When it comes to managing dough in food processing and baking, maintaining consistency is crucial. As dough moves through machinery to become the final baked product, the metal surfaces involved need to be smooth and free of sticky residues. If they aren’t, the quality and consistency of the product suffer, and frequent cleanups disrupt productivity. However, simply coating metal surfaces isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.
Take, for instance, a bakery client who reached out to us due to a stickiness problem. During their baking process, dough is placed into a hopper, moved to a trough, and then cut into different sizes. Unfortunately, the dough often clings to the hopper walls, rotary knives, and spreader rollers, affecting portion accuracy and increasing cleaning times. Even though they had applied a PTFE coating, it didn’t fully resolve the issue. Moreover, the vegetable oils used in their products made the workspace slippery, complicating cleanup efforts further.
We suggested a USDA- and FDA-compliant Plasmadize® surface treatment to ensure cleaner operations. This advanced thermal spray composite bonds mechanically with the substrate, changing its surface properties to create a nonporous, moisture-resistant composite barrier. Depending on the polymers used in the customized coating, Plasmadize offers superior nonstick capabilities with an exceptionally low coefficient of friction (COF). In fact, most Plasmadize coatings have a lower COF than standard tungsten carbide or ceramic thermal spray surfaces. Other notable features include:
- Exceptional wear resistance.
- Operating temperatures ranging from -200°F (-129°C) to +1,300°F (+704°C).
- Hardness exceeding the Rc scale.
- Resistance to acids, bases, chlorides, most organic solvents, sulfites, thiosulfates, and pulp bleaching agents.
Following the application of Plasmadize to two hoppers, rotary knives, and spreader rolls, the client noted a significant reduction in cleanup and downtime. Additionally, less flour is wasted on equipment surfaces, leading to savings during production.
For effective protection against sticking, Magnaplate coatings are tailored with various polymers and materials to address specific challenges like wear and adhesion. If you're dealing with buildup, mold release, or sticky materials, our experts can help design the perfect coating solution for your needs.
To learn more about Plasmadize thermal sprays, visit our product page.
Managing dough in food processing requires not only precision but also the right tools and coatings. By ensuring that equipment remains clean and efficient, businesses can maintain high-quality standards while minimizing downtime and resource wastage. Whether it's reducing stickiness, improving durability, or enhancing performance, the right surface treatment can make all the difference.
Sheet Metal Enclosures,Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication,Custom Cut Sheet Metal,Custom Metal Stamping
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