Breakthrough Bottling Lubricant
Description
DuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers has collaborated with Regina Chain on Regina e-F.A.S.T. material used in conveyors for high-speed, dry-running bottling operations. Combining DuPont Delrin acetal homopolymer with advanced slip technology, the e-F.A.S.T. (ecological friction abating sliding thermoplastic) material avoids the need for traditional external lubricants used during bottling and other filling operations. By delivering a constant, low coefficient of friction (COF) in conveyor chains and belts, e-F.A.S.T. allows bottles to move smoothly and reduces wear and tear to lengthen maintenance and replacement cycles.
From an environmental perspective, eliminating dust-collecting lubricants minimizes the need to wash the conveyor, reducing water usage and avoiding wastewater disposal issues. Thanks to its constant low COF, the e-F.A.S.T. technology also lowers the amount of energy needed to run the conveyor.
The close collaboration between DuPont and Regina—from design to testing and prototyping—enabled the successful development and commercialization of the e-F.A.S.T. material. DuPont notably performed tribology work and conducted extensive testing at Regina’s facility in Latina, Italy, and its customers’ sites. The team also developed a conveyor line prototype at the DuPont European Technical Center in Meyrin, Switzerland, to simulate real-world conditions.
DuPont and Regina Chain collaborated to develop the e-F.A.S.T. (ecological friction abating sliding thermoplastic) material used for conveyors for high-speed, dry-running bottling operations. Combining DuPont™ Delrin® acetal homopolymer with advanced slip technology, the e-F.A.S.T. material avoids the need for traditional external lubricants used during bottling and other filling operations.