Scientists have recently developed self-cleaning sheet metal. If you buy sheet-metal to make a product that you sell to clients, you may be wondering if it's time to think about utilizing self-cleaning sheet metal in your products. Here are a few signs that you may want to include self-cleaning metal in your processes.

1. You make products for the food industry.

If you make metal work surfaces for commercial kitchens, vats for milk processing plants or any other products for the food industry, you may definitely want to think about incorporating self-cleaning metal into your products. Mimicking the properties of the lotus leaf, self-cleaning metal makes moisture bead up on its surface, preventing bacteria from staying there.

2. You make products for hospitals or other facilities with high levels of bacteria.

Self-cleaning sheet metal has a rough surface that encourages the formation of little pockets of air. The air gets in between bacteria and the surface of the metal, preventing bacteria from sticking. As a result, it is no longer necessary for the people who own the metal to clean it as often, and this can be especially helpful for facilities such as hospitals or aged care homes as well as for toilets in offices, restaurants and shops.

3. Your clients crave green, energy efficient solutions.

If your typical client loves green products and energy efficiency, self-cleaning sheet metal allows you to sell them that concept. When the metal cleans itself -- whether it is in a kitchen, a hospital or anywhere else -- it saves your client time and helps to boost energy efficiency and protect the environment.

In most cases, your clients won't need to use as much water because they are cleaning less. Similarly, they won't have to rely on cleaning chemicals which can be bad for the environment. Instead, the shape of the sheet metal takes care of cleaning.

4. You pride yourself on offering innovation.

If your brand image is about traditional products made with traditional methods, you may prefer the sleek look of conventional sheet metal than the possibility of self-cleaning metal. However, if your brand is all about innovation, then this new product needs to be on your radar. It may be just what you need to impress your clients.

5. You have the ability to mock up a single demo.

Before you integrate self-cleaning metal into your production process, you may want to purchase a sample and mock up a demo. That way, you can see if you like the result. If you cannot make a demo, you may not want to switch until you can explore the ramifications this type of sheet metal will have on your final product.