Lubrication-free bearings and drive elements in thermoforming packaging line

• What was needed: drylin W linear bearing technology, drylin JUM linear plain bearings, iglidur plastic bearings, xiros polymer ball bearings, DC servomotor, iglidur plain bearings, dryspin trapezoidal lead screw, energy chains
• Requirements: Lubrication-free bearings were required that can withstand aggressive cleaning processes, e.g. under hot steam and particularly humid, warm or cold environments without any problems.
• Industry: Packaging industry, food industry
• Success for the customer: The energy chains, linear bearings, lead screws and ball bearings can be used under the strict specifications of the food industry and have been developed for lubrication-free and maintenance-free use under aggressive environmental conditions.

During thermoforming, a bottom film is placed in a tray mould, the goods are inserted and sealed with a top film. Bearing technology was required at various points in the PowerPak PLUS packaging system:

Bottom film unwinding
A sliding door on the safety housing of the bottom film unwinding system requires curved linear bearings that follow the contour of the rollers. They have to manage without active lubrication and be able to cope with cleaning processes using hot steam, acids and alkalis or dry ice.

Film deflection
A three-metre wide sliding door at the height of the film deflector in the centre section of the system also provides visibility and access to the machine.

Tensioning system
An adjustable guide roller maintains the web tension when the film is unrolled and is retracted linearly when the film is changed. For this and for the mounting of the guide roller itself, bearing technology was required that prevents electrostatic charging of the film and can be operated completely lubrication-free.

Web edge control
In addition to the web tension, the packaging system also monitors the longitudinal direction. If the film width changes, a sensor transmits this information to a servomotor, which adjusts the roll axially via a linear unit.

Thermoforming and sealing station
At this station, the bottom film is given its shape under the influence of pressure and heat. Lifting stations with linear lifting and toggle systems allow the moulds to move in a vertical direction. Their axes require plain and linear bearings.

Labelling station
Finally, a solution also had to be found for the energy and signal supply of the system's labelling dispenser that could be used in accordance with the strict requirements of the food industry.

In order to meet the expectations placed on bearing technology, GEA Food Solutions now uses our bearing technology at various points in its packaging plant:

drylin W linear bearings
The curved contour of the sliding door device on the lower film unwinding is realised using drylin W linear systems. Sliding elements made of tribopolymers with incorporated lubricant run on them so that they do not require active lubrication.drylin W linear bearings
The drylin product range is also used in the sliding system at the level of the film guidance. They are also suitable for aggressive cleaning processes.drylin JUM linear bearings, iglidur bearings, xiros ball bearings
The linear adjustment of the clamping system is performed by a drylin JUM linear plain bearing. A triboplastic bearing made of conductive iglidur F2 prevents the film from becoming electrostatically charged. xiros polymer ball bearings are used for mounting the guide rollers. The xiros design eliminates the need for complex sealing concepts.DC motor, dryspin trapezoidal lead screw
A DC motor, which drives a dryspin trapezoidal lead screw, enables the roller drum to be readjusted in the longitudinal direction; a nut made of iglidur triboplastics moves the roller axially.iglidur plain bearings, drylin liners, iglidur linear clip bearings
The axes at the drawing-in and sealing station are mounted in plain bearings made of iglidur J and Z, which absorb high forces. For the linear strokes at the station, drylin liners and iglidur JUCM linear clip bearings were installed.Energy chains
Our product range also guarantees reliable operation for the energy and signal supply. Energy chains suitable for the food industry are used here.