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Pan Care & Use Tips
New Pans
Pans are ready for use when they arrive at the bakery. Bottom and top skid protection is applied prior to shrink wrapping the pan stack. This helps keep the pans clean and reduces chance for dust buildup during shipment. Pans do not need to be cleaned prior to first use.

The new silicone glaze coating is usually no different than a reglaze coating. Do not expect to "push" the life of a glaze job on a new set of Bread or Pullman pans. Bakers who do this can subject the pan bottoms to excessive carbon buildup or conveyor damage. This can cause sets to wear out prematurely or damage new pans beyond repair. Maintain new pans with a normal pan maintenance schedule.
Proper Pan Storage
Store pans in a warm, dry, indoor area. Do not store pans near windows, cold walls, or moisture. Do not store pans wet. Pre-heating pans to 100°F will help extend glaze life.

Store pans on flat, fully supported pan trucks or beds. Roller bar pan storage areas will damage pan bottoms and reduce pan life. If roller bar pan storage areas are used, stack pans upside down or use flat stack plates under each pan stack.

Do not allow pan stacks to hang over the sides on pan trucks. Pans that hang over the sides of pan trucks by more than 2" per side will bow over time.

Do not store pan stacks on storage systems that have support ledges on only the two outside edges of the pan stack. This will cause a center bow in pans over time. The pan stacks must have center and outside support.

Stack bun pans upside down if possible so that the weight of the stack is carried by the rim of the bottom pan. Bun stacks should not exceed 50" in height.
Moulder Panners – Top or Bottom Indexers
Provide a slow down section prior to entry into the moulder panner to minimize shock and damage resulting from excessive pressure against the moulder panner indexing device.

When moulder panner is temporarily shut down, remove several pan sets to reduce pressure build-up against pan stops and prevent possible pan damage.
Tilt Type Ovens
Cover bumper bars at discharge end with rubber or heat resistant plastic facing material positioned to engage bandiron on pan set.
Automated Stacking and Unstacking
Automated pan stacking machines must be calibrated to allow pans to drop not more than 6". Pan stacks should not be allowed to "Free Fall" in the stacker. Stack height should be not more than 50".

Pan UnStackers should be fitted with rubber belting or similar protective material at the pan pick up device. The impact of this device should be barely audible. Loud banging pick up devices should be recalibrated to minimize noise and pan damage. Pans ejected out of the pan unstacker should not travel more than 12". Systems that launch pans, or give pans "hang time" can severely damage pan bottoms and should be reconfigured.
Manual Stacking and Unstacking
Handle pans carefully to prevent bottom dents and rim damage. Proper handling can increase pan and glaze life. Bouncing, sliding, or throwing pans is destructive.

Prevent bottom dents and damage at your conveyor loading station by use of covered rollers or a thick padded belt conveyor without metal backing plate.

Stack heights should not exceed shoulder height of worker in area.
Timing and Counting Devices
Use electric eye sensors that trigger conveyor stops rather than spring loaded pan stops. If spring loaded pan stops are used make certain that the stop has protective padding to prevent damage.
Proof Boxes
Be sure to maintain an 8-10°F minimum spread between wet and dry bulb temperature to prevent condensation of moisture on pans. This important factor helps you obtain a good glaze life.
Conveyor Systems
Guide rails should only contact bandiron to eliminate abuse and reduce scratching and abrasion. Pan sidewalls should never rub or bump conveyor rails.

Prevent bottom dents and damage at your conveyor loading station by use of covered rollers or a thick padded belt conveyor without metal backing plate.

Smooth even pan transfers between conveyor sections will prevent pan bottom damage. Replace broken conveyor links at once. Broken edges can shred pan bottoms very quickly.
IMPORTANT - Check with you Chicago Metallic Sales Representative
for more ways to improve pan performance.