Self-lubricating bearings in a PET filling plant

Compact filling system works with our sliding, linear, ball bearings and linear tables

The entire filling line can be delivered as a single, compact unit, thanks to the InnoPET TriBlock from KHS. This space-saving solution offers convenience by integrating every step—from PET bottle production to filling and labeling. Because the system involves many moving parts, KHS uses our self-lubricating plain, linear, and ball bearings, as well as spindle linear tables, at various points. These components perform reliably in continuous operation, even at sustained temperatures of 50 °C (122°F).

Application Overview

What was needed: iglide® J plain bearing, drylin® R liner, xiros ® ball bearing, drylin® SLW linear actuator
Requirements: Self-lubricating, wear resistance, long-lasting operation in continuous operation and at temperatures of approx. 50°C (122°F).
Industry: Bottling/Beverage Packaging
Success for the customer: The self-lubricating plain bearings, ball bearings and sliding foils withstand the ambient conditions in the system without any problems. The wide range of materials and special parts for the system also contribute to this.

Problem

Producing, labeling, and filling PET bottles... all with a single machine. The InnoPET TriBlock from KHS makes this possible, offering customers two key benefits: it functions as a complete system that doesn’t need to be integrated into existing lines, and it features a compact design.

Naturally, such machines involve a great deal of movement. Plain, linear, and ball bearings, as well as linear axes and rollers, are essential in various areas—such as the gripper unit for bottles, the labeling system's deflection mechanism, and the format adjustment across an entire process block.

Choosing the right components is critical, as they have a direct impact on machine availability and overall system longevity. In the sensitive filling process, it’s especially important to avoid lubricating greases on moving parts. All components must be wear-resistant, long-lasting, and capable of operating continuously at temperatures around 50 °C (122°F).

Solution

The InnoPET TriBlock incorporates a wide range of our "motion plastics" from various product lines.

For example, the bottle holders must be securely mounted and completely lubrication-free. To achieve this, several iglide® J plain bearings guide the springs, supported by drylin® R sliding liners for the stroke movement needed to clamp the bottles. Specially manufactured plastic rollers also ensure smooth and reliable linear motion.

In the labeling process, carbon tubes equipped with pressed-in xiros® ball bearings stand out—capable of feeding up to 82,000 labels per hour.

Another highlight is the linear adjustment system for the entire labeling block. The 600 kg unit is precisely guided—without any added lubrication or maintenance—using a custom drylin® SLW-1660 lead screw driven linear system, along with two WSQ-16 drylin® rails mounted at the rear.