Structural Concepts

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Coordinating Food Shields with Other Equipment

Content sponsored
by: BSI

Connecting the food shields to the equipment is an important step. Here are a few considerations to take into account when purchasing a food shield.

bsi_uofil_11janOnce the food shield’s design, features and benefits have been determined, it is important to coordinate the shield with the equipment around it as well as the counter below it. A beautiful food shield that is mounted improperly will not function or look as it was originally designed.

One of the challenges of food shields is the proper installation on the counter. On its own, the food shield is a very structural piece; however the way it is installed on a counter can inhibit the structural integrity of the guard. Oftentimes, there is a cantilever effect of a food shield, where the post either leans back or hangs over the front of the counter. As a result, there can be forces put upon the counter that can cause the post to lean.

The various solid surface materials used in countertops and their often fragile and temperamental nature also can make attaching food guards a challenge. Consequently, food shield manufacturers will provide operators with a choice of attachment methods to fit the variety of counter conditions that exist.

There are two common types of food shield installations. With the undercounter mounting method, the post of the shield goes through the countertop and is then attached below the counter on an intermediate shelf or support structure. There are a variety of flange sizes to use as well as depth below counters. In this case, the countertop itself lends to the structural integrity of the guard.

With surface mount installation, the flange is visible on top of the counter. This method can be accomplished with a variety of flange sizes.

It is typically the consultant, dealer or countertop manufacturer that decides on the installation technique. To ensure proper installation and compatibility between the food shield and countertop, the coordination of both the food shield manufacturer and counter fabricator is essential. Occasionally there can be a breakdown in this coordination. The best option in this case is to have the counter fabricator and food shield fabricator be one in the same to keep that coordination under one roof. This ensures that the end user receives an aesthetically-pleasing, structurally-sound and thought out marriage between the counter and food shield. The dealer benefits from a one-stop shop that takes away the burden of coordination, since the food shield manufacturer takes on full responsibility for the installation.
To learn more visit NAFEM booth 629 or go to http://www.zguard.com.