igus iglidur FC180 and igumid FC polymer for food contact

Igus has developed two optically and magnetically detectable materials for its plain and spherical bearings: the iglidur FC180 and igumid FC. The materials can be used in the food industry, as they comply with FDA and EU10/2011 regulations.

The tribologically optimised plain bearing material iglidur FC 180 is designed for food contact, and is visually detectable by its blue colour. The product can also be detected using metal detectors due to the inclusion of appropriate, food-compatible additives. This allows broken pieces to be detected and removed if the system is damaged. The product’s low moisture absorption and lubrication-free property also make it suitable in applications in the food technology, beverage and packaging industries.

The igubal spherical bearings range relies on detectable material; igus has now introduced self-adjusting igubal bearings, with the housing material igumid FC in combination with iglidur FC180 as spherical ball material. The detectability of the materials is confirmed by Sesotec GmbH, a specialist for foreign body detection and manufacturer of metal detectors for the food industry.

Small fragments can still be identified on a conveyor belt when passing through a metal detector. The product’s vibration dampening bearings are resistant to corrosion and media due to their polymer base, allowing them to withstand cleaning with water and other cleaning agents.