Self-lubricating polymer bearings are maintenance free, eliminate galling

TriStar is proud to supply our FCJ bearings to the largest manufacturer of aluminum cans in the US ― and to have saved them over $30,000 in bearing replacement and maintenance costs in just the first year of production.

Metal bearings require maintenance, succumb to galling

Our partner produces canning equipment for the food and beverage industry, and works with one supplier who boasts a production rate of over 2.5 million cans daily. With such a massive production volume to uphold, the client depends on their equipment to perform at optimal levels, at all times. There is simply no room in the production schedule for unscheduled equipment maintenance.

The client contacted us with a maintenance challenge on the linear bearings on their positioning table devices. The tables are located throughout the canning plant, and allow the producer to change settings to accommodate different can and lid sizes. They described a problem that we see quite often; the four metal linear bearings on each device required regular greasing and maintenance, yet were found in a hard-to-reach location. The location caused greasing schedules to be compromised, and ultimately, the ball units to fail from galling.

A strong, greaseless bearing was needed to keep production schedules on track.

Massive production volumes call for exceptional bearings

Our In-house Experts reviewed the engineering specs and designed modified FCJ bearings that have eliminated the galling challenge and allowed for misalignment between the four bearings. FCJ is a superior, self-lubricating material comprised of a thermosetting resin and a Rulon F liner. It delivers a greaseless alternative to metal, and can easily accommodate the static loads and speeds required of this high-volume canning environment. The Rulon F liner material has eliminated all galling to the mating shaft and eliminated halts in the production line.

And best of all, subsequent savings in material, labor and maintenance have exceeded our client’s expectations.

Is FC J right for your application challenge? Want to learn more about polymer and composite bearings for the food and beverage industry? Download our new food white papers, or Ask Our Experts for guidance!