BEARINGS, SEALS & GASKETS
FEATURE
BEARINGS: A CRITICAL COMPONENT IN
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION
The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is governed by stringent
regulations. Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains why bearings are essential to ensuring sterile and precise operations
S
tringent regulations govern the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, with precision, sterility and reliability
essential throughout every stage of production. In the UK, manufacturers must comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, regulated by the UK Government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which ensures the consistent production of high-quality pharmaceutical products. Every piece of machinery in a pharmaceutical plant needs to function with near-perfect efficiency – from the mixers used to blend sensitive compounds, to the packaging machines that must work flawlessly to prevent contamination. However, these machines are exposed to strict cleaning protocols involving corrosive chemicals, high-temperature sterilisation and even ethylene oxide (EtO) gas treatments. While used to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants, these must not damage sensitive components. Ethylene oxide is particularly useful for
sterilising delicate parts that cannot endure high heat. However, any component that cannot withstand these aggressive cleaning methods becomes a liability – both in terms of performance and safety. So how can manufacturers ensure that their equipment operates at peak efficiency while meeting the industry’s uncompromising cleanliness standards? This is where specialty bearings come into play.
SPECIALTY BEARINGS WITHSTAND STERILISATION PROCESSES Essential in all machinery, bearings take on an even more critical role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Used in mixers, conveyors, centrifuges and packaging machines, they ensure
that all moving parts operate with the precision needed to maintain sterile environments. Manufactured from materials that cannot
resist corrosion or endure the wear and tear of frequent cleaning, standard bearings are simply not up to the task. In pharmaceutical settings the risk of contamination is too high to rely on substandard components. Bearing failures halt production, can introduce contaminants that ruin entire batches of pharmaceuticals, and can result in both financial losses and safety risks. To overcome this, specialty bearings are
available. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or ceramics, these are designed to withstand the aggressive cleaning and sterilisation processes required in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Such bearings also maintain their performance over time which reduces risks of downtime and contamination. Bearings used in pharma manufacturing must
be robust enough to operate in extreme conditions without losing precision. In packaging machines, for example, they must work flawlessly to ensure that no contaminants enter the final product. They must also withstand repeated cycles of high-pressure cleaning and exposure to harsh chemicals, all while maintaining smooth and precise movements to avoid damaging delicate packaging materials. Similarly, mixers and centrifuges in pharmaceutical plants rely on bearings to keep their movements consistent, even after several hours of operation. Here, precision is just as important as durability – slight inconsistencies in rotation or speed can lead to product variations that could compromise the safety or effectiveness of drugs.
DURABLE COMPONENTS Bearings manufactured from 316 stainless steel,
acetal resin and ceramic offer the durability and precision needed to keep pharmaceutical equipment running efficiently and safely. Corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel ball bearings, for example, can be used in equipment that undergoes regular cleaning with corrosive chemicals. These bearings are not only resistant to rust but are also highly durable, ensuring that they continue to perform optimally even after repeated cleaning cycles. Ceramic bearings are suited to applications that demand high precision and resistance to extreme temperatures or aggressive chemicals. Lighter and harder than steel bearings, they offer the durability and performance critical in pharmaceutical manufacturing. By reducing friction and providing unmatched corrosion resistance, these specialty bearings help manufacturers minimise downtime, prevent contamination, and ensure reliable production lines.
MAKING THE INVESTMENT In 2022 there was a surge in drug recalls, with sterility failures topping the list for the first time in over six years, according to the Sedgwick 2023 State of the Nation Recall Index. This trend continued into 2023, with microbial and chemical contamination dominating recalls. Investing in corrosion-resistant and high-
precision bearings is therefore crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturers. These components play a pivotal role in maintaining stringent production standards, helping to prevent contamination risks and ensuring compliance with regulations.
SMB Bearings T: 01993 842555
www.smbbearings.com
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 35
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