A steel food preparation counter is typically made through several steps involving material selection, cutting, shaping, welding, polishing, and finishing. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Material Selection
The primary material is stainless steel, usually 304 or 316 grade, because of its corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning, which is crucial in food preparation areas.
The thickness of the stainless steel sheet used can vary but is often between 16 to 18 gauge for strength.
- Cutting the Steel Sheets
Large stainless steel sheets are cut to the required dimensions using methods such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, or waterjet cutting. These processes ensure precise cuts and minimize material wastage.
- Shaping and Forming
The steel sheets are then bent and shaped using press brakes or sheet metal rollers to form the counter’s structure. This shaping allows the creation of features like edges, corners, and splash guards.
Reinforcement is often added underneath the counter for additional strength.
- Welding
The various pieces of the counter are joined using TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas), a method suitable for stainless steel. This ensures strong, clean welds that are food-safe and durable.
Welds are ground and polished to remove any rough edges or seams to create a smooth surface, which is important for hygiene.
- Surface Finishing
The counter’s surface is polished to a satin or brushed finish, which is commonly used in commercial kitchens because it hides scratches and marks better than a mirror finish.
Deburring is done to smooth out sharp edges, making the counter safe to use.
- Adding Features
Depending on the design, the counter may include integrated sinks, shelves, drawers, or backsplashes. These are also made from stainless steel and welded or bolted onto the main structure.
- Inspection and Quality Control
The final product is inspected for quality, ensuring all welds are secure, the surface is smooth, and the structure is stable. Measurements are checked to ensure the counter meets the required specifications.
- Optional Treatments
If required, special coatings can be applied for additional anti-microbial protection or to enhance the steel’s resistance to corrosion in particularly harsh environments.
This process results in a sturdy, durable, and hygienic surface, ideal for food preparation in commercial kitchens.