In the food industry, machine components have to meet very high hygiene requirements so as not to pose a safety risk. Igus’ latest addition to its spherical bearing system, igubal Food Contact, provides even greater food security. So much so, igus is offering a free sample box to interested companies.
Food manufacturers are faced with the challenge of constantly improving the reliability of their systems.
Detecting the smallest impurities is a particularly decisive safety factor for guaranteeing the purity of the products.
Since 2019, the motion plastics specialist, igus, has offered igubal Food Contact (FC), a special spherical bearing system made from high-performance polymers that comply with FDA and EU 10/2011 for direct contact with food. The company is now expanding this product range with a new double joint.
By using FC, it is possible to significantly minimise the risk of a costly recall as detectors recognise even the smallest parts of the components, which makes the work for quality assurance easier. Furthermore, the materials are also coloured blue to improve optical detectability.
More design freedom with double joint
Igubal Spherical Bearings product manager, Dennis Steffen, says the new component being added to the range gives users more design freedom in such a hygiene-sensitive area.
“In addition to pillow block and fixed flange bearings, rod ends and clevis joints, the product range now includes a double joint,” Steffen says.
“Like all igubal FC products, it contains an optically and magnetically detectable housing made of the FDA-compliant igumid FC material.
“Thanks to the high-performance polymers used, the new spherical bearing is also lubrication-free and maintenance-free, vibration-dampening, corrosion-free and, in combination with a spherical ball, suitable for compensating for misalignments.
“When selecting the right spherical ball, customers can choose between several materials, depending on their needs,” he says.
The insert made of the material iglidur A181 can be used to comply with FDA guidelines. The material iglidur FC180 guarantees 100 per cent detectability. Both also meet the EU 10/2011 standard for direct food contact.
If a higher tightening torque is required due to the spherical ball, customers can choose a stainless-steel version. All igus products work without external lubricants, which rules out contamination. In addition, cleaning processes can be carried out regardless of the bearings.
Try it yourself
If you would like to see the igubal FC spherical bearings before buying, contact igus’ Australian distributor, Treotham Automation on 1300 65 75 64 or at treotham.com.au for a free sample box. The box includes samples from all product areas: pillow block bearings, fixed flange bearings, rod ends, clevis joints, and double joints.
This article first appeared in the June/July 2025 edition of Food & Drink Business magazine.
