otion systems used within the food processing industry face many challenges. Not only do they have to
maintain high-precision performance, deliver consistent repeatability, and operate reliably, but they need to be capable of withstanding frequent washdowns, resist caustic cleaning agents, and be easy to clean to meet strict hygiene standards. So when machine builder ARCtecno needed
a robust linear guide that could withstand the harsh conditions of continuous food production, it turned to HepcoMotion.
For this application, ARCtecno was developing an automated system for a leading meat processor that would remove plastic sausage casings. The company therefore needed a robust linear guide that could deliver precise, repeatable, motion while withstanding the harsh conditions faced in the food processing industry.
Constructed in stainless steel, SL2 is designed for demanding food-grade and washdown environments
To meet the requirements, HepcoMotion’s SL2 was selected for its ability to meet both motion performance and hygiene compliance, with four separate modules integrated into the machine to perform distinct functions. Constructed entirely from stainless steel, SL2 is designed for demanding food-grade and washdown environments. Its V guide technology provides a self-cleaning action that effectively clears debris from the contact surfaces, reducing maintenance and ensuring smooth operation. The corrosion-resistant slides and bearings offer long-term reliability, even in harsh conditions.
In the tip cutting module, SL2 is mounted vertically to cut the contour of the sausage tips, using a 200mm stroke with 0.5mm repeatability and a manually driven ball screw for precise control. For tip removal, horizontally face-down mounted SL2 systems use pneumatic cylinders to deliver a rapid 500mm stroke, efficiently extracting the casing tips with clips. The next module
features side-mounted
SL2s with a horizontal rail and vertical load, delivering a 1200mm stroke via belt drive for high-speed longitudinal casing cuts. Finally, four SL2 units are again mounted sideways in parallel, each with 200mm belt- driven strokes, to synchronously remove the loosened sausage casing. The various mounting orientations – particularly the face-down and side-mounted configurations – also offer hygienic advantages. They allow cleaning fluids to drain effectively during washdowns, preventing pooling and supporting faster, more hygienic, cleaning
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cycles. In addition, the use of flat slides minimises food traps, while the smooth, edge-free surfaces reduce contamination risk and simplify cleaning. For further protection, the system incorporates double row bearings with nitrile seals that are fully encapsulated and lubricated for life.
The machine processes sausages varying in size from 35 to 180mm in diameter and 1000 to 1200mm in length, at speeds of 1000 to 1800 pieces per hour. SL2’s ability to adapt to these changing speeds without compromising smooth, accurate motion was critical for successfully peeling both plastic and fibrous casing types. The HepcoMotion linear guide has enabled the manufacturer to achieve reliable high- speed motion, even in demanding washdown conditions. The low-maintenance design of the SL2 helped increase machine uptime, reducing the frequency of interventions and unplanned downtime. The system also delivered consistent, controlled linear motion, essential for maintaining the precision required during the sausage peeling process. Designed with flexibility in mind, the
SL2’s modular design allows for seamless integration into existing machinery.
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