Optimized Housing for Cutting Machines: High Thread Strength and Tribological Precision
For which customer was the housing developed?
For Bizerba, a leading provider of solutions in weighing, slicing, and labeling technology.
How is the grinding unit housing for cutting machines constructed?
The housing for the grinding unit of a cutting machine used at butcher counters is a plastic-metal hybrid component. It features metal bushings that are inserted and overmolded, as the bearing points and required thread strength cannot be achieved with plastic alone.
What technical requirements did the housing need to meet in terms of tribology, thread strength, and hygiene?
- Very high tribological demands at the bearing points
- Thread strength for secure component mounting
- Media resistance (dishwasher-safe)
- Daily use by butchers
What material and production optimizations helped reduce housing costs?
The material was changed to a cost-effective PPA recyclate that meets the required media resistance and mechanical strength.
Additionally, material savings were achieved by optimizing wall thicknesses. In production, the bushings are now automatically inserted directly into the mold.
How can thread strength be increased in plastic components?
By overmolding metal bushings, high torque resistance and long-term thread security can be achieved.
What are the advantages of a plastic-metal hybrid for cutting machines?
Hybrid solutions combine the lightness and cost-efficiency of plastic with the mechanical strength of metal – ideal for hygiene-critical equipment in the food industry.
How can the production costs of a housing be reduced?
Through targeted material selection (e.g., recyclates), wall thickness optimization, and automation of assembly steps such as in-mold bushing placement.
