Factory Supply Stainless Steel Onion Basket

Stainless steel onion baskets are engineered for efficient handling, storage, and transport of onions in agricultural processing, wholesale distribution, and retail environments. These baskets combine corrosion resistance, structural integrity, and hygiene compliance to support food-safe operations under varying humidity and temperature conditions.

Material Composition and Grade Selection

The basket frame and mesh are typically constructed from AISI 304 stainless steel, offering a balance of corrosion resistance, formability, and cost-effectiveness for general food processing environments. For applications involving acidic washdowns, high-chloride exposure, or extended outdoor storage, AISI 316 grade is available upon request due to its molybdenum-enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Wire diameter ranges from 2.0 mm to 3.5 mm depending on load requirements, with tensile strength maintained above 500 MPa for 304 and 550 MPa for 316 grades.

Structural Design and Load Performance

The basket features a reinforced perimeter frame with welded corner gussets to prevent deformation under dynamic loads. Mesh opening size is standardized at 12 mm x 12 mm to allow adequate airflow for curing while preventing small onions from falling through. Bottom reinforcement includes double-wire struts or perforated plate inserts to distribute point loads and minimize sagging under full capacity. Uniform load testing shows minimal deflection (<5 mm) at 25 kg payload when supported on four corners.

Hygiene and Cleanability Features

All surfaces are polished to a minimum Ra 0.8 μm finish to inhibit bacterial adhesion and facilitate cleaning-in-place (CIP) procedures. The absence of crevices, combined with smooth weld transitions, reduces entrapment zones for organic matter. Baskets are designed to withstand repeated exposure to alkaline cleaners (pH up to 11), sanitizing agents (chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid), and steam cleaning at temperatures up to 120°C without surface degradation or loss of passivation.

Dimensional Options and Customization

Standard capacities range from 10 kg to 30 kg nominal load, with corresponding footprints of 400x300mm, 500x400mm, and 600x500mm (LxWxH). Height options include 150mm, 200mm, and 250mm to accommodate varying onion sizes and stacking requirements. Customization is available for handle configuration (fixed, fold-over, or detachable), base type (flat, legged, or caster-compatible), and mesh density. Dimensional tolerances are maintained within ±2 mm for length and width, and ±1.5 mm for height.

Typical Applications in Food Supply Chains

These baskets are used in field harvesting operations to transfer onions from collection bins to curing areas, where airflow prevents moisture buildup and spoilage. In processing facilities, they support washing, grading, and packaging lines by enabling easy inversion for content discharge. Wholesale distributors utilize them for temporary storage in cold rooms (0–4°C) and dry storage areas, benefiting from non-reactivity with moisture and resistance to condensation-induced corrosion. Retail backrooms employ them for display-to-storage transfer, minimizing double handling.

Quality Assurance and Inspection Protocol

Each basket undergoes dimensional verification using calibrated calipers and coordinate measurement tools to confirm adherence to tolerances. Weld integrity is assessed via visual inspection (10x magnification) and dye penetrant testing on critical joints to detect surface-breaking flaws. Passivation validity is confirmed through copper sulfate testing per ASTM A967 to ensure adequate chromium oxide layer formation. Load testing is performed on a sampling basis using incremental weights to validate structural limits before shipment.

For technical inquiries, custom specifications, or quotation requests, please contact our engineering team to discuss material grade, dimensions, load requirements, or environmental conditions relevant to your application.