Project Overview
Ovens, Mixers & Conveyors
Industrial Food Production
Project Overview
Steel Dynamics, the country’s leading stainless steel stockholder and processor, recently worked together with a client in the food processing industry to supply high-grade stainless steel for critical equipment used in food production. This project involved processing stainless steel for ovens, mixers and conveyors, all of which are essential components in food manufacturing.
For this project, the customer required stainless steel for the fabrication of industrial ovens and mixers used in high-volume food production, as well as for the construction of conveyors that would transport ingredients and finished products. The materials used needed to meet strict hygiene standards, ensuring that the surfaces were easy to clean, resistant to bacterial contamination, and durable enough to withstand the demanding conditions of industrial food processing.
The customer specified 304 stainless steel for the majority of the project, particularly for the fabrication of the ovens and mixers. 304 steel is widely used in the food processing industry due to its excellent corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning and non-reactive properties when in contact with food products. It can withstand the high temperatures and moisture conditions typical in food production environments, making it an ideal choice for both ovens and mixers.
For the industrial ovens, the stainless steel had to withstand both high temperatures and exposure to moisture, steam and food particles. The ovens in question were large, continuous-operation units designed to bake or cook food products in high volumes. These ovens operated at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 300°C, meaning the stainless steel needed to maintain its structural integrity while offering excellent heat resistance.
The mixers, which were also constructed from 304 stainless steel, needed to handle both wet and dry ingredients. These industrial mixers are designed to mix large batches of food ingredients such as dough, sauces, or fillings, and often operate in environments where frequent cleaning and sanitation are required. The smooth, non-porous surface of 304 stainless steel made it easy for operators to clean the mixers quickly and thoroughly between production runs.
In addition to the ovens and mixers, Steel Dynamics provided a comprehensive stainless steel solution for the conveyors used in the same food processing plant. The conveyors were designed to operate continuously, transporting both raw and cooked food products. The use of 316 stainless steel ensured that the conveyors would not only resist corrosion but also maintain a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, crucial for preventing contamination in food production.
Steel Dynamics precision fibre-laser cutting technology allowed us to produce the stainless steel components for the conveyors to exact specifications, ensuring a seamless fit and reliable performance in the food processing plant. The ability to cut large sheets of stainless steel with extreme precision enabled us to reduce lead times, providing the customer with a faster turnaround and minimising production downtime.
The completed ovens, mixers, and conveyors were supplied to a large food processing plant in the UK that produces a variety of baked goods and prepared meals. Our commitment to quality and customer service was evident throughout the project, from material selection to the final delivery of the stainless steel components.
