Stainless Steels with Structured Surfaces for Packaging Machinery: Hygiene, Design, and Functionality

In the industrial packaging sector, the quality of materials directly affects the efficiency, hygiene, and durability of machines. Patterned stainless steels, characterized by textured surfaces such as stainless steel sheets with rice-grain finishes 5WL, 6WL, and 7WL, represent a technical, aesthetic, and hygienic solution, ideal for meeting the most demanding requirements. Designed to withstand significant mechanical stress, humid and aggressive environments, or strict hygienic-sanitary needs, these materials are increasingly chosen in the packaging industry.

Why choose embossed stainless steels in the construction of packaging machines?

Textured stainless steels offer a combination of strength, practicality, and functionality. Unlike smooth sheets, they ensure greater stability of components and a surface more resistant to wear, impact, and external agents. Textures such as rice-grain 5WL or embossed stainless 6WL-7WL also improve the performance of packaging machinery thanks to their structure alternating concave and convex parts, creating a non-stick effect that allows products to slide more efficiently. Beyond functionality, these stainless finishes give machines a more technical and professional look, in line with the design requirements of modern industrial plants.

The unique properties of embossed stainless steel sheets in packaging systems

• Friction reduction: Embossed stainless 5WL-6WL-7WL, by facilitating product sliding, are subject to minimal wear and high longevity.
• Hygiene and safety: Stainless steels 5WL-6WL-7WL are hygienic and safe materials, ideal for contact with food.
• Minimal maintenance: The ease of cleaning and high mechanical resistance of embossed stainless 5WL-6WL-7WL imply less need for maintenance and significant savings.
• Suitability for harsh environments: Embossed stainless sheets 5WL-6WL-7WL offer greater resistance when aggressive chemicals are used, as well as superior resistance to high temperatures.
• Lightness: Thanks to their raised pattern, embossed sheets 5WL-6WL-7WL are inherently stronger and more structured compared to standard stainless sheets. This allows for reduced thicknesses, offering advantages in terms of weight and handling.

What are the differences between structured stainless steel sheets and standard stainless steel sheets?

Structured stainless steel sheets stand out for their surface pattern, obtained through a cold rolling mechanical process. This processing creates regular and uniform embossing without altering the standard characteristics of stainless steel. On the contrary, it enhances the rigidity of the material and its ability to withstand mechanical stress. Standard stainless sheets, being “smooth” and free of surface embossing, are more prone to scratches and deformations, whereas embossed sheets provide greater long-term durability and superior performance.

What advantages do embossed stainless textures offer in food or sterile environments?

Textured stainless surfaces are particularly suitable for environments where hygiene is critical. Their conformation facilitates cleaning, prevents the accumulation of organic residues, dust, or grease, and allows for faster sanitization. In contexts such as food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical packaging, this property becomes essential to comply with safety standards required by European regulations. Furthermore, embossed stainless sheets 5WL-6WL-7WL offer a smaller contact surface with products, speeding up product sliding and further reducing contamination risks. The possibility of using certified stainless steels for food contact, such as AISI 304 or 316L, makes these textures perfectly compatible with clean rooms, sterile laboratories, or direct packaging lines. In addition to the standard EN 10204 3.1 certification, which attests to the steel mill of origin of the raw material, MTS can also provide MOCA certification, expressly designed for those requiring greater guarantees regarding food contact suitability.

Where are rice-grain stainless steels used in the packaging sector?

Applications of embossed stainless steels 5WL-6WL-7WL in the packaging sector are highly diverse. These materials are used to manufacture conveyor belts, internal components of bagging machines, tanks and containers, external covers, support surfaces, chutes, and internal walls of sterile chambers. Their versatility makes them suitable for both functional and aesthetic parts of machines. In particular, embossed stainless finishes are ideal for minimizing product adhesion during production processes.

How are structured stainless steel sheets manufactured and quality-controlled?

