Food processing and beverage washdown areas are unique environments that undergo harsh treatment from high pressure washers, steam, and a multitude of caustic chemicals used in the cleaning and sanitizing production equipment. OEMs and maintenance departments need to select components that will not trap contaminating debris and can be thoroughly evacuated following Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs). SSOPs are detailed schedules and procedures specifying what to clean, how to clean, how often to clean, and the record keeping used for monitoring.

A helpful component selection guide from LM76, "Linear Bearings, 6 Simple Steps - FDA Compliance, Wash Down Compliance," details the linear motion components available from LM76 that are FDA/UDSA/3A-Dairy compliant. Included are: Foodstream electrodeless nickel plated pillow blocks, PTFE lined stainless steel bearings, ceramic coated linear bearings, self-aligning corrosion resistant linear ball bearings, and Thomson® Super SmartTM corrosion resistant, self-aligning, high load linear ball bearings. Shafting to compliment the type of bearing selected includes: Class L Stainless 303/304/316, 440C case hardened stainless, Rc 60 case hardened steel with an Armoloy coating and also Rc78 Class L for enhanced hardness and wear resistance.  End blocks and shaft supports that have a ceramic or electrodeless nickel coating are also available, as well as new ETX Scraper Seals that prevents intrusion of contaminates adding another line of defense. LM76 also designs and custom builds linear slides from Stainless Steel and other FDA wash down compliant materials.