Key Technology Introduces Sanitary Rotary Finish on Vibratory Conveyors

Key Technology introduces a rotary polish as the new standard finish on its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyor beds. Replacing the 2B mill finish on popular Iso-Flo®, Impulse®, and Horizon™ conveyors and processing systems, Key’s rotary finish provides a smoother stainless steel surface that resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. Compared to the industry-standard 2B finish, Key’s rotary polish within the product contact zones improves sanitation to maximize food safety.

Available immediately on all U.S.-manufactured conveyors and to be introduced on all European-manufactured conveyors, both of which are shipped to customers worldwide, the new rotary finish on the conveyor bed helps food processors improve equipment hygiene.
 

Surface roughness is measured by an Ra value (roughness average) that refers to the peaks and valleys of the metal’s surface in microinches or micrometers. Compared to a 2B finish on stainless steel that often varies from 10 to 40 µin (0.254 to 1.016 µm) Ra, Key’s rotary finish provides a more constant Ra value of less than 10 µin (0.254 µm). Consistently smooth rotary polished surfaces better resist the attachment and accumulation of bacterial cells, which is desirable for all food products including fruits, vegetables, potato products, snacks, and nuts as well as meat and dairy.

In addition to the new standard rotary finish, Key is introducing its four new manufacturing specifications – Basic, Standard, Standard +, and Enhanced – for its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyors and processing systems. All four specifications will feature a rotary polish on 304 stainless steel product carrying surfaces. Key’s Enhanced conveyors also feature ground and polished welds within the product contact zone and ground and polished surfaces within the “drip, drain, or draw zones” where, if contaminated with a pathogen, there is a risk the product area could become contaminated by a drip or drainage or the pathogen could be drawn into the product area.

“At Key, we are committed to helping food processors maximize food safety. The rotary finish that we are introducing as a standard on conveyor beds is a step above the industry-standard 2B finish in terms of sanitation,” said Peter Wood, Process Systems Product Manager at Key Technology. “At the same time, we’ve streamlined our conveyor product offering with four different manufacturing specifications that each have standard features so it’s easier for customers to understand what’s available. Of course, if a customer wants a different finish or a unique combination of features, we’ll customize the system to match their requirements.”
 More information on Key’s conveyors at www.key.net/products/smart-shaker.

Visit Key Technology at the Pack Expo in Chicago in Booth #7118