The 'no-time-to-spare' RIBBS

One of the things which make the Schaeffler RIBB (Radial Insert Ball Bearing) housing unit outstanding is its prominent, white appearance.

So, it not only looks clean, it’s also easier to keep clean because you can clearly see that it is clean. Which, when food safety standards and regulations are only going to get stricter, is a real benefit. However, the white plastic finish is not the only significant difference about Schaeffler’s new (RIBB) housing unit. It’s just the first of many.

The Schaeffler RIBB housing incorporates a high-quality, watertight sealing system that helps to prolong the component’s life, as well as increasing the maintenance intervals. The enhanced corrosion-resistance and reduced cleaning time also help minimise production downtime. The unit’s efficiency contributes to lower CO2 emissions, as well as the lowering of operating costs and higher plant availability.

While the radial insert ball bearings are prefitted and integrated, it also means faster installation in any application – from conveyor belts, to drive shafts, to packaging equipment.

A no-corrosion zone

Food and beverage manufacturing environments are notoriously tough on bearings. Aggressive cleaning regimes using high-pressure jets of water or cleaning fluids create the perfect conditions for corrosion to get a toehold. And a jet that’s powerful enough to dislodge dirt can easily drive out grease if the bearing housing isn’t sufficiently sealed.

The robust sealed construction of the Schaeffler RIBB housing protects the bearing against corrosion, while preventing grease from leaking into the processing environment. As contamination can work both ways, the unit also protects the bearings within against intrusion and damage from production line debris.

And of course, because the bearings are made from stainless steel and the housing unit from a glass fibre-reinforced white plastic, corrosion doesn’t even get a look-in.
 

Frozen or cooked?

The kitchen isn’t the only place where food and beverage products face extreme temperatures. The manufacturing process itself often involves extremely high or extremely low temperatures, which can have a devastating effect on bearings not built to cope.

Fortunately, because it has been specifically designed for the food and beverage manufacturing environment, the Schaeffler RIBB housing unit is up to the challenge at both ends of the thermometer.

It can brush off temperatures as low as -30°C and as high as 100°C with no noticeable effect on the operation of the bearings. This means that when the operating conditions go to extremes, you know where to go to find the bearing that can handle them.

No slip-ups

While manufacturers in this sector rightly focus on food safety, workplace health and safety can’t be forgotten.

Leaked lubrication is a major hazard on production lines. Even if it doesn’t contaminate the product, it can seriously threaten the workforce. A few drops of lubricant leaked onto the floor creates a slip hazard that could lead to serious injury.

That’s why the leakproof sealing of the Schaeffler RIBB housing unit does so much more than protect the bearings, or even the products. It protects people too.
 

Seal of approval

Contained within the unit by the highly effective sealing system, is a high-quality lubricant with all the relevant approvals for food and beverage manufacturing environments.

As part of the Schaeffler FD FOOD program of products, the RIBB housing units employ a lubricant which has food grade approval to category NSFH1. This means it is food-safe, and halal- and kosher-certified. In addition, all materials used for the unit are EU- and FDA-compliant.

So, the white plastic may be the first thing you notice about the new Schaeffler RIBB housings, but there are many more benefits to discover for your production line, your productivity and your efficiency. Your usual ERIKS contact can talk you through them all.

For more information on Bearing Solutions and to get in touch with one of our ERIKS Specialists, please contact your local ERIKS Service Centre, who will be happy to discuss your options.

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