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Introduction

A major producer of snack foods was experiencing frequent bearing failures on their cutter line. NSK investigated and found that grease wash out following the line wash down process was a factor in the failures. Routine planned maintenance was carried out every 6 weeks which included changing the bearings to prevent unplanned stoppage. However, failures also occured before maintenance was carried out resulting in loss of production. NSK engineers proposed to replace the current bearings with NSK Life-Lube housed units. A vast improvement in the bearing life was realized resulting in the reduction of maintenance and lost production costs.

Key Facts

  • Cutter line application
  • Wash down process causeing bearing failures
  • High maintenance costs and loss of production
  • NSK solution: Life-Lube housed units
  • Significant improvement in bearing life
  • Reduction of bearing costs, downtime and maintenance labor
  • Cutter line
RHP Life-Lube Molded-Oil, Bearing Unit, cut, 874x555
  • NSK Life-Lube with Molded-Oil bearings insert

Value Proposals

  • NSK reviewed the application following a process map survey and discovered grease wash out issue
  • A test with NSK Life-Lube product was conducted
  • Test bearings were fitted and monitored for performance
  • After one year in service, the bearings were still performing with no failures
  • This success is now being shared in the other two lines for additional cost savings

Product Features

  • PBT thermoplastic resin housing
  • Molded Oil inserts (with solid lubricant)
  • Martensitic stainless steel
  • Nitrile rubber seals
  • Available in NP, SF, SFT & ST equivalents
  • Bore size 20mm - 40mm
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Paint free housings, preventing chipping & flaking
  • Resistant to contamination increasing operating life
  • Ideal for operations where fluid process is unavoidable
  • No need for re-lubrication

Cost Saving Breakdown

Before Cost p.a. NSK Solution Cost p.a.
Bearings costs for all three lines $5,878 Bearing costs of Life-Lube housing units used in all three lines $1,675
Maintenance: 29 x 1.5 hours fitting costs; $77/hr on all three lines $3,350 Maintenance: 4.5 hours fitting costs at $77/hr on all three lines $340
Lost production: 2 x 2.5 hours; $454 per minute on all three lines $136,200 Lost production: none $0
Total Costs $140,137 $2,015

Reference:SS-E-2061