This ensures the highest standards in the food and beverage industry.
Why are special stainless steel IEC motors necessary in the food industry?
Stainless steel IEC motors are essential in the food industry because they aredesigned to meet the highest hygiene standards , offer corrosion resistance against aggressive cleaning agents, and facilitate compliance with regulations such as HACCP and EHEDG . This minimizes contamination risks and production downtime.
What differentiates AISI 304 from AISI 316 stainless steel in motors?
AISI 316 stainless steel offers a higher corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and acids, than AISI 304. The choice depends on the aggressiveness of the cleaning agents and the environmental conditions; AISI 316 is often the better choice for more demanding areas in the food and beverage industry.
What does the IP69K rating mean for a motor?
IP69K means that the motor is protected against the ingress of water during high-pressure cleaning (80-100 bar) mit at high temperatures (up to 80°C) . This is crucial for areas requiring intensive cleaning, to ensure operational safety and longevity of the motor.
How do pressure compensation elements and anti-condensation heaters contribute to a motor’s lifespan?
Pressure compensation elements prevent the ingress of moisture during temperature fluctuations, thus protecting seals and windings. Anti-condensation heaters minimize moisture formation inside the motor.Both measures significantly extend the lifespan and reliability of the motor; for example, seal life can increase by up to 50%..
Are there energy-efficient stainless steel IEC motors?
Yes, stainless steel IEC motors are available in high energy efficiency classes such as IE3 and IE4. These motors significantly reduce energy consumption – an IE4 motor can save up to signifikant – ein IE4-Motor kann beispielsweise bis zu 20% on energy costs compared to an IE1 motor – thereby reducing operating costs.
What should I pay attention to regarding the surface finish of a hygiene motor?
Look for smooth surfaces without cooling fins, to avoid dirt and bacterial accumulation. A low surface roughness (ideally Ra < 0.8 µm) is crucial for easy cleanability and hygiene.
How does ATEK Drive Solutions ensure the suitability of its stainless steel motors for the food industry?
ATEK focuses on development and quality control in Germany, uses high-quality materials such as AISI 304/316, and offers custom modifications through a modular system. This ensures high hygiene standards, reliability and quick availability due to a large inventory.
What maintenance is recommended for stainless steel IEC motors in cleaning-intensive environments?
It is recommended to conduct regular visual inspections (e.g., every 500 operating hours) for seal damage, corrosion, or water ingress. During cleaning, the high-pressure jet should not be directed at seals or cable outlets , even with IP69K protection, to maximize their lifespan.
The choice of stainless steel (AISI 304/316) and a hygienic design with smooth surfaces (Ra < 0.8 µm) without cooling fins is fundamental for stainless steel IEC motors in the food industry. This minimizes contamination risks and can reduce the cleaning time per motor by up to 5 minutes..
Reliable protection through IP69K certification, chemically resistant seals (e.g., VITON), pressure compensation elements, and internal winding protection (PTC thermistors, insulation class H) ensure a high availability of the system.. PTC thermistors can reduce the failure rate by up to 20%..
Modern stainless steel IEC motors offer high energy efficiency (IE3/IE4),which can lower energy costs by up to 20% compared to IE1. System suppliers like ATEK enable through modular systems and custom solutions an optimal adaptation to specific application requirements..Learn how stainless steel IEC motors make your production processes safer, more efficient, and more hygienic. Discover the advantages, standards, and application areas of these special motors.
In the food and beverage industry, the highest hygiene standards are essential. Stainless steel IEC motors play a key role here. Are you looking for the optimal drive solution for your system? Contact us, we are happy to assist you: Contact us!
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Introduction to stainless steel IEC motors for the food and beverage industry
Stainless steel IEC motors: Maximum hygiene for your food production!
Hygiene is fundamental in the food and beverage industry. they contribute to production safety and efficiency gains by meeting specific industry requirements. Stainless steel IEC motors tragen zur Produktionssicherheit und Effizienzsteigerung bei, indem sie spezifische Branchenanforderungen erfüllen.
Stainless steel IEC motors: Essential for hygiene and efficiency.
The minimization of contamination risks and maximization of equipment availability are central goals. Special stainless steel drives play an important role in this. For example, a meat processing company reduced cleaning times by 15% by using them. More about the food industry.
The importance of hygiene in the food and beverage industry.
Hygiene deficiencies can incur costs due to product recalls and reputational damage. According to FSAI, inadequate cleaning is a major cause of contaminations. Strict hygiene protocols, supported by suitable equipment such as a stainless steel IEC motor for the food and beverage industry, are therefore fundamental.
Why stainless steel? Corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
Stainless steel is the material of choice due to its corrosion resistance against aggressive cleaning agents and its smooth, hard-to-colonize surface for motors in the food industry.AISI 316L stainless steel, for example, withstands chlorine-based cleaners. The choice of material is fundamental for hygienic design. Learn more about stainless steel gear boxes..Design features and material selection.
AISI 304/316: The choice of the right stainless steel.
The selection of the stainless steel type, such as AISI 304 or the more resistant AISI 316, depends on environmental conditions for the stainless steel IEC motor in the food and beverage industry.For areas with strong acids or alkalis, e.g., in dairies, AISI 316L is often suitable. The analysis of process chemicals determines the optimal alloy.
