Industry solution
Chemical Resistance for Components in the Food Industry
For plant components in the food industry, surfaces need to withstand the specific operating and cleaning conditions. Electroless Nickel can be a suitable solution for this. The base material, coating structure and actual stress are decisive. Suitability for direct food contact must be assessed separately.
Overview
Electroless Nickel at a Glance
Whether Electroless Nickel is the right choice for your component depends on the specific operating conditions. Further information on the process and its properties is available on our process page.
Typical challenges
What Matters When Choosing a Coating
What information is important for selecting the coating?
Material, coating structure and the actual operating stress determine the right choice. This includes operating and cleaning conditions. If food contact is intended, the type of food, temperature and contact time must be considered in particular.
Does chemical resistance automatically mean suitability for food contact?
No. Chemical resistance alone is not proof of suitability for food contact. This must be assessed separately for the specific component and its intended operating conditions. Possible substance transfer, including nickel release, must also be taken into account.
Which components in the food industry is Electroless Nickel particularly suited for?
Electroless Nickel is particularly well suited for components that need to withstand cleaning and operating conditions in food production but are not in direct contact with food – for example machine frames, housings, guides and drive components. For components with direct food contact, suitability must be assessed separately (see note above).
Quality & process reliability
Requirements and Evidence
The assessment of suitability for food contact relates to the specific component and its operating conditions. Our management system certificates do not replace this application-specific evidence.
Our management systems are certified to IATF 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001. The certificates document the respective scopes. More on quality and environment.
View certificatesNote on Food Contact
Chemical resistance of a coating alone is not proof of its suitability for food contact. This must be assessed for the specific component and its intended operating conditions – in particular considering the type of food, temperature, contact time and cleaning conditions. Possible substance transfer, including nickel release, must also be taken into account. Food contact materials are subject in particular to the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. This does not constitute a blanket approval of our Electroless Nickel coatings for all food-contact applications.