Polymer supplier Vesconite Bearings’ thrust washer has managed to outlast the bronze thrust washer on a Bucher CM50 grinding machine at a large fruit juice concentrate producer.

The reports that Vesconite received from the producer showed that the Vesconite washer operated into three seasons and showed no signs of wear, as opposed to the bronze washer, which only lasted two seasons.

Further, the avoidance of metallic components that contain lead and tin – which are found in bronzes – has become important as consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the dangers that heavy metals can cause to tissues and organs.

Moreover, the component is designed and manufactured to act as a thrust washer and a running surface for the machine, additionally acting as a seal to protect the bearings against fruit pulp and water.

“The Vesconite washer is ideal for the application because it does not swell and is resistant to the strong acids in fruit juices,” state Vesconite Bearings food and beverage application developers Joanè Odendaal and Nadia Swart.

Odendaal and Swart explain that the Bucher CM50 grinding machine primarily makes fruit pulp from apples and pears. It processes between 30 t/h and 50 t/h of apples and is an essential part of juice and puree production at the company.

Meanwhile, they note that an added advantage of the Vesconite solutions in food and beverage applications is the avoidance of lubrication in the food-processing plant, which eliminates food particles being caught in lubricant and later contaminating the production chain.

They also caution that non-food-grade nylon bearings tend to absorb water and harvest bacteria, and therefore other bearing materials should be carefully investigated, to further reduce instances of food contamination. Companies should instead consider the use of thermoplastics that do not swell, since trapped stagnant water is an environment in which microbes and bacteria thrive.

“Vesconite Bearings is proud to have once again proven its bearing and wear materials’ superior performance and durability in the food and beverage industry,” they conclude.