
Dry powder environments are characterized as having fine, powdery particulates, with typical applications that include brick grinding, paper cutting, and gun mounting systems for the military. The video above, Simplicity Linear Bearings vs Bronze Bushing: Dirty Environment Demonstration, provides a simple but enlightening demonstration on the effects of fine particulates on bearings, and the advantages of Simplicity plain bearing over roller bushings within these environments. In the video, our Simplicity bearing is put into a bag with Portland cement. The inherent wiping action is evident, as is the close tolerance between shaft OD and bearing ID that works to keep out contaminants.
Washdown environments are predominately found in food processing applications. Bearing systems have a range of conditions to take into account, from high-pressure sprays and temperature to corrosive detergents. The harshest environments require plain bearing systems with stainless steel, while ball bearings allow contaminants to enter. Read our Linear Motion Design for Washdown Applications white paper for more information on washdown environments, or read our application story Washdown in Bottling Automation.
Large particulates can often contain wood or metal chips, with typical applications including wood milling and foundries. The close fit of plain bearings are ideal as they wipe away debris, while ball bearings will be inhibited by particles filling the raceways. V profiles will also work because of their ability to channel contaminates. Please read our application story on Simplicity in the Woodworking Industry.

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