Application Spotlight: Ertalyte TX PET-P Guide Bearing Blocks in Sauce Filling Equipment
In high-speed food processing environments, filling equipment must deliver exceptional accuracy and reliability to maintain production efficiency and consistent product quality. In this application, guide bearing blocks were used within a sauce filling machine to support and guide the filler piston rods throughout the filling cycle. Operating in a warm, moisture-rich environment, these components are subjected to continuous movement and must maintain precise dimensional stability to ensure smooth operation. The original OEM bearing blocks, manufactured from oil-filled nylon, experienced ongoing performance issues, resulting in increased wear, tight running conditions, and costly maintenance interruptions.
To address these challenges, the bearing blocks were remanufactured from Ertalyte TX, a high-performance thermoplastic specifically engineered for demanding wear applications. Compared to the previous oil-filled nylon components, Ertalyte TX provided superior dimensional stability in elevated temperatures and humid conditions, eliminating the moisture absorption that caused the bearings to close onto the shaft. This enabled smooth, free-running operation without the need for lubrication, removing the risk of product contamination in the food processing environment. The material’s excellent wear resistance also reduced wear on both the bearing block and shaft, delivering longer service life, reduced downtime, and improved overall equipment reliability.
Drawing on extensive experience in reverse engineering and performance plastics engineering, Dotmar Engineering Plastics partnered with the customer to develop a long-term solution to a problem that had persisted for many years. By assessing the operating conditions and identifying a more suitable material, Dotmar was able to locally manufacture precision-machined replacement components from Ertalyte TX rod. Combining material expertise, precision machining capabilities, and responsive local support, Dotmar delivered a cost-effective solution that improved machine performance, reduced maintenance requirements, and provided significantly shorter lead times than the imported OEM components.
