2015
Development of “Plastic Thrust Rolling Bearing” for Food MachineryJune 26, 2015
[Plastic rolling bearings with high performance and superior ease-of-handling]
NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has developed the “Plastic Thrust Rolling Bearing” for food machinery by combining a fluorine plastic retainer with ceramic balls to improve performance and provide superior ease-of-handling.
Hygiene management is the most important factor in the food processing industry to keep food safe and hygiene. To achieve this, food machinery on manufacturing lines and worksites are cleaned at high temperature and pressure. Stainless steel is used for the exterior and parts of machinery due to its resistance to rust, and specifications are such that foodstuff and other material do not adhere easily. Bearings used in such machinery needs to be rust and heat resistant, and have a structure that is easy to disassemble and clean during maintenance.
The newly developed “Plastic Thrust Rolling Bearing” for food machinery consists of a combination of a plastic retainer with ceramic balls, and uses a lightweight and rustproof structure. The retainer material uses highly heat resistant fluorine plastic combined with a special filler for heat resistance at 200°C, while increasing wear resistance and non-adhesive properties for low wear and a design that prevents adhesion of foodstuff.
The retainer pocket shape has been optimized for a design that prevents disengagement when the bearing is rotating, while the balls can only be removed from the retainer and disassembled and cleaned during maintenance for superior ease-of-handling. All parts of the newly developed bearing also comply with Japan's Food Sanitation Act to prevent hygiene risks caused by food and drink. White material used for both the retainer and ball not only give the product a cleaner appearance, but also make it easier to check for contamination after the bearing has been cleaned.
NTN is focusing on sales activities to develop applications for the developed product for mixers and pumps of food machinery, as well as various mechanical parts, medical equipment and devices operating within water or in clean environments.
Features
| (1) | Lightweight and rustproof structure with a combination of plastic retainer and ceramic balls |
|---|---|
| (2) | Fluorine resin used for heat-resistance at 200°C |
| (3) | Superior ease-of-handling by optimizing the material composition and shape of retainer pockets |
| (4) | White material used for easier checking of contamination after cleaning |
Applications
Mixers, pumps and other components of food machinery, medical equipment, devices operating within water or in clean environments
Inquiries about this release
Product photo
Example of main dimensions: φ125 × φ165 × 5.4 mm (retainer size)
