FOOD PROCESSING
MATERIALS & SUPPORT FOR FOOD PROCESSING
We offer a wide range of materials and services to support all of your food processing needs.
WHO WE WORK WITH
FOOD PROCESSORS
FABRICATORS
INSTALLERS
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
STAINLESS STEEL & FOOD PROCESSING
WHY STAINLESS STEEL IS USED IN FOOD PROCESSING
The food industry needs to have high safety standards and strict guidelines that must be followed by every food processing company. These regulations are often enforced by local governments and must be adhered to for the safety of the community at large. Processing equipment if not up to the standards or properly maintained can result in undesired or even harmful reactions with the food being processed. As an example standard metal can react with water, or other liquids, and form rust that could then contaminate the food and cause significant health problems to the end consumer.
Because of the high standards and many risks stainless steel has become an increasingly popular choice for food production equipment in recent years.
ADVANTAGES OF STAINLESS STEEL
There are many advantages in using stainless steel for food processing, including:
Durability: Stainless steel's durability makes it ideal for high-volume, high-wear environments.
Cost-Effective: Stainless steel is affordable long-term, despite higher initial costs, due to its durability.
Corrosion resistant: Stainless steel resists corrosion, ideal for humid or acidic environments and easy cleaning.
Anti-Bacterial: Stainless steel's non-porous surface helps prevent bacterial growth, ensuring food safety.
Easy to manipulate: Stainless steel is easy to shape, cut, and weld, making it versatile for various food production equipment.
High-temperature resistance: Stainless steel withstands high temperatures without warping, suitable for cooking and sterilization.
Easy to clean and maintain: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel is easy to clean, ensuring a safe and sanitary food preparation surface.
Versatility: Suitable for handling food items containing acidic, color.
FOOD GRADE STAINLESS STEEL
Not all stainless steel is considered food grade stainless steel. Food grade stainless steel includes grades like 304, 316, and 430.
Stainless steel grade 304: Grade 304 is a widespread austenitic stainless steel used majorly in many Industries. It contains a high percentage of nickel between 8% to 10.5%. and chromium at 18% to 20% and other alloying elements which include manganese, silicon, and carbon. A high amount of chromium and nickel makes it corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel grade 316: While most of the components are same in grades 304 and 316. The major difference is grade 316 has 2% to 3% of molybdenum. That makes it more usable in the marine environment.
Stainless steel grade 430: This grade is also known as stainless steel type 1.4016. It contains 0% to 0.08% of carbon, 16% to 18% Chromium 0% to 1% of Manganese and Silicon that makes it best to deal with nitric acid.
MATERIALS
Choosing the correct materials for food processing is of the utmost importance. Our team at West Coast Metals is here to make sure you get the right grade and type of stainless for your project. Call us today and we will make sure you get what you need.
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PIPE
A312 WELDED & SEAMLESS SS
A778 WELDED SS
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SHEET & PLATE
ASTM A240
48"/60"/72"/96" WIDTHS
2B AND #4 FINISH
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FITTINGS
ASTM A774
ASTM A403
IPS & TUBE
BUTTWELD
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TUBE
SQUARE
RECTANGLE
ORNAMENTAL
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BAR
ANGLE
FLATS
HEX
ROUNDS
BSQ
PSQ
SQUARE
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MISC. ITEMS
CATWALK
HANDRAIL
EXPANDED
PERFORATED
6WL
FABRICATED COMPONENTS
SERVICES
We are not only a supplier but we can act as your materials project manager to ensure you have everything you need, when you need it, and at a price that keeps you on budget.
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PRICING
We know the market and will work with you to find the pricing that works within your budget.
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PROCUREMENT
We will work with our vast vendor network to meet material and budget needs on your project.
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MANUFACTURING
Work with global MFG’s to ensure quality and lead times are achieved.
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LOGISTICS
We are logistics experts and will arrange delivery of materials when and where you need it.
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STORAGE
140,000/SFT of indoor storage in Portland, Oregon, plus other strategic sites across the USA.
ORDER FLOW & BUILD OUT
Our system is designed to streamline your project from initial order to final build out, keeping your projects running smooth and on time.
CONTACT US TO GET STARTED
Contact us to get started and discover how the extra effort that we put into working with you will make all the difference on your next project.