Hobart Corporation in Ohio uses igus ® plastic bearings in a commercial appliance known as a dough mixer. Hobart mixers have set the industry standard for more than 75 years due to their reliability, durability, versatility and outstanding performance.

Hobart’s new 60-quart mixer to replace the existing machine included several enhancements, most notably a swing out bowl. The bowl enables customers to access the end product easier by clearing the head of the machine. A loading pin was used to secure the bowl while mixing. To release, a lever is pressed and the bowl is free to move out. The locking mechanism is an important part of the design because it allows the bowl to swing in and out and needs to be functional for the mixer to work.

The mixer encounters high contamination such as flour, sugar and other baking materials, which could work its way into the latch and cause it to stick.

Hobart’s solution was iglide ® J, a linear plain bearing designed for high speeds and high wear resistance. Because the bearing is plastic, it is also contamination resistant and chemical resistant. The bearing is slotted as well to allow the baking ingredients to flow through the design. Warrant calls and service problems are greatly reduced as a result.