LM76 successfully solved a cheese processing plants hygiene needs for their slicing system.
The company originally approached LM76 for a linear system for its cheese slicing machines that would work on a 24/7 cycle, and purchased standard FDA/PTFE (Food and Drug Administration and Polytetrafluoroethylene extrusion standards) linear bearings for their actuator. These bearings meet the FDA compliance rules, are suitable for caustic wash down and self-lubricating.
However, a bespoke seal was required for these bearings to ensure food debris did not get trapped in the system. Therefore an FDA compliant scraper seal was designed from scratch by LM76 which is hard wearing and has a low coefficient of friction so drive torque is not negatively affected.
The standard /PTFE bearings were fitted with these Ertalyte PET-P material seals, named the ETX Scraper Seal. Ertalyte PET-P is an unreinforced, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester based on polyethylene terephthalate. The seals are designed for a slight interference fit between the ID and shaft. In addition a spring area groove was designed behind the scraper lip to allow for proper spring flex action and to accommodate thermal expansion during operation.
Lastly undercuts were matched to both ends of the bearings to anchor the snap in ETX scraper seals. Since the scraper lips have zero clearance in the shaft it prevents the ingress of food residue.
For more information on the range call Drive Lines on 01234 360689, log on to www.drivelines.co.uk or email sales@drivelines.co.uk and request some literature.