Always perfectly mixed cocktails

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What was needed? 

• Metal-free and lubrication-free solutions to avoid contamination with the beverages
• Durable, cost-effective components

Requirements: 

The startup Kuantom has developed a machine that mixes cocktails. The machine is suitable for cafés, hotels, restaurants and discos and mixes signature cocktails with consistently high quality. igus supported Kuantom in the development of the hopper system and the emulsion axis, in which iglidur plain bearings are used. These plain bearings had to meet certain challenges. These include, among others:

• Corrosion-resistant
• Rotation despite contact with sugary liquids
• Resistance at 10,000 revolutions per minute
• Quiet operation
• Cost-effective

Industry: 
Catering/food/beverage industry

Success for the customer: 
iglidur plain bearings and xiros ball bearings work as a duo to ensure perfect cocktails. They are durable and ensure that the drinks are not contaminated thanks to their lubrication-free design.

Problem

Initially, Kuantom looked around for metal bearings. Here, however, the problem quickly arose that metallic bearings need to be greased. Kuantom wanted to avoid the use of lubricants so that there would be no risk of them coming into contact with the drinks.

Other solutions were also considered, but were out of the question for reasons of durability or cost. So the decision was made to use plastic solutions that are 100% free of lubricating grease.

This is where igus entered the picture with its technical support and sales team; very quickly from the selection of the product to the actual integration into the existing application.

Solution

The cocktail emulsion module is driven by a DC motor on which a brass axis is assembled. This axis is embedded in a plastic housing. However, the friction between this axis and the injection-moulded plastic housing was far too high. With the iglidur plain bearing, the friction and the assembly effort could be considerably reduced. The emulsion module can be completely dismantled and must be rotated at up to 10,000rpm in a hopper containing the cocktail. The lower end of the emulsion shaft is fitted with a xiros ball bearing encapsulated in a silicone housing. It fulfils all performance requirements for easy integration into the existing solution. The bearing has also improved the stability of the rotation thanks to its very smooth operation.