High-Temperature Bearings for Tortilla Ovens and Cooling Conveyors
Proven Solutions for Extreme Food Production Environments
When heat, speed, and moisture push equipment to the limit, standard bearings can't keep up. Frequent failures and lubrication problems lead to costly downtime.
Self-lubricating, high-temperature bearings offer a better way forward — engineered for continuous operation in ovens and conveyors running up to and above 750°F (400°C).
These materials run dry or submerged, withstand washdowns, and are available in FDA-acceptable grades for food processing equipment.
Case Study 1: Reducing Bearing Failures in a European Snack Plant
A major snack producer operating high-speed tortilla chip ovens struggled with brittle graphite bushings that failed weekly. Each oven contained over forty bearings, and replacing ten to fifteen every week caused constant downtime and lost production.
Engineering analysis showed the existing housing was oversized, creating improper tolerances during high-temperature operation. Custom self-lubricating block bushings were designed to fit precisely into the existing mounts while maintaining stability at 400°C.
Results:
- Bearing failures reduced by more than 80 percent
- Replacement rate dropped from fifteen per week to just two
- Improved uptime and smoother production with zero added lubrication
Case Study 2: Extending Warranty Life for a Leading Equipment Manufacturer
A manufacturer of automated tortilla ovens and cooling conveyors offered long warranties but faced costly bearing replacements well before warranty periods expired. Roller bearings could not withstand the combination of heat, moisture, and mechanical load.
In response, their engineering team redesigned oven and cooling tower shafts to accept self-lubricating, high-temperature bushings. These dry-running components eliminated grease contamination and reduced maintenance needs.
Results:
- Equipment reliability significantly increased
- Customer feedback confirmed longer bearing life and fewer service calls
- New opportunities identified for expanding the same technology across product lines
Built for Food Industry Performance
These applications prove the long-term reliability of self-lubricating bearings under demanding food production conditions. They run clean, resist washdowns, and operate at temperatures that destroy traditional lubricated systems.
High-temperature bearings designed for durability, precision, and food safety — proven where it matters most.