Contaminant Issues in Beverage Industry Automation

Two types of issue relating to linear motion devices are faced every day in the beverage bottling, packaging and bundling sector:

How to ensure the best performance of linear actuators while maintaining a high rate of the cycle time and productivity as a result
How to protect the system against contamination that can occur due to ingress of liquids or impurities and affect the application.

The two issues, moreover, are closely linked: a leakage of liquid is likely to result in downtime, potential maintenance and, eventually, corrosion… with adverse effects on the cycle, yield, efficiency and productivity.

Are you familiar with these issues? What can be done to avoid them from becoming real problems?

Based on its experience with dozens of applications in the beverage industry, Rollon recommends the following:

The selection of highly protected linear actuators
The use of corrosion-resistant and food grade materials and components
Careful make-or-buy analysis

Protected linear units

Rollon has a range of solutions designed to provide maximum protection even in the harshest environments: it is the Plus System series. This comprises ELM series linear axes, belt-driven linear actuators with an extruded aluminum body and linear recirculating ball bearing rail integrated within the profile itself: and these are the most suitable when it comes to resistance to liquids and contaminants. An additional protective band of polyurethane material, in fact, seals the aluminum extrusion, preventing contaminants and liquids from affecting operation of the rolling elements. The ELM series of axes can also be pressurized: atmospheres of 0.7/0.8 are more than enough for a solution that, while not airtight, allows for an excellent seal with low air/energy dispersion. The other series in the Plus System family are the ROBOT, with double recirculating ball bearing rail for heavier loads.

Corrosion resistance and specific features for the food industry

All sizes of ELM and ROBOT linear actuators are available in anti-corrosion versions, with treated aluminum and stainless steel components. These features ensure high resistance to corrosion, which is essential for applications in the beverage sector. Just as critical is the use of food-grade grease and FDA-specific belts, both of which are offered by Rollon.

Make or Buy?

Why is a Rollon solution often a winning choice in beverage applications, especially when compared to the design of your own linear motion solutions?

There are four main factors at play:

The simplicity of design and maintenance of compact, self-supporting solutions that encapsulate the fundamental protective elements in these applications
experience gained from dozens of beverage applications to prevent contamination and corrosion in a ready-to-use solution
the opportunity to benefit from technical improvements designed in numerous areas that will increase your performance and cut assembly and maintenance time, such as the use of ambidextrous hollow heads, easy access to the belt for tensioning or replacement, or the simple installation of gear motors without the use of additional elements such as couplings or bells
the free technical support and application sizing service to allow the designer to focus on the essence of their project and their know-how.