While we always recommend stainless steel furniture and equipment as a solution for every area of your hygienic facility, there are other materials that can be suitable depending on the sterility of the intended environment. In this guide, we will explore the key considerations for both 304-grade & 316-grade stainless steel, mild steel and powder-coated mild steel within food production, pharmaceutical and laboratory settings.
Stainless steel
The majority of Teknomek’s furniture and equipment is manufactured from 304/304L-grade stainless steel with the option of upgrading to 316-grade upon request. Both grades provide a durable result that is corrosion and chemical resistant, but we offer this upgrade for high-care environments such as pharmaceutical cleanrooms. This is due to 316-grade stainless steel containing a higher percentage of Molybdenum, providing better resistance to chlorides, acids, and harsh cleaning chemicals, this makes 316 a particularly good choice for environments exposed to high levels of salt or aggressive chemical agents. Find out more about the grades of stainless steel on our knowledge hub.
Electropolishing
We also offer electropolishing as an additional service to remove microscopic pitting and contaminants. This not only results in an ultra-smooth, mirror-like finish but also enhances corrosion resistance, preventing the build-up of contaminants & bacteria. In cleanrooms and sterile environments, electropolished stainless steel is ideal because it reduces the potential of particle shedding. This is especially important in environments monitoring particle counts to ensure product quality.
Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, stainless steel furniture and equipment can deliver reliable, long-lasting performance for many years. In order to keep your stainless steel equipment in good working condition, stainless steel should be cleaned carefully using mild detergents or specialised stainless steel cleaners and rinsed with clean water to remove residues (view our stainless steel cleaning recommendations). Abrasive pads, bleach-based cleaners, or strong acids should be avoided, as they can damage the passive chromium oxide layer that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance. Instead, use soft cloths or nylon brushes and ensure all cleaning products are chloride-free. Surfaces should be thoroughly dried after cleaning to avoid water spotting or bacterial growth.
Mild steel
Mild steel is strong and inexpensive, but it lacks the corrosion resistance required for areas where cleanliness, moisture and chemical exposure are common. While mild steel may be used for non-contact areas such as office furniture or dry storage, it does not meet the GMP, BRCGS or HACCP hygienic design standards required in high-care environments.
Powder-coated mild steel
Powder-coated mild steel is often used in changing rooms and laboratory environments due to its clean aesthetic and improved corrosion resistance. The white powder coating acts as a barrier layer, sealing the mild steel from oxygen, moisture and chemicals. Care must be taken to inspect powder-coated furniture for chips or scratches in this protective layer as the exposed metal can not only create a harbourage point for bacteria but also lead to corrosion when faced with cleaning agents, water or food acids.
If you’re unsure which material is best suited to your environment, our expert sales team is here to help. At Teknomek, we understand that every hygienic workspace has unique requirements, from food production to pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and our specialists can guide you in selecting the most suitable furniture and equipment to meet your hygienic requirements.
Contact our sales team today on +44 (0)1603 788 833 or email mail@teknomek.co.uk to discuss your project and we’ll help to create a workspace that’s audit-ready, every day.
