Certified components are crucial

Best Practices for Hygienic Machine Design

1. Material Selection

• Stainless Steel: Preferred for its corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
• FDA-Approved Plastics: Used in areas where metal might not be suitable, ensuring non-toxicity and durability.

2. Smooth Surface Finishes

• Polished Surfaces: Minimize the risk of bacterial growth and make cleaning more effective.
• Seamless Welding: Eliminates crevices where contaminants can accumulate.

3. Hygienic Design Principles

• Avoiding Sharp Corners: Rounded edges facilitate easier cleaning and reduce contamination risks.
• Sloped Surfaces: Ensure no liquids can pool, preventing microbial growth.

4. Certified Components

• Conveyor Belts: Use belts certified by FDA and EU for direct food contact.
• Seals and Gaskets: Ensure they are compliant with industry-specific standards for hygiene and safety.
• Bearings and Fasteners: Choose rust-resistant and easy-to-clean materials.

Certified Conveyor Parts and Machinery Components

Conveyor Belts

• Modular Plastic Belts: Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Metal-Detectable Belts: Enhance safety by allowing detection of belt fragments in the product.

Bearings

• Stainless Steel Bearings: Resistant to corrosion and designed for easy maintenance.
• Sealed Bearings: Prevent ingress of contaminants and ensure long-term operation.

Seals and Gaskets

• Silicone Seals: Withstand high temperatures and frequent washdowns.
• EPDM Gaskets: Offer excellent chemical resistance and durability.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Food Industry – Optimizing a Conveyor System for a Snack Manufacturer

A leading snack manufacturer faced challenges with frequent contamination and downtime for cleaning. By redesigning their conveyor system with FDA-approved modular plastic belts and stainless steel components, they achieved:

• Reduced Cleaning Time: By 40%, thanks to smoother surfaces and fewer crevices.
• Increased Production Efficiency: Downtime decreased by 30%.
• Enhanced Product Safety: Incidents of contamination dropped significantly.

Case Study 2: Pharmaceutical Industry – Hygienic Design for Tablet Production

A pharmaceutical company needed to upgrade their tablet production line to meet stringent hygiene standards. Implementing stainless steel machinery with seamless welding and EPDM gaskets, they realized:

• Improved Compliance: Fully met regulatory requirements for cleanability.
• Reduced Contamination Risks: By eliminating areas where dust could accumulate.
• Extended Equipment Lifespan: Reduced wear and tear due to high-quality materials.

Case Study 3: Cosmetic Industry – Efficient Cream Filling Machine

A cosmetic company producing skin creams required a filling machine that minimized contamination risks. By incorporating silicone seals and stainless steel bearings, the company achieved:

• Consistent Product Quality: Fewer contamination issues led to higher quality products.
• Easier Maintenance: Simplified cleaning processes reduced downtime.
• Regulatory Compliance: Met all relevant hygiene standards effortlessly.

Case Study 4: Dairy Industry – Hygienic Milk Processing Equipment

A dairy processor needed to ensure the highest hygiene standards for their milk processing line. Using sloped surfaces and certified conveyor parts, they experienced:

• Enhanced Hygiene: Improved cleaning efficacy with reduced bacterial growth.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes led to a 25% increase in productivity.
• Safety Compliance: Consistently met stringent industry hygiene regulations.

Certified hygienic components | Order | NHK Machinery Parts

Optimizing hygienic machine design in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, beverage, and dairy industries is essential for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. By selecting the right materials, incorporating smooth surface finishes, adhering to hygienic design principles, and using certified components, machine builders can significantly enhance the hygiene standards of their machinery. The case studies presented illustrate the tangible benefits of such optimizations, from reduced contamination risks to increased production efficiency. Embrace these best practices to design machinery that meets the highest hygiene standards and supports the success of your business.