The main constraint remains, of course, resistance to cleaning: pressure, temperature, and chemicals are far from ideal environmental conditions for electromechanical components. On this point, the evolution of polymers has provided solutions for several years now. For example, as Laurent Callens of Emerson points out, we have seen the emergence of pneumatic valve islands made of polyamide 12, which can be used in direct contact with food and withstand cleaning cycles without any problems. These islands eliminate the need for stainless steel cabinets and the long lengths of air ducting associated with them. A special polymer, this time from the polyethylene family, is also used to equip stainless steel cylinders with wiper seals that operate without lubrication. Alexandre Lecomte, of Angst+Pfister, naturally agrees on the importance of material selection in addition to design. The material must be as pure as possible to prevent leaching. He also highlights the constraint of the potential ban on PFAS, which complicates the equation, while assuring that innovative solutions exist to meet the new requirements.
In terms of design, following the elimination of retention zones, wear parts are now being progressively phased out. A major technological advancement makes this possible for conveying and transfer functions: magnetic levitation mechatronic systems transport products without contact or friction. Furthermore, as Olivier Rambaldelli also points out for B&R, these conveyors can easily be adapted for high-pressure cleaning if their shuttles have IP69K protection: simply cover them with a stainless steel sheet.
Next comes process monitoring. Here, the development of smart sensors and wireless technology provides enhanced safety. As Cédric Lemoine of SMC explains, wireless technology simplifies sensor installation and enables remote monitoring and control of all aspects of the manufacturing process. Alexandre Germain of IFM illustrates this point, adding that smart sensors can monitor several process values in real time, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and conductivity. This real-time monitoring allows for proactive management of conditions that could affect hygiene. Automated systems can then automatically trigger cleaning cycles based on the data collected by the sensors. Finally, the data from the sensors can also contribute to traceability and quality documentation.
For Jules Belpomme, of the company Balluff, the cobot is finally THE automation product in which the main technological developments that lead to better hygienic design are illustrated: adapted materials and shapes, integration of contactless sensors (optical and infrared) to limit physical interactions and the development of AI which will allow automated systems to learn to recognize a clean environment and to detect possible contamination.
Materials, design and communication: three areas for improving the performance of automation in a context of hygienic excellence.
