Motion guidance systems ensure hygienic, long-life automation in food processing

BMG supplies and supports high-specification linear motion systems from Rollon, which are engineered for high-performance automation in many industries, including food processing, where hygiene, durability and operational continuity are essential.

“Meat, poultry and fish processing lines place unique stresses on automation components, which is why selection of the correct equipment is so critical,” says Leon Koekemoer, BMG’s Linearway & Ball Screw Product Specialist. “Rollon motion guidance systems have been developed in line with stringent industry regulations for global hygiene standards and offer advantages over conventional guides and actuators. Rollon’s advanced sealing technology, corrosion resistance and durable materials ensure extended service life, while reducing the risk of product contamination and mechanical failure. We also recommend the use of FDA-compatible lubricants to further ensure food-safety compliance.

“Rollon’s MiniRoller Rail and ELM actuator systems provide OEMs and integrators with solutions that endure continuous duty and aggressive sanitation, without compromising motion precision or operational reliability. These robust systems have a sealed design, with corrosion resistance and features for easy cleaning, required for continuous operation in aggressive washdown and contamination-sensitive environments.

The Rollon MiniRoller Rail delivers a compact, roller-bearing linear guide system with induction-hardened raceways (58–62 HRC) and preload-adjustable stainless-steel rollers. This configuration ensures smooth, quiet travel and minimal backlash under moderate loads. Misalignment tolerance supports installation of less-than-perfect mounting surfaces, while the slider body and rollers are manufactured from Stainless Steel to resist rust and chemical attack. The rail itself is nickel-plated and hardened to withstand mechanical shock and caustic cleaning fluids.

The MiniRoller Rail supports loads of up to 720 N per roller (depending on size), with travel speeds up to 1.5 m/s and acceleration rates of up to 50 m/s². This system, which is designed for compact machinery where space and hygiene are critical, is suitable for slicing, deboning, conveying, and robotic picking systems in red meat, poultry and seafood lines.

For linear actuator applications in food processing, specialists recommend the use of the Rollon ELM series, which offers a sealed belt-drive solution with internal recirculating ball guides housed in an extruded aluminium profile. A polyurethane sealing strip shields internal components from high-pressure washdowns and airborne contaminants. To enhance sealing performance, the unit can be positively or negatively pressurised (typically 0.7–0.8 bar). An anti-corrosion version with Stainless Steel components is available for applications with direct fluid exposure or for use in corrosive atmospheres, like brine and blood-rich zones typical of poultry evisceration or fish gutting lines.

The ELM actuator supports stroke lengths up to 6 m and loads up to 2,000 N, with travel speeds up to 5 m/s depending on model. This system is engineered to reduce downtime and minimise maintenance in harsh environments by avoiding exposed mechanical components and enabling rapid cleaning cycles. Mounting options and drive configurations can be customised, and integration into multi-axis systems is straightforward due to the profile’s modular compatibility.

The BMG team offers full engineering support, including CAD configuration, integration assistance, product selection and lifecycle optimisation services. Rollon systems are ideally suited for OEMs building hygienic conveyors, portioners, sorters, cutters and handling systems across food protein processing environments.

BMG’s Rollon portfolio includes linear guides, telescopic rails, actuators and multi-axis systems, as well as ball screws and rotational units – engineered to function reliably in heavy-duty industrial operations. These robust components withstand high loads, continuous use and exposure to harsh environments, making them suitable for other sectors including automotive assembly, electronics manufacturing, packaging and materials handling.