A range of the latest LM Guides from THK are being used by Apple Engineering in its high accuracy, multi-purpose filling and depositing machines, for food applications.  In particular, the THK products are playing an important role in improving the cycle times and utility of Apple Engineering’s top of the range machines.

Based in Hull, Apple Engineering is using two types of THK LM Guide, the type SHS with Caged Ball™ technology and the type JR, to control the motion of multi-head depositing units.  These units inject liquid and semi-solid ingredients, with or without particulate pieces, into a wide variety of products such as gateaux, pizzas, pies and desserts.

“We changed to THK’s LM Guides from a previous supplier, as the units we used were not fully meeting the levels of accuracy and fast cycle times demanded by the users of our machinery,” said Steve Smith, Managing Director at Apple Engineering. 

“The SHS guides in particular give excellent high speed performance and, in common with the JR guides, are easy to install and exhibit excellent stiffness and longevity.”
THK’s LM Guides were first used by Apple Engineering to complete an order for a multi-action machine for producing desserts with a checker board design, achieved by using two different coloured mousses.  The caged ball LM Guides were used to control the movement of a multi-head depositing unit on a packaging line system and had to provide steady, consistent motion, as well as playing a role in minimising noise from a system that had a combined weight of three tonnes.

This was achievable with THK’s caged ball technology, as it offers a number of advantages over conventional linear motion guides. These benefits stem from the equal spacing of the balls and the retention of the lubricating grease between the balls in the block, and include high speed, high precision, smooth linear movement; reduced noise output; minimal variations in rolling resistance and long term, maintenance free operation.

More recently, the largest machine manufactured to date by Apple Engineering was an injection system for the American manufacturer of ‘Twinkys’, a small filled cake product. One hundred and eight Twinkys had to be injected in one cycle, with a total 2 tonne through cycle.  THK’s LM Guides again proved themselves, being ideal for this demanding level of production due to their robust stainless steel construction.

Steve Smith commented, “THK’s LM Guides suit the type of top quality manufacturing that we carry out; they are easy to install, even on fabricated surfaces and in tight spaces.  This is ideal for our machines, which need to be robust but are often used in factories where space is at a premium.  We sell on quality and long term machine reliability; for example, we have just had a depositor returned for servicing for the first time after 16 years of use.  It is therefore essential that specialised component parts, such as those supplied by THK, match that level of quality.”

Apple Engineering also uses THK’s BLK and BTK ballscrews in the machinery used to manufacture its range of filling and depositing systems.  BLK rolled ballscrews help to ensure high speed movement of machine functions, while BTK ballscrