Extending the wear resistance of stainless steel (SS) components used in food manufacturing equipment operating on production lines lengthens replacement intervals and minimizes potential component failure, resulting in decreased downtime and improved cost savings—a long, sought-after goal of any maintenance department.
The soft surface characteristics of the typical materials used in food and beverage designs sometimes lead to galling, premature wear and insufficient edge retention. Austenitic stainless steels, such as 304 and 316, are used extensively in food and beverage applications where corrosion resistance is of extreme concern. However, the material’s other mechanical properties related to durability and part life are not as stellar. Consequently, chrome plating and other coatings are often used to address these issues, but can lead to other side effects such as cracking, delamination and subsequent part failure.