addition to having the benefit of being a neutral material when in contact with food.
This alloy has positioned itself as one of the favorites of the industry, which is why it has replaced traditional materials such as ceramics, aluminum, and plastic laminates in commercial kitchens. Mainly, due to its characteristics such as excellent heat resistance, which does not suffer damage during its use, in addition to having a design that favors its cleaning.
What advantages does this material offer to designers and manufacturers?
Designers and manufacturers consider stainless steel as a material with high adaptability, which perfectly adjusts to the desired characteristics by customers, whether in terms of welding, polishing, and deformation. It is ideal if you need to constantly polish to achieve an attractive and clean appearance. It has a completely flat surface, which allows creating high-quality smooth products, which prevent food from sticking to them and greatly extend their useful life.
What is the best type of stainless steel for this industry?
Manufacturers and processors of this type of products should always be aware of the conditions to which this alloy will be exposed. In addition, to ask themselves what type of stainless steel is the best option for them and what manufacturing method could give them the expected result. Much of the decision must go through the knowledge they can obtain on the following topics.
- Chemical composition of the food they will prepare.
- Temperatures they need to handle for the correct cooking of the ingredients.
- Detergents and disinfectants they will use for cleaning.
- An average of the amount of time they will use in each process or recipe.
- If this product will have very abrupt climate changes.
- In addition to considering vibrations, storage methods and if they need to have a material resistant to possible blows or scratches.
What are the main types of stainless steel used in the food industry?
Thanks to its unalterable properties, it is especially useful for the manufacture of instruments and special tools for the food industry. There is a wide variety of different compositions, each one adapts to different needs, both construction and gastronomy.
What can ferritics offer me?
A magnetic material, with great resistance to corrosion, they are less prone to oxidation if left for a long time at high temperatures. This makes this type of steel, suitable for direct contact with burners. They are efficient conductors of heat, allowing food to heat evenly.
What benefits do austenitics give me?
They have excellent resistance to corrosion, in addition to good weldability and a great factor of hygiene and cleanliness. They have the ability to function properly under extreme temperatures; however, they are not magnetic. It is the material most used in the manufacture of food and beverages.
What is duplex steel and how does it work in this industry?
In plants where more corrosive materials such as mustard, vinegar, cheese or fish are handled, it is necessary to use another type of material, this is where items made with duplex steel come into action. The difference lies in that they have a greater mechanical resistance than the aforementioned ones, since about 0.15% of nitrogen is added.
At Ulbrinox we know the importance of stainless steel and alloys for the food industry. For this reason, we are one of the main distributors of this material in Mexico and Latin America. Come to us! We offer the best quality in our products. Request a quote on our website, we will give you the personalized attention you need.
