DuraTech
With it's easy to clean stainless finish, DuraTechTM wins hands-down when compared to the industry standard Stainless 304. DuraTech exteriors are made up of a unique alloy combination providing aesthetic appeal with superior
strength and durability.
Easy to Clean
DuraTech has a hard clear-coat layer on top of the aluminum alloy which reduces fingerprints and provides scratch protection. The clear-coat surface also makes it easier and faster to wipe clean. Stainless steel grain surfaces can trap contaminants and require additional effort to clean compared to DuraTech.
Cleaning Chemical Durability
DuraTech has been tested successfully according to ASTM D1308 (24 hour wet test) with stainless steel cleaners, chlorine bleach and other commonly available cleaners. The surface was also tested successfully with Manitowoc Cleaner& Sanitizer.
Looks Better Longer
Bins are typically kept longer than ice making heads. Bins used for 20+ years are not uncommon, but no matter how long they are used, they will continue to look good despite the environment.Superior Corrosion Resistance
Accelerated Salt Spray Testing
Click on the chart above to enlarge the comparison chart.
Note: This test is used to determine corrosion performance between various metals in
a very accelerated timeframe.
DuraTech Success Stories
Anyone who lives in the south knows heat and high humidity is just as hard on equipment as it is on people. When you add in the salty, steamy conditions of most seafood prep kitchens you have a challenging environment for kitchen equipment. In late 2007 Manitowoc® Ice began placing equipment constructed with the promising DuraTech material in key locations throughout southern Louisiana. Each unit was carefully monitored. By late 2008 it was clear that the new material was standing up to the harsh salt environment even better than expected.
Then came hurricane Gustav.
Before the storm, one particular unit was located in Plaquemines Parish. While not ideal under normal circumstances, the outside location for this machine was considered an intensive test of the DuraTech treatment, perhaps a little too "intensive." Gustav picked up the bin and dropped it in the nearby swamp where it remained submerged in salt water for four days.
After the search, rescue, and dry-out, the DuraTech surface looked like new! Because the insulating foam layer was exposed to the bayou flood water, foodservice regulations would call for the bin's retirement, but it was exciting to find that the metal exterior was not impacted. Since the introduction of the DuraTech bins and now IndigoTM Series panels too, we've had positive feedback as to how Manitowoc ice machines and storage bins look and hold up in the hostile environment of the Gulf Coast.