Published in: Food processing and pharmaceutical equipment

Bearings with open cover increase contomination risk

Author Henning Dahl Nielsen

Published on: 2. October 2025

Avoid contamination in food processing:

sealed stainless steel bearings with IP67 protection ensure hygiene, safety, and long life in washdown environments.

Product Line Contact

Why Bearing Integrity Matters in Hygienic Applications

In the food processing industry, equipment must be designed to meet the highest hygiene standards. Bearings are critical components in conveyors, mixers, and filling machines, but they can also become one of the biggest contamination risks. Opening or disassembling a bearing exposes its internal elements to moisture, food particles, bacteria, and aggressive cleaning agents. This not only increases the chance of contamination but also reduces the service life of the component.

Risks of Opening Bearings

When a bearing is opened, protective seals and food-grade lubricants can be compromised. Even a small amount of contamination may spread through the production line, leading to product recalls, regulatory non-compliance, and expensive downtime. For this reason, leading authorities such as HACCP, EHEDG, and FDA strongly emphasize hygienic design and sealed solutions that do not require manual intervention.

IP67 Protection: A Reliable Long-Life Solution

The most effective way to prevent contamination is to use sealed bearing units with IP67 protection. These housings are completely resistant to dust ingress and protected against water immersion, making them ideal for the high-demand washdown environments of food and beverage plants. Stainless steel IP67 bearings are pre-lubricated with food-grade grease, eliminating the need for disassembly or relubrication. They withstand repeated high-pressure cleaning cycles while maintaining performance and safety.

By avoiding the need to open bearings, food processors can extend equipment lifespan, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with global hygiene regulations.

Conclusion: For safe, efficient, and hygienic food production, never open bearings. Instead, choose sealed stainless steel solutions with IP67 protection — the perfect long-life answer for demanding washdown environments.