The wash-down process—frequently used in
food, beverage and pharmaceutical production—is a large obstacle for
effective long-lasting linear motion. Periodic, high pressure spraying
of water or other chemicals (often caustic) can lead to penetration of
seals, corroding of the linear motion product, and eventual catastrophic
failure of the system along with the risk of potential contamination of
the end-product.
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Ball-bearing type linear motion products
are made of steels which are susceptible to rusting and not designed to
last in wash-down applications. They also require mass amounts of
lubrication and have many integral internal areas that may harbor
bacteria. Even with seals and bellows, immersion and wash-down will
inevitably lead to rusting of the bearings. Over time, rust particulate
will break off in the persistent wash-down process. These particles,
trapped inside the bearing track by the same seals meant to keep
contamination out, accumulate until the entire bearing stalls and binds
up—leading to catastrophic system failure, unplanned downtime, and
skyrocketing costs. Worse yet, catastrophic failure could even
lead to costly product liability/contamination law suits or product
recalls.
On the other hand, Simplicity® linear plane
bearings provide the perfect solution and will not catastrophically
fail. Chemically inert, corrosion resistant, self-lubricating and
containing no rolling elements, plane bearing technology thrives in
wash-down applications without contamination and costly lubrication.
Constant immersion poses no problem. The bearings are composed of a
corrosion resistant, anodized aluminum alloy that easily tolerates
wash-down. Travel is also unaffected with plane bearings. Using a
proprietary Teflon liner, plane bearings glide reliably and
accurately—even under high-pressure spraying. Particulate build-up along
the shaft is harmlessly absorbed by the liner, ensuring high
performance linear motion for years of trouble-free service.
Additionally, Simplicity® bearings run on stainless steel or ceramic
coated aluminum shafting for the ultimate in system corrosion
resistance.
Even when subjected to other cleaning
chemicals, Simplicity® plane bearings are designed to support
long-lasting smooth and quiet linear motion. Already tested to perform
with a number of different compounds (See chart [page 62 in general
catalog]); Simplicity plane bearing technology easily outlasts
ball-bearings in wash-down applications.
