Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 32 2021 | Page 57

Optimisation of linear guides in food production : Bakery enjoys tenfold increase in service life

When linear guides in the food and packaging industry fail to last for their expected service life , it can make sense to use solutions equipped with integrated lubrication units . These units release lubricant continuously over a long period of time . By switching to this type of linear system in its dough slicing machines , a large bakery is saving more than € 200,000 a year in maintenance and downtime costs .
The linear guides serving the processintegrated band cutters in the bakery ´ s dough slicing systems were failing every three weeks on average . Despite being coated with an Armoloy finish - and using food-grade grease - the desired performance criteria could not be met .
To overcome its issues , the bakery sought a linear guide that would not only offer long service life , but be capable of higher speeds as the company planned to boost the productivity of its dough slicers from 250 to more than 300 cycles per minute .
The new NSK K1-L lubrication unit offers twice the service life of the K1 series
Within the framework of NSK ´ s AIP ( Added Value Programme ), company experts performed an on-site assessment of the application ´ s environmental conditions , as well as linear guides that had failed . Once complete , the team recommended the use of NH / NS series stainless steel linear guides in combination with a K1 food-grade lubrication unit . After an initial trial had been completed successfully , it prompted the bakery to fit all of its dough slicing machines with this proven solution .
The NH / NS series is designed to perform precise linear motion ( even at high speeds ), with stainless steel versions particularly suited to food and beverage manufacturing environments . Long service life is not compromised even when subjected to frequent and deep cleaning cycles .
NSK ´ s K1 lubrication units provide a clean and FDA-approved solution in the truest sense of the word because the lubricant is incorporated in a carrier medium and released little by little to ensure supply over a long time period . Meticulous sealing prevents contaminants from reaching the running surface , and far less lubricant is released into the surroundings than with conventional solutions .
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