Lubrication efficiency in capping head rollers
Saving €1,400/year with H1 dry-film lubrication
Initial situation
At a bottling facility producing up to 42,000 bottles of non-alcoholic beverages per day, the capping heads rely on spring-loaded pressure rollers for consistent sealing. These rollers were seizing frequently due to hardened lubricant residue. As a result, operators had to stop the line several times a day to clean and reapply grease manually. The cumulative downtime and labour time impacted both output and cost-efficiency.
Solution
The plant switched to Interflon Food Lube (aerosol), a high-performance, food-grade lubricant (NSF-H1) enhanced with MicPol® technology. This dry-film lubricant:
- Displaces moisture and penetrates into tight clearances
- Frees seized components and dissolves hardened residues
- Prevents rust and corrosion in high-humidity bottling environments
- Leaves a clean, dry lubricating film that resists dirt and wear
The aerosol format makes it easy to apply precisely, even in hard-to-reach areas, without over-application or contamination risk.
Result
By lubricating the rollers once per day instead of multiple times, the capping mechanism now runs smoothly regardless of the beverage type.
There is no more lubricant hardening, no need for daily cleaning, and roller motion remains consistent throughout shifts.
This operational improvement resulted in:
- Elimination of five cleaning and relubrication routines per week
- 40 hours of labour saved annually (10 minutes × 5 days × 50 weeks)
- €1,400 in annual labour cost savings (based on an operator rate of €35/hour)
In addition, reducing unplanned interventions improved output stability and minimised unnecessary handling of food-contact components.
Conclusion
Switching to Interflon Food Lube (aerosol) with MicPol® technology significantly reduced downtime and maintenance effort on a critical part of the bottling line. It reduces friction, repels moisture, and prevents residue build-up, resulting in measurable labour cost savings and improved production continuity.
