Science & Food

At Salamander Fabrications, we’ve been working across a range of sectors for over 50 years now and our team of specialists have grown to understand the unique needs of many different industries. The scientific, medical and food industries in particular have a wide range of high-level specifications when it comes to sheet metal fabrication to ensure that the products are fit for purpose. From specific material standards to advanced hygiene practices, there are many specific considerations that need to be taken into account when working in these sectors.

As a full-service sheet metal fabricator we are confident in our ability to design, create and execute products for the science and food sectors that meet the specific needs of our customers and provide long-term, sustainable and practical solutions.

When it comes to the food industry there is a wide range of applications where sheet metal (particularly stainless steel products) are regularly in use. Food grade stainless steel is used extensively in commercial kitchens and industrial kitchens for many different reasons. There are several different types of food-grade stainless steels, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Stainless steel is typically found in commercial and industrial kitchens, be it in worktop surfaces, storage units, sinks, etc. A large number of these kitchen installations are made using rapid sheet metal fabrication, which is an efficient and economical way to produce large metal structures with precision that is fast and cost-effective. Kitchen counters, shelving and industrial or commercial fixtures do not need complex geometry or unique styles. Instead, strong, level structures that are food-safety compliant are vital for ensuring a safe and efficient kitchen. For this reason, constructing a commercial kitchen space using sheet metal fabrication is an ideal option. Sheet metal fabrication is also an effective means of customizing kitchen installations without incurring significant costs because it is suitable for both one-off and small-batch production.

Stainless steel is the material of choice for many applications in the food production and preparation industries for several reasons:

• Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, which means that companies don’t have to worry about the chemical composition of their surfaces changing or becoming damaged as a result of regular wear and tear. There are many types of corrosion that can happen during the food production process as a result of salt, acids, water and other substances that regularly come into contact with metal surfaces.
• Food contact equipment needs to be cleaned regularly, particularly in kitchens or on production lines where allergens can be found. Commercial food processing equipment has to be able to withstand regular cleaning using industrial-grade cleaning methods in order to offer real value to food processors.
• Guidelines on ‘The Materials of Construction for Equipment in Contact with Food’ have been published by the European Hygiene Engineering and Design Group. Specifically, the guidelines define the properties and procedures for selecting the right metals and using food grade stainless steels. This includes specifications on the amounts of chromium, nickel and carbon levels in the metals used for food applications.

The team at Salamander Fabrications have extensive experience when it comes to helping you pick the right kind of sheet metal for your food industry installations that require sheet metal fabrication.