Medical & Food Grade Industries
Medical Equipment
Medical equipment demands exceptionally precise bearings due to its direct connection with healthcare. These bearings must meet stringent requirements, including high precision, very low noise, safe materials, anti-rust properties, and long service life. To meet these demands, stainless steel bearings are commonly used, offering several advantages such as excellent corrosion resistance, washability without relubrication, and maintenance-free operation. They are naturally hygienic and can withstand high temperatures ranging from 180°F to 1000°F when paired with high-temperature grease.
The comfort of both operators and patients is a top priority in medical equipment design. QBC Bearings maintains strict control over the precision and noise levels of medical equipment bearings, which are widely used in applications like dental tools. QBC offers a variety of bearing products tailored for surgical tools, diagnostic equipment, pumps, and more. When selecting bearings for medical devices, designers must consider factors such as high speeds, low noise, resistance to harsh environments, and compliance with strict regulations. These considerations, combined with proper lubrication, ensure optimal performance and durability.
Bearings for medical devices are manufactured using high-purity materials like martensitic stainless steel (AISI 440C or nitrogen-enhanced variants) and ceramics such as silicon nitride. These materials provide exceptional corrosion resistance, fatigue life, and low noise, which are critical for high-speed applications like dental drills and surgical instruments. Full ceramic bearings, although costly and less precise, are ideal for imaging equipment due to their non-magnetic properties.
The selection of retainer materials also plays an important role in bearing performance. Retainers, typically made from 300 series stainless steel, plastic, or phenolic resin, influence speed capability, torque, and noise levels. For high-speed applications, angular contact bearings with specialized retainers offer increased stability and reduced noise. Healthcare is undergoing a transformation driven by innovations in medical devices. Precision ball bearings are essential components in surgical tools, dental drills, pumps, ventilators, and diagnostic equipment. Material selection, lubrication, and adherence to stringent cleanliness and regulatory standards are critical for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of bearings in these applications.
Packaging and Food Processing Industries
Packaging and food processing industries rely heavily on specialized bearings to ensure smooth operations. Filling plants in the food and beverage sectors commonly use slewing ring, crossed roller, and four-point contact bearings. These bearings, often made from stainless steel and equipped with various types of lubricant, provide increased service life. The automated nature of packaging and food processing, combined with extreme operating conditions, demands low-maintenance components that meet stringent hygiene and operational reliability standards.
Corrosion-resistant pillow blocks with triple lip seals are an example of premium solutions available at competitive prices. For high-load positions in filling plants, slewing ring options like four-point contact bearings or crossed roller bearings are highly effective. The food industry encompasses various sectors, such as agriculture and foodservice, which handle different stages of the food supply chain. The agricultural industry focuses on growing, harvesting, and preparing produce for distribution, while the foodservice industry manages meal preparation and serving. The food processing and packaging industry bridges these two sectors by handling food after agricultural processing and before distribution to foodservice facilities. Essentially, any food entering a production facility falls under the purview of the food processing and packaging industry.
With rising populations and incomes, the demand for food has grown significantly, necessitating investments in efficient food processing and packaging equipment. These systems must reduce costs and downtime while adhering to FDA and sanitary requirements. Selecting the right bearings is crucial for meeting these goals and ensuring operational success.
Ball bearings, a vital component in many industries, are particularly significant in the food and beverage industry. Made from food-grade stainless steel, these bearings ensure safety in applications where contact with consumable goods is expected. Commonly used stainless steel ball bearings in the industry include unmounted bearings, thermoplastic and stainless housings, washdown bearings, and specialty bearings. These bearings are integral to FDA-approved IP69K inserts and stand-off units, IGUS thermoplastic bushings, cam followers, mounted units, roller chains, and V-belts, all of which contribute to maintaining efficiency and reliability in food processing and packaging systems.
