Packaging Machinery Corrosion Prevention Guide: Types of Materials Prone to Corrosion and Scientific Maintenance Methods

As a company deeply rooted in the packaging machinery industry, we understand the impact of equipment wear and tear on our customers' production.

In previous articles, we've discussed the factors affecting the lifespan of packaging machines and various maintenance methods.

Today, we'll systematically outline the types of materials that easily cause equipment corrosion, along with corresponding scientific maintenance strategies, hoping to help you reduce equipment wear and tear and ensure stable production efficiency.

01. Which Materials Easily Damage Equipment?
In the food industry, common materials like vinegar and brine, as well as in the chemical industry, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions, are all acidic or alkaline substances with strong chemical properties. Once they come into contact with the metal parts of equipment, they easily react, causing oxidation and thinning of the surface, and in severe cases, even perforation. Seafood, pickled vegetables, and fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain salt and moisture, form electrolyte solutions when salt and water combine, greatly accelerating the electrochemical corrosion of stainless steel and cast iron components. Furthermore, organic solvents such as alcohol, ink, and paint cannot be ignored. They can dissolve rubber seals and plastic parts on the equipment, initially causing seal failure, and over time indirectly leading to corrosion of metal parts.

02. How to Maintain Equipment?
To address the above risks, maintenance should focus on the following two aspects:

Daily Maintenance: After operation, thoroughly wipe clean any areas that have come into contact with materials using a neutral detergent with a pH of 7-9 to remove any residual acids, alkalis, salts, or organic solvents. Regular maintenance involves weekly inspections of easily corroded parts such as the hopper, conveying pipes, and seals. If rust spots or signs of aging are found, treat them promptly with rust remover, followed by application of food-grade rust-preventive oil.

Additionally, seals should be replaced quarterly to prevent material from seeping into the equipment and causing more serious malfunctions.

03. Other Maintenance Methods Of course, the most important is source control.

If your material is corrosive, be sure to clearly inform the salesperson during the initial communication phase so that we can select more corrosion-resistant materials during the equipment design stage, such as 316L stainless steel or special alloys, and optimize the structural sealing scheme accordingly, reducing the risk of corrosion from the source.

Furthermore, as we mentioned before: never buy used equipment indiscriminately. The material and usage history of used equipment are often unknown, and there may be hidden corrosion damage, structural fatigue, and material incompatibility with the machine. Putting it into use could lead to downtime or even safety accidents.

In addition, environmental control is crucial. Production workshops must be kept well-ventilated and dry, with relative humidity controlled below 60%. Dehumidifiers or ventilation equipment should be installed when necessary to prevent equipment from being exposed to humid, high-temperature environments for extended periods, thus reducing the accelerating effect of environmental factors on corrosion.

As a company specializing in packaging machinery, Longchuang always prioritizes the user experience of its customers. Regardless of the materials your production involves, we can provide customized material selection advice based on material characteristics and assist you in establishing standardized maintenance procedures.