HAYLEY DEXIS accompanies NTN towards a future that is more fluid, more mobile and more harmonious, and based on a more efficient use of energy. In 2022, NTN unveiled the SENTINEL SERIES solid lubrication bearing units were being made available in the UK, after great success across the Atlantic. Since then, HAYLEY DEXIS and NTN have collaborated on several projects where this eco-responsible innovation, designed to improve the safety, efficiency and productivity of food manufacturers, has delivered real value to end-users.
Succeeding Together
Facing frequent bearing failures affecting critical machinery on their processing lines, a site handling 75000 tonnes of fresh vegetables every year partnered with HAYLEY DEXIS to find a solution. By switching to NTN SENTINEL SERIES bearing units, lubricated for life and sealed to better protect against water ingress, the site eliminated grease washout, caused previously by high pressure washdowns. This has resulted in the service life of bearings being dramatically improved, saving the customer around £32000 per year. Another project where NTN SENTINEL SERIES bearings have made a difference for a HAYLEY DEXIS customer, involved hard-to-reach and difficult-to-maintain bearing units installed within overhead cranes at a meat-processing factory.
By partnering with HAYLEY DEXIS who recommended NTN SENTINEL SERIES
bearings, the site eliminated both the risks associated with leakage and regulatory compliance, using NSF H1 certified solid grease. The cranes have seen no further premature bearing failures to date, securing a handsome £84,000 annual cost-saving.
On To A Winner With NTN Sentinel
Launched in the USA in 2017, the SENTINEL SERIES range has proven itself in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. A significant commercial success and a great technological achievement, it was awarded the product design award twice in 2018 and 2019. The food industry is a highly competitive market requiring robust bearings, they must be able to meet strict hygiene and environmental standards while ensuring safety and productivity. NTN has chosen to deploy a range of certified, premium bearings with a high level of sophistication. This range is perfectly adapted to the food-processing market and reduces overconsumption of grease; costs associated with maintenance and frequent bearing replacement.
"Our SENTINEL range of corrosion resistant bearings, featuring food safe solid lubrication, has seen strong adoption across food and beverage companies since its European launch in 2021—building on its proven success by our American subsidiary since 2017” – Sam Turner, Key Account Manager – NTN Europe
Designed To Face The Challenge
The SENTINEL SERIES all stainless steel, designed to withstand corrosion, is currently applied to two types of products: insert ball bearings with stainless steel or thermoplastic bearing housings and deep groove ball bearings 6000 to 6008 and 6200 to 6208 and 6300 to 6305 series. SENTINEL SERIES bearings are commonly used in food processing for conveying, filling machines and brushing machines. But they can be used on all applications exposed to corrosion, high pressure washing or where a high level of cleanliness is required. Thanks to the use of solid lubrication, grease leakage is limited.
The Magic Of Solid Lubrication
The special feature of this range is its composition. The standard grease is replaced by a porous polymer matrix filled with an NSF category H1 certified food-grade lubricant. It thus acts as a “sponge”: at each rotation it releases the quantity of oil necessary for the proper functioning of the bearing and then absorbs the excess when the machine is stopped. In this way, the flow of oil is regulated, which ensures the cleanliness of the machine and increases the service life of the bearing.
Unlike conventional greases, this solid lubrication is not forced out or dissolved from inside the bearing, especially during machine washing. It also contains 3 to 4 times more oil than standard grease. This system, which combines technical quality and high-performance materials, ensures safety and reliability. It also enables NTN to guarantee users benefits in terms of productivity and profitability thanks to extended service life, longer replacement intervals, re-greasing made unnecessary and reduction in downtime. Eliminating grease leaks on production lines for improved quality and safety also creates a positive perception during customer audits and visits.
Eco-Responsibility At Its Core
This range is also part of a 100% eco responsible approach by fighting against waste and the concept of “wear” parts. By reducing bearing waste, grease consumption and maintenance interventions, it enables the food processing sector to be perfectly in line with their ISO 14001 certification and/or any corporate CSR approach.