Why is Stainless Steel so Popular in the Food and Beverage Industry?
Stainless steel is a formidable material particularly in the food and beverage industry for a combination of reasons, namely its practicality and general aesthetic in application. WDS Components frequently offer a variety of finishes to provide customers with the flexibility of options. Stainless steel is often a popular choice, especially for people working in kitchens and distilleries, but why? This section aims to tell you a range of reasons why stainless steel is such a popular material for this industry.
Hygiene and Safety
For years, lots of research has been carried out to identify the effect of stainless steel on food and thus far, no measurable chemical reaction has been identified between stainless steel and food. Scientists have concluded that stainless steel causes no danger to human health or the composition and deterioration of food. Grade 304 stainless steel in particular is used for cutlery in the food and beverage industry, but at WDS, we use it to make different types of toggle clamps, hand knobs, clevis forks, handles and more!
Stainless steel can be classed as corrosion-resistant due to its protective film. This surface layer of chromium oxide will repair very quickly when it's damaged providing hygiene assurance to any Design Engineer working with edible end-products. As an alloy, stainless steel is oftentimes used to create smooth surfaces due to its non-absorbent surface qualities. This, in turn, helps to resist the accumulation of bio-films which could present a hygiene hazard. Hence, the hardness makes it easy to maintain high standards of cleanliness for long periods.
Longevity
Purchasing cost-effective components is an important factor for many businesses. As a durable and reliable material, you know you'll get the best quality with stainless steel parts from WDS Components. What's even better is the ability to recycle stainless steel as it usually hasn't reached the end of its life when people dispose of the material. Nowadays, around 60% of a stainless steel object will be recycled contents.
Temperature tolerance is yet another stainless steel feature. Whether you're making super ice cream or need to deep fry chicken at very high temperatures, stainless steel can handle both freezing and boiling temperatures making it perfect for kitchens.
Appearance
As it goes, stainless steel is pretty good-looking in the world of materials. Simply, its bright and attractive features aid interior design such as kitchens or food preparation areas which may be on display to the public or customers. A food stall or truck using shiny stainless steel will look a lot better than dull or darker materials.
Additionally, stainless steel is very easy to clean and maintain this standard. Smudges and streaks can be wiped away easily so chefs will always know whether their stations are clean and ready for cooking! Stainless steel's chemical resistance provides hygiene assurance in any wash-down environment. Keep an eye out for our 316-grade stainless steel components as this is by far the most durable type of steel.
Like what you've heard? Why not check out some of our stainless steel parts ideal for your next renovation or food preparation area? Click through for hinges, gas struts, levelling feet, screws, end fittings and castors. Check out our Buyer's Guide on the Food and Beverage Industry in our News Archive. If you have any further questions about what you've read or need a few more answers to technical questions, call us on 0333 0435 443 or use our Contact Form to drop us a message!