Thermoplastic – Built for the Trade
Thermoplastic bearing units are made for harsh, wet, and hygiene-critical environments. Built from moulded polymers with stainless inserts, they resist corrosion, clean easily, and keep contaminants out.
They’re a staple in food, pharma, washdown areas, and anywhere traditional housings don’t last.
Godiva Bearings stocks, green, white and black thermoplastic pillow blocks, flanged units, and inserts in the sizes the trade uses most, Metric and Imperial and always ready to ship. Always trade-only.
What Is Thermoplastic?
In bearing units, thermoplastic refers to a moulded polymer housing combined with a stainless steel bearing insert. These housings are non-corrosive, lightweight, and resistant to chemicals.
They are:
- Sealed and grease-filled
- Designed to prevent bacterial growth
- Compatible with washdown and aggressive cleaners
Godiva Bearings supplies:
- Pillow blocks (2-bolt)
- Flanged units (square and oval)
- Take-up units
- Housings only or complete units
What Are They Made Of?
Typical materials include:
- PBT or polypropylene – Durable thermoplastics with high chemical resistance
- Stainless steel inserts (AISI 304/316) – For corrosion-proof bearing operation
- Food-grade seals and lubrication – NSF-approved options for hygiene-critical zones
Different coloured housings available for visual cleanliness and compliance.
Where Is Thermoplastic Used?
These units are generally found where water, chemicals, or hygiene requirements rule out cast iron.
Common trade uses include:
- Food processing: Slicers, conveyors, and handling lines
- Beverage bottling: Rinse zones, fillers, and packaging stations
- Pharmaceutical production: Washdown and sterile environments
- Dairy and meat plants: High humidity and salt exposure
- Clean rooms and labs: No corrosion or flaking
- Marine or outdoor use: Lightweight and water-resistant
- Chemical processing: Resistance to caustics and acids
If the environment is hostile to metal, thermoplastic is the answer.
What Do They Help Prevent?
When correctly fitted, these bearing units prevent:
- Rust and corrosion in washdown areas
- Bacterial growth in exposed housings
- Damage from high-pressure cleaning
- Seizing due to contaminated lubricant
- Short service life from chemical attack
They’re clean, sealed, and built to survive the environment.
Installation, Use and Maintenance Tips
Trade installation guidance:
- Mount on flat, clean surfaces
- Use stainless bolts or fixings
- Torque evenly to avoid cracking the housing
- Don’t over-grease – units are pre-lubricated
- Inspect seals regularly for wear or ingress
Replace complete units at signs of housing fatigue.
Conclusion: Clean, Tough, and Reliable
Thermoplastic units don’t rust, don’t flake, and don’t need constant attention. They’re the fit-and-forget solution for hostile environments.
Godiva Bearings stocks thermoplastic housings and inserts in the full range of Metric and Imperial sizes. Ready for same-day trade dispatch and expert advice.