The production of structured sheets takes place through a controlled embossing process, during which engraved “male-female” rolls imprint the desired pattern on the metal surface. MTS-Metalspeciali manufactures these textures with state-of-the-art machinery capable of ensuring consistent embossing, free of defects, and with tight tolerances. MTS-Metalspeciali can produce embossed stainless sheets from 0.5 mm up to 2 mm thick, in sizes ranging from commercial formats 1000x2000 mm, 1250x2500 mm, 1250x3000 mm, and 1500x3000 mm, to custom-made formats upon request. Each production phase is accompanied by rigorous quality checks, including dimensional verifications, visual inspections, and mechanical resistance tests. The final result is a structured stainless sheet that meets very high-quality and functional standards.

To better monitor all production processes and ensure quality, MTS-Metalspeciali holds ISO 9001:2015 quality certification.

Are MTS stainless steels suitable for food contact? What certifications do they offer?

All structured stainless steels 5WL-6WL-7WL produced by MTS-Metalspeciali are available in versions certified for direct food contact, in accordance with EU Regulation 1935/2004. The two main grades used are AISI 304 and AISI 316L. The first is an excellent choice for standard applications, while the second, thanks to its superior corrosion resistance and higher purity, is particularly suitable for harsh environments or the pharmaceutical industry. Both versions ensure reliability, long service life, and full compatibility with the intensive cleaning cycles required in modern production lines.

How do I choose the best solution for me?

Identifying the most suitable type of structured stainless steel depends on multiple factors. It is necessary to consider the characteristics of the environment where the material will be installed, the intended use, the frequency of washing, possible contact with aggressive substances or food products, and naturally the aesthetic and technical standards of the project. MTS offers complete consulting support to help customers and designers choose the most functional and efficient stainless texture for specific needs, relying on flexible production capacity and a wide range of ready-to-stock solutions.

The 5 most important features to remember when choosing

When evaluating the use of an embossed stainless sheet for packaging, it is useful to remember a few key elements. Certified food-contact suitability ensures regulatory compliance in the food and pharma sectors. Structural rigidity allows components to maintain integrity over time. Ease of washing facilitates daily cleaning operations. 

Functional textures: non-slip, aesthetic, antibacterial

The textures offered by MTS are not simple decorations but engineered solutions designed to meet specific needs. Aesthetic finishes, in addition to giving machines a more professional appearance, also help visually distinguish different functional areas. Finally, the antibacterial properties of structured surfaces are particularly valuable in contexts where maximum hygiene must be guaranteed.

Stainless steel AISI 304 and 316L: differences and uses in packaging

In the packaging sector, the choice between AISI 304 and AISI 316L depends on the intended application. AISI 304 is a versatile solution, suitable for most food and cosmetic applications. AISI 316L, on the other hand, is distinguished by its greater resistance to acids, salts, and industrial detergents. This makes it ideal for harsher environments or critical applications, such as in the pharmaceutical sector or clean rooms. Both stainless steels offer excellent performance, but it is essential to evaluate their use according to specific operating conditions.

Lamination and mechanical embossing: how the texture is created

The texture of the sheets is created through a controlled rolling process, which imprints a precise and durable design on the surface. This technique ensures a uniform finish, free of burrs and compliant with the dimensional standards required for integration into machinery. The result is a robust, functional, and visually refined stainless sheet, ready to be integrated into any production context.

Testimonial: the customer’s perspective

A significant testimonial comes from a company in Emilia-Romagna specialized in food packaging, which chose MTS for replacing smooth sheets with embossed stainless steel. The production manager highlighted how this choice improved overall hygiene of the line and simplified maintenance operations. After the intervention, cleaning times were reduced by 40%, and operators perceived a safer and more professional working environment.

Rely on MTS know-how for your stainless steel surfaces

With more than 70 years of experience in stainless steel processing, MTS-Metalspeciali is a reference partner for those seeking customized stainless finishes and patterns for the packaging sector. The ability to respond quickly to market needs, combined with a wide catalog of stainless textures and qualified technical consulting services, allows the company to offer tailored, reliable solutions, ready to face market challenges.

For more information about our processes or to receive a personalized offer, call us at+39 02 2171 1812 or write to info@mtsmetalspeciali.it, and you will receive a response as quickly as possible.