Motion control systems have to do more than carry out a task efficiently. The FDA Food Safety Act requires all businesses to put several protective measures in place in order to prevent products from getting contaminated during any part of a food company’s operations. Failure to adhere to this regulation may mean the suspension or even closure of a business, which is quite understandable, given that the health of thousands of consumers could be at stake.What are some characteristics of a motion control system design that can help prevent the contamination of these edible products?
Easy to Clean, Open Designs
Some aspects of a design that could be overlooked are crevices and joints, which are prone to collecting pools of liquid, thus encouraging the growth of bacteria. If these areas are hard to reach, then they will be very difficult to sanitize during regular cleaning sessions. Thus, it is best to opt for a design that is more open. Utilizing rounded surfaces and eliminating indentations could help prevent the intake and retention of liquids.
Compatible Materials
Certain ingredients can have a chemical reaction to specific types of materials, which is why it is so important to ensure that the machines aremade of materials that will not trigger these reactions. Otherwise, the chemical content of the food may change, either causing it to spoil or harbor unwanted bacteria and allergens. At the same time, the material must be sturdy enough so that it can withstand the rigorous processes that it is meant to carry out day after day. Thus, choosing a suitable material that is non-porous will result in a system that is food-approved as well as durable.
Durability
One of the most common materials used not only in the food industry, but also in fields such as medicine, is stainless steel. It is resistant to corrosion due to the fact that it is mainly made up of chromium, which prevents oxygen from promoting more corrosion. Not only that, but stainless steel can also be paired with a variety of other materials, since it is unlikely to cause a chemical reaction. It is also resistant to water pressure and a majority of cleaning chemicals, which means a company can conduct much a more thorough wash-down and eliminate potential allergens or bacteria more effectively.
Safe Consumers, Safe Business
Creating a set of motion control systems may seem like a deceptively straightforward undertaking, despite all of the complex stages that can go into the task. As many people see it, a team plans and creates the drafts, and then, through trial and error, and then constructs the entire system from scratch so that it can carry out whatever purpose it is meant to serve. With all of that said and done, even if the resulting systems were absolutely efficient, it would be a waste if the designs of said machines were not kept up to current safety standards. Keep these aspects in mind the next time you have a motion control system designed for your business.
