The aim of hygienic design is to ensure that equipment is easy to clean, reducing the risk of contamination that can arise either from the equipment itself or from matter that is trapped inside. When choosing a piece of equipment, it’s important to strive for one that incorporates specific materials and surface types into its design.
A common material in the construction of hygienic equipment is stainless steel, with AISI 304 and 316 popular choices because they are resistant to corrosion and do not emit particles that could lead to product contamination.
Surface roughness is also critical to a good hygienic design. Although a surface may seem smooth, it actually may be quite rough and have deep valleys that can harbor bacteria and soils. It’s important to ensure all surfaces on hygienic equipment is smooth, which allows easier cleaning and minimizes the likelihood of soils remaining on the surface after a wash-down.