- Choice of stainless steel type (AISI 304/316L) depending on environmental conditions and chemical exposure for the stainless steel motor for the food industry..
- Minimal surface roughness (Ra < 0.8 µm) to prevent bacteria attachment.
- Application of electropolishing for smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Use of chemically resistant seals such as VITON (FKM) to protect against aggressive media.
- Application of pressure compensation elements to avoid moisture ingress during temperature fluctuations.
Surface finish: Roughness and electropolishing.
To minimize bacterial attachment, an ideal roughness value (Ra) is ideally below 0.8 µm. Electropolished surfaces of high-quality stainless steel motors for the food industry achieve this value and improve cleanability. This can reduce the cleaning time per motor by up to 5 minutes.
Sealing technologies: VITON and chemical resistance.
Seals prevent the ingress of moisture and cleaning agents into the corrosion-resistant motor.VITON seals (FKM) offer high resistance to aggressive chemicals such as peracetic acid for disinfection. Chemically inert sealing materials ensure motor longevity.
Pressure compensation: Valves and their function.
Temperature fluctuations create pressure differences inside the motor. A pressure compensation element prevents moisture ingress, protecting seals and windings of the hygienic IEC motor. This can extend the lifespan of the seals by up to 50%.Protective measures and compliance with standards.
IP protection classes: IP69K and its significance.
The IP69K rating certifies that a stainless steel IEC motor for the beverage industry and food processing can withstand high-pressure cleaning with hot water (up to 80°C, 80-100 bar), relevant in bottling plants. IP69K ensures operational safety under extreme cleaning conditions. Discover our IP69K gear boxes..
Winding protection: PTC thermistors and anti-condensation heaters.
PTC thermistors monitor the winding temperature and protect the stainless steel IEC motor from overheating, which can reduce the failure rate by up to 20%. Anti-condensation heaters prevent moisture formation in the motor during high humidity. Multi-stage winding protection increases the reliability of such drive solutions for food production.
Insulation class H: Temperature resistance and motor performance.
Stainless steel motors with insulation class H are designed for winding temperatures up to 180°C. This provides thermal reserves, important in warm production areas or under heavy load. A high insulation class ensures performance under demanding thermal conditions.
HACCP, EHEDG, and FDA: Compliance requirements.
Compliance with guidelines such as HACCP and EHEDG is fundamental for any stainless steel IEC motor for the food and beverage industry.Our Hygienic Design gear boxes. are compliant. The selection of standard-compliant motors simplifies equipment certification. EHEDG guidelines, for example, require specific radii and surface qualities.Selection criteria and efficiency classes: Find the right motor
Select the appropriate power and design
The selection of the right stainless steel IEC motor for the food and beverage industry starts with the required power (e.g., 0.75 kW) and the suitable design (e.g., B5/B14). ATEK Drive Solutions’ modular system allows for millions of configurations. Precise sizing avoids oversizing and saves costs.
- Correct selection of motor power and design (e.g., B5/B14) for the stainless steel motor in the food industry to avoid oversizing.
- Consideration of energy efficiency classes IE3 and IE4 to reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
- Quick amortization of investments in higher efficiency classes through energy savings (up to 20% with IE4 vs. IE1).
- Preference for fanless stainless steel motors (TENV design), to minimize contamination risks from stirred-up dirt.
- Selection of motors with smooth housing surfaces without cooling fins for easy cleaning and improved hygiene.
Consider energy efficiency classes IE3 and IE4
Hygienic IEC motors of efficiency classes IE3 and IE4 reduce energy consumption. An IE4 motor can save up to 20% on energy costs compared to IE1. Investing in higher efficiency classes often pays off quickly. Learn about our IEC motors.
Specific requirements: Smooth surfaces and no fans
Fanless stainless steel drives for beverage production are often advantageous, as fans can stir up dirt and germs. Smooth motor housings without cooling fins prevent dirt traps and are easy to clean. TENV designs are often ideal for applications up to 0.75 kW. The design of such stainless steel IEC motors should support cleanability.Maintenance, cleaning, and lifespan
Regular inspections: Signs of water ingress and corrosion
Regular visual inspections of Stainless steel IEC motors (approximately every 500 operating hours) are recommended, especially when they are used in the food and beverage industry. . Watch for damage to seals, cable entries, or corrosion on attached components. Early detection prevents larger damages and downtime.
Correct cleaning procedures: Avoid damage
Even with IP69K-certified Stainless steel motors do not direct the high-pressure jet directly at seals/cable entries. Use recommended concentrations of cleaning agents. Proper cleaning protects the motor and extends its lifespan.
Extending lifespan: Tips and tricks
Proper installation, especially of cable entries to ensure IP protection class, is important for every corrosion-resistant motor for food and beverages. Use drain plugs as intended. Details in installation and maintenance affect service life.
EU-based development and manufacturing: Quality standards
ATEK Drive Solutions relies on development and quality control in Germany, ensuring high standards and short supply chains for every stainless steel IEC motor . This ensures quality and technical expertise. A stock of nearly 500,000 individual parts supports quick availability.
Stainless steel IEC motors for the food and beverage industry are an essential component for safety and efficiency in food production. Selection, installation, and maintenance of these drive solutions for hygienic applications contribute to high hygiene standards and minimized downtime risks. Expert advice assists in choosing the optimal drive solution.
