Speaker
Description
Strict hygiene procedures are necessary to provide food safety, which could be obtained by different methods. Most known and frequently used hygiene methods are washing with water, cleaning solutions and using mechanical devices such as bristles, scrapers and materials such as cloth with paper. In food processing used materials by itself could be self-cleaning, when they have repelling properties (hydrophobic) or are as smooth as possible (polished).
Surface condition plays significant role in food safe material hygiene. Rough surface and scratches tend to accumulate residue that is an environment for further microbiological activity. Due to these factors, it is required to produce and maintain smooth surfaces that are in direct contact with food. Since different materials are used in food processing, they have their own role and resistance against scratches and damage. Most commonly used material in food processing nowadays is AISI 304 and 316L grade stainless steel, which have optimal strength, corrosion resistance and durability against scratches.
Stainless steel surface for food processing also has to be smooth, in order lower risks of contamination, which is usually obtained by mechanical or electro-chemical polishing. Despite complicity and costs of mechanical polishing, this technology is still widely used as it has been established for decades. With development of new technologies, such as laser technologies, new methods of surface treatment are available. Over many years, different researchers have proved, that laser treatment could make surface more smooth, creating “polished effect”. Laser polishing of stainless steel surfaces could be a solution in future for achieving better hygiene in food processing.