Plastic Bearing Reduces Service On Mixer

Hobart Corporation uses plastic bearings in its dough mixers to solve potential problems with parts sticking in harsh bakery environments. Hobart’s new 60-quart mixer replaces an existing machine and includes several enhancements, most notably a swing-out bowl. The bowl enables customers to access the end product more easily by clearing the head of the machine.

A loading pin is used to secure the bowl while mixing. To release it, a lever is pressed and the bowl is free to move out. The locking mechanism is an important part of the design because it allows the bowl to swing in and out and needs to be functional for the mixer to work.

The mixer encounters high contamination such as flour, sugar and other baking materials, which could work their way into the latch and cause it to stick.

Hobart’s solution was the use of the Iglide J, a linear plain bearing designed for high speeds and high wear resistance. Because the bearing is plastic, it is also contamination-and chemical-resistant.

The bearing is slotted as well to allow the baking ingredients to flow through the design. As a result, warranty calls and service problems on the mixers have been greatly reduced.

For more information, visit www.igus.com.

Reader Service Card No. 405