Thomson Bearings Challenge Food Processing Applications

Thomson recently introduced Food Grade FluoroNyliner Bushing Bearings featuring a non-magnetic 303 Stainless Steel corrosion resistant sleeve with a self lubricating liner that is FDA and USDA compliant, enabling them to excel in challenging food processing, pharmaceutical and medical applications. They are offered in Open and Closed types, with specific machining options available to satisfy unique application requirements. "By eliminating the need for ball bearings, these food grade bushing bearings can operate on soft shafting such as Thomson ‘corrosion proof' 316 Stainless Steel or Ultra Light Aluminum LinearRace shafting to deliver exceptionally long life and reliable operation in washdown environments," says Tom Dwyer, Business Unit Manager, Thomson Linear Bearings & Guides.

Thomson Food Grade Fluoronyliner Bushing bearings feature robust liner material that can withstand a maximum continuous PV value of 10,000 psi ft/min, can handle high loads with a maximum static pressure value of 1000 psi, and provide maximum no load speeds to 400 ft/min. in temperatures ranging from -400 degrees F up to 385 degrees F. They are available in optional Stainless Steel pillow block assembles in Closed, Open, Flanged and Twin styles, and can be combined with a wide range of corrosion resistant LinearRace shafting options, including 440C and 316 Stainless Steel, Ultra Light aluminum and plated 60 Case, to deliver optimized performance specific to the application requirements. "Stainless Steel pillow block assemblies are a particularly significant option in food processing applications, as carbon steel will corrode over time, and even aluminum is susceptible to corrosion caused by the caustic solutions commonly used in washdown environments," explains Dwyer.

Thomson also offers a number of additional 440 Stainless Steel corrosion resistant linear bearing alternatives to help keep machines up and running in application environments subject to corrosion challenges. These include Precision Steel Ball Bushing bearings that provide reliable operation in temperatures up to 600°F, Metric MultiTrac Ball Bushing bearings that provide twice the load carrying capacity of conventional ball bushing bearings, and self-aligning Super Ball Bushing and Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings that, in combination with genuine Thomson 60 Case Shafting, can provide up to 50 percent longer life than imitation bearings and shafting.