Accu launches hygienic stainless steel fasteners to reduce contamination risk
New fasteners designed to reduce contamination risks in food, beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical production environments
3 Aug 2026
Hygienic bolts, washers, and nuts to help reduce contamination risk in hygienic production environments.
Precision engineering component distributor Accu has launched a new range of hygienic bolts, washers and nuts, available now from its UK-based online platform, to help engineers in food processing, beverage production, commercial bakery and pharmaceutical manufacturing reduce contamination risk in hygienic production environments.
Hygienic fasteners engineered to prevent contamination
The new hygienic fastener range is designed to address the contamination risk posed by moisture, bacteria and debris that can accumulate in microscopic crevices beneath standard fastener heads. Each component in Accu’s hygienic range features a highly polished, crevice-free finish and an integrated silicone gasket beneath the flange. This design creates an airtight, watertight seal that helps stop contamination before it starts.
Materials selected for washdown and CIP compatibility
The hygienic bolts, washers and nuts are manufactured from 304 stainless steel with EPDM rubber and silicone sealing components. These materials were selected for their resistance to corrosion, ozone and the aggressive chemical sanitising agents commonly used in daily washdown and Clean-in-Place (CIP) cycles.
All three product lines are designed to operate between a temperature range of –50°C to +190°C without compromising the integrity of the silicone seal. This makes the fasteners suitable for applications ranging from cold storage to high-heat sterilization.
System-level installation guidance for engineers
For best performance, Accu advises customers to install the fasteners as a matched system. Engineers are encouraged to pair hygienic bolts with hygienic nuts and washers, or blind tapped holes, rather than combining them with standard, unpolished hardware.
To protect the polished finish from scratching during installation, the company recommends using soft-jawed or polymer-sleeved tools.
Detailed specifications for bolts, nuts and washers
The hygienic bolts are available in thread sizes from M4 to M20, with lengths from 8 mm to 80 mm and hex socket drive sizes from 7 mm to 27 mm.
The matching hygienic nuts span M3 to M24, with flange diameters from 15 mm to 42 mm and socket sizes from 10 mm to 32 mm.
The hygienic washers and gaskets are available with internal diameters from 4 mm to 40.5 mm and external diameters from 10 mm to 50 mm. They are offered in thicknesses from 1.5 mm to 6 mm and a hardness rating of 75A to 80A Shore, allowing engineers to specify a precise fit across a wide range of joint and panel configurations.
Target applications in hygienic processing environments
Accu’s hygienic fasteners range is suited for use in food packaging, beverage production, commercial bakeries, chemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where washdown regimes and hygiene compliance are critical to operational standards.
Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer at Accu, said, “We have introduced this new hygienic fastener range, due to demand from customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The range offers customers a wide choice of nuts, bolts and washers and these components are designed to work together as a complete system, for maximum effectiveness. Engineers can be safe in the knowledge that these fasteners are safe, effective and fit for purpose in hygienic environments.”
The range has not been designed or certified for cleanroom environments.
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Frequently asked questions
How do Accu’s hygienic bolts, washers and nuts reduce contamination risk in food and pharmaceutical production?
Accu’s hygienic fasteners feature a highly polished, crevice-free finish and an integrated silicone gasket beneath the flange. This creates an airtight, watertight seal that prevents moisture, bacteria and debris from accumulating under standard fastener heads, helping engineers in food processing, beverage production, commercial bakeries and pharmaceutical manufacturing reduce contamination risk in hygienic production environments.
What materials and temperature range make Accu’s hygienic fasteners suitable for washdown and CIP applications?
Accu’s hygienic bolts, washers and nuts are manufactured from 304 stainless steel with EPDM rubber and silicone sealing components. These materials resist corrosion, ozone and aggressive chemical sanitising agents used in daily washdown and Clean-in-Place (CIP) cycles. All three product lines operate reliably between –50°C and +190°C without compromising the integrity of the silicone seal, supporting both cold storage and high-heat sterilization.
What size options are available in Accu’s hygienic bolts, nuts and washers for hygienic processing environments?
Accu’s hygienic bolts are available in thread sizes M4–M20, lengths 8–80 mm and hex socket drives 7–27 mm. Matching hygienic nuts span M3–M24, with flange diameters 15–42 mm and socket sizes 10–32 mm. Hygienic washers and gaskets offer internal diameters 4–40.5 mm, external diameters 10–50 mm, thicknesses 1.5–6 mm and hardness 75A–80A Shore for precise fit in hygienic processing systems.