Stainless Steel Mixers Upgrade for USDA – FDA – 3-A Acceptance

Sharpe Mixers is working with the USDA and 3-A to be sure our all stainless steel mixers are acceptable for use in plants that comply with USDA, FDA and 3-A standards.

One of the issues they address is nameplates. The typical nameplate is a stainless steel plate, with pertinent information embossed on the plate. The nameplate is then attached to the mixer drive with rivets.

This creates a possible space behind the nameplate which may be difficult to clean with CIP or COP procedures.

Nameplate data can be laser or chemical etched directly on the mixer, in lieu of adding a physical nameplate.

This is called electrochemical marking.

Sharpe Mixers has purchased a Lectroetch VT15A power unit.

It operates a process that utilizes enzymes and electrical current to etch the surface.

The procedure for creating a “nameplate” is as follows:

Apply the stencil.

Apply enzyme solution.

Apply current and rub the saddle across the stencil to etch the surface.

Neutralize.

Repeat process for addition of order specific information, Model and serial number.

“All Stainless Steel” mixers are now supplied with this “clean” nameplate.

Submitted by Fred DeCicco