Bearings in the Food Processing & Packaging Industry

 


Many industries focus on food. For example, the agricultural industry deals with the growing, harvesting and preparation of fruits and vegetables for distribution, while the catering industry deals with the preparation and service of meals in local restaurants. These two industries are distinct from the food processing and packaging industry, which processes food after it has been processed by agricultural facilities but before it is distributed to catering facilities. Basically, any food that enters a production facility falls under the dominion of the food processing and packaging industry.

Thanks to population growth and rising incomes, the demand for food has increased dramatically over the years. Meeting this demand requires investing in food processing and packaging equipment that can improve efficiency, lower costs, and reduce downtime while meeting all FDA and health requirements. Choosing the correct bearings is critical to achieving these goals.

 What bearings are commonly used in this industry?

While ball bearings are found in equipment in many industries, they play a particularly vital role in devices and systems in the food industry. They are typically made from food-grade stainless steel to ensure they are safe for operations where they are expected to come in contact with consumables.

Some of the most common types of stainless steel ball bearings used in the food industry include:

• Unmounted bearings

• Thermoplastic and stainless steel enclosures

• Washable bearings

• Specialized bearings

Typical components and systems that contain them include FDA approved IP69K inserts and spacers, IGUS thermoplastic bushings, cam followers, mounted units, roller chains, and V-belts.

Why use a solid lubricant for these bearings?

When using stainless steel bearings, it is important to choose a suitable lubricant application. Otherwise, the bearings will not have the proper attributes to operate in the environment without potentially damaging equipment or contaminated products.

Solid lubricants are recommended for stainless steel bearings used in food processing and packaging equipment. These lubricants consist of lubricating grease and supermolecular weight polyethylene. This composition results in a compound similar to regular grease before being packed into the bearing. However, when heated and cooled, it solidifies into a solid resin-like material.

There are many advantages to using solid lubricants over liquid lubricants, such as:

• Longer lubrication life. Solid lubricants do not emulsify or leak when exposed to water. As a result, it has a longer lubrication life, which can lead to longer machine life cycles.

• Greater resistance to leaks. Solid lubricants don't leak, keeping them free of dirt and debris. It also helps keep machinery and the surrounding area clean.

• Lower risk of contamination. Solid lubricants ensure that bearings remain lubricated, reducing the risk of empty pockets forming and filling with contaminants.

An example of a good solid lubricant is type P-06 solid grease. It is made from a food-grade lubricating grease that meets USDA H-1 standards and a supermolecular weight polyethylene component that meets FDA standards.

Bearing solution

Do you need bearings for your food packaging and processing operations? We have been providing an advanced ball and roller bearings for over 40 years. This extensive experience, combined with our global sourcing network and our trained customer service team, enables us to provide bearing solutions to customers around the world. To learn more about our bearing solutions for the food and packaging industry, contact us today.

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