igus GmbH, the plastics specialist, is a member of the EHEDG and has developed the first linear guide system, based on the Hygienic Design guidelines, to cater to the needs of cleaning with chemicals in the food processing industry, where even the smallest blind spot can collect moisture and lead to contamination. Using FDA-compliant materials such as the high-performance polymer iglidur A160, high-alloy stainless steel, and a washable interior of the carriage ensures the hygienic design is adhered to.

Special rules apply in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Hygiene is the highest requirement that is placed on parts within machines. It is important to ensure that there is never any contamination of products. Therefore, machine builders and plant operators ensure they design parts with the best materials for the components. Best case, they comply with FDA and EU regulations. “More and more customers want an optimized design based on hygienic design principles. They are looking for parts to have an open design that withstands regular cleaning processes with chemicals, steam, and high-pressure water,” says Stefan Niermann, Head, drylin Linear and Drive Technology, igus GmbH. Companies are now demanding lubrication-free components that can be cleaned quickly, ensuring downtimes are limited. igus has now developed a drylin W linear guide according to hygienic design guidelines. It has joined the EHEDG, an association of suppliers to the food industry, universities, health authorities, and research institutes.

The main challenge was how to construct a gap-free design. The focus was on designing a self-draining carriage and rail that would allow liquids to drain freely without collecting water. “This is a brand new innovation for the linear technology market. So far, most hygienic design solutions have been based on a completely enclosed unit,” explains Niermann. This new self-draining carriage consists entirely of the high-performance polymer iglidur A160, one of the FDA- and EU10/2011-compliant igus materials. The lubrication-free material has already proven itself as a plain bearing material in numerous applications in the food industry. Hygienic screws and large grooves are also used as a method to prevent water from accumulating, and beveled edges allow cleaning solutions to run off easily. The bottom seal protects the space under the rail from dirt accumulation, ensuring no food residues can be caught. The shafts are also sealed to prevent any gaps from collecting debris. A corrosion-free and high-alloy 316 stainless steel is used as the linear rail to avoid microscopic surface structures that prevent dirt from adhering.

For more information: www.igus.in