Importance of Metal Fabrication In Food Processing

What is the importance of metal fabrication in food processing?

1. It offers customization
2. Safety in food packaging
3. Avoids the cultivation of pathogens
4. Secured distribution of end products

Metal fabrication is the value-adding production of metal items through methods such as cutting, punching, dishing, flanging, bending, and assembling. Today, the procedure has numerous applications for a wide array of industries. However, the importance of metal fabrication in food processing is most evident.

From the moment of storage, production, to delivery, food processing heavily relies upon metal fabrication to achieve operational functions. This is mainly why the demand for an industrial fabricator in the Philippines is increasing. Metals boast of ideal properties that are essential for high food processing volumes. This includes corrosion resistance, durability, cost-efficiency, heat resistance, and enhanced customization.

With metal fabrication being a crucial element in the food industry, it is important to understand its role in helping create edible products that are safe to consume and distribute. Read on to learn more about this.

It Offers Customization

The majority of kitchen items used in food processing such as utensils and cooking tools (knives, scoopers, strainers, peelers, whisks, tongs, pans, pots, funnels) are made from metal. To add to that, metal fabrication creates many equipment and appliances used to create food like mixers, toasters, refrigerators, microwaves, and many more.

Sometimes, you cannot use any metal item offered in retail shops. Ready-made metal items are usually made using a standard dimension that might not fit food processing functions effectively. For example, if you are producing large volumes of milk, you cannot use small blenders sold in the market. Instead, you’ll need customized equipment that will fit in and produce your desired volume. 

Food processing is a specialized niche and metal fabricators have the facilities and expertise necessary to meet its requirements. This is made possible through customization. Any custom metal item can be created through metal fabrication while taking into account the specifications the application calls for.

If you want a customized metal item created, a metal fabrication company like Astron Metal Works is ready to serve your food processing needs. We start the job by letting clients approve custom proposed designs and mock-ups to ensure product efficiency. This is what allows us to uphold quality.

Safety in Food Preparation and Packaging

All industry facilities need to follow manufacturing requirements. This applies to the food industry as well. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly enforces health and safety standards when it comes to food processing.

Not only is metal fabrication important in making food, but it is also crucial when it comes to packaging finished goods safely.

Most food processing companies work with metal because it is a highly durable material. It can withstand extreme environmental conditions, making it an ideal material for preparing and packaging food. Metal fabrication can produce metal items that are “food grade”. This means that the material must be washable, be resistant to extreme heat, chipping, scratching, and must not influence the color, smell, or taste of food.

Despite forces that threaten food safety like rust or heat, the items can be stored and distributed safely using metal racks, holders, table surfaces, steel tanks, carts, and conveyor chutes.

Metal fabrication is a value-adding procedure. This means it’s possible to create superior quality metal items with reinforced durability. The fabricators can simply choose the best steel grade to best fit the food processing application.

Avoids The Cultivation of Pathogens

When working with food processing, manufacturers must ensure that their facilities meet health and safety standards. This goes beyond keeping surfaces clean and sterile: the items in food processing must also be able to avoid any potential pathogen growth.

Customized metal items can be made to be easily cleaned. For example, stainless steel may be used as it only needs hot water and a cloth to be cleaned. This means lowering the chances of cultivating harmful bacteria or molds that may endanger consumer health.

Secured Distribution of End Products

After food is processed, these would need to be delivered to distribution outlets at a certain period of time. Most food items are easily perishable and must be delivered immediately to maintain quality.

A number of unforeseen factors can come into play when transporting food items. This can range from damaged roads and extreme weather conditions, to even traffic delays. Metal fabrication proves to be advantageous for food processing companies because custom metal items can safely store the products. 

Key Takeaway

Food processing is a manufacturing process that requires plenty of consideration to be a success. From the moment of food preparation, storage, to delivery, the importance of metal fabrication in food processing is evident.

At Astron Metal Works, our client portfolio is composed of the country’s top food processing companies — Nestle Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Magnolia, Monde Nissin Corporation, New Zealand Creamery, Alaska Milk Corporation, and many more.

If you happen to be on the lookout for professional metal fabrication services, partner with Astron Metal Works. Click here to get in touch with our team today!