wHITEPAPER: Electropolishing Reduces Bacterial Cross-Contamination in Food Production Equipment
The prevention of bacterial contamination in the food industry requires ongoing diligence at every step in the process. Electropolishing of metal parts for food manufacturing components provides numerous advantages, from the precise removal of surface material to the elimination of microcracks and burrs that can be initiation sites for corrosion and bacteria growth.
But it is the ultrasmooth surface finish that makes electropolishing especially effective for finishing metal parts for food production. The bright shiny finish that electropolishing leaves behind holds more than aesthetic appeal. Research shows it also impedes the attachment and growth of bacteria and other pathogens.
Studies by a unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture describe how an electropolished surface inhibited the formation of “biofilms” by which some pathogens, including E. coli and salmonella, form a linked structure that is resistant to standard cleaning and sanitizing techniques. The findings were particularly important to the poultry industry because the pace of production creates increased risk of bacteria build-up and cross contamination.
The surface imperfections removed by electropolishing can also make parts difficult to clean.
In this whitepaper, you will learn why electropolishing is the preferred process for removing microburrs and other imperfections, leaving metal parts with an ultrasmooth and pathogen-resistant surface.
You'll also learn:
- Why electropolishing is more effective than other methods
- How electropolishing works
- How electropolishing increases microbial resistance
- Metals and alloys that can be electropolished for burr removal
- And more