Problem
Fast-food restaurants continue to be very popular. To make sales processes more effective, they too use automation solutions. The Korean manufacturer HNDS developed a cup-closing machine that automatically places a lid on plastic cups. The machine's moving parts are said to withstand over 300,000 cycles. Furthermore, they must be able to withstand temperatures of around 100°C. Given the conditions in a fast-food restaurant, the built-in parts must be resistant to moisture and oil.
Solution
Various igus® components have proven to meet the corresponding requirements. The installed lead screw technology, pillow blocks, linear guides and plain bearings were able to prevail over alternatively considered recirculating ball bearings, conventional linear guides and ball screws. They were convincing as lightweight, low-noise and lubrication-free variants that have no problems with food. The igus® solutions are used for nozzle parts and cup seals. As a result, it was possible to reduce noise and vibrations.
