At the beginning of last year, Axioma Servisas signed a cooperation agreement with Canadian manufacturer Thordon Bearings. Through active cooperation, a unique solution was developed for food industry companies – the Axioma Servisas team modified the UCF-206 bearings already used by the customer and pressed in bushings made of the patented ThorPlas-White material.
The first bearings were installed in a meat processing plant and showed no signs of wear after several months of testing. Meanwhile, previous solutions tested by the customer lasted up to three months.
Already exceeding customer expectations
The performance of this bearing assembly, which incorporates a polymer material developed by Thordon Bearings, has already exceeded the customer’s expectations:
“The bearing made of ThorPlas-White material is working perfectly – it has been running for more than three months without any problems and completely without lubrication. Previously, standard ball bearings used in this location had to be replaced every three months, so the new solution has already exceeded all expectations,” says a representative of Biovela–Utenos mėsa.
The reason for the rapid wear of the previous bearings was that after each shift, all equipment was washed with a strong jet of water containing acids and alkalis. This caused the bearings to be constantly “washed out.”
The customer tried various solutions – stainless steel, different materials, lubricants – but nothing helped. The lubricant was still washed away, and without it, the bearings wore out quickly.
“Now the conveyor belt operates smoothly, without lubrication or wear and tear – we are very pleased with the result,” says a representative of Biovela–Utenos mėsa.
A solution with guaranteed return on investment
Although the initial purchase price of UCF-206 bearing assemblies with ThorPlas-White material is higher than that of standard bearings, according to calculations performed by Axioma Servisas, the solution still pays for itself.
The lubrication-free solution eliminates periodic maintenance costs and saves money – no lubricant, no maintenance technician labor, and no periodic replacement every few months. This makes these bearings a cost-effective alternative for the food industry.
Special ThorPlas-White material – exclusively for the food and beverage industry
ThorPlas-White material has been developed specifically for the needs of the food and beverage industry. It complies with NSF/ANSI 51, NSF/ANSI 61, and WRAS standards, making it suitable for direct contact with food products and ensuring a clean, safe, and hygienic production environment.
Importantly, Thordon Bearings components do not contain heavy metals, lubricants, or other potentially harmful substances, reducing the risk of product contamination.
About the manufacturer
Thordon Bearings products are characterized by exceptional resistance to aggressive environments – moisture, chemicals, and sudden temperature changes.
These advanced components do not require lubrication with grease or oil and are successfully used in various equipment: vertical pumps, screw conveyors, cutting and shredding equipment, mixers, filling and packaging lines, and other important production processes.
Axioma Servisas is the official representative of Thordon Bearings products for industry in the Baltic countries.
Contacts: tel. +370 643 41308 e-mail orders@axs.eu
