NSK proposed re-lubrication free bearings to a UK-based milk processing plant, in order to eliminate regular bearing failures on one of its principal conveyors. Proposed after a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s value added program AIP, the stainless steel bearing inserts are filled with Molded-Oil, a NSK’s proprietary oil-impregnated solid material. Molded-Oil offers grease-free properties not requiring for oil refilling, as it slowly seeps from the material, providing ample lubrication to the bearing for extended periods of time. It solved also the problem of the difficult access to the area where the bearings are located, and extended the bearing life from 10 weeks to over 1 year.
NSK also recommended the use of Silver-Lube corrosion-resistant polymer housings, ideal for applications with frequent wash-downs and high hygiene standards required. The PBT thermoplastic resin housings are paint-free, eliminating any potential for chipping or flaking, features nitrile rubber seals NSF-approved and are suitable for working temperatures from -20°C to +90°C. The combination of Silver-Lube housings and Molded-Oil inserts is offered by NSK’s Life-Lube series in a single unit, designed for applications where contact with process fluids is unavoidable, and is available in 20-40 mm bore sizes and in pillow block, two and four-bolt flanges and take-up unit housing. Trials of Life-Lube units provided on the milk processing plant conveyor annual savings of over £ 10.000, an in addition eliminated the need to replace the shaft after each bearing failure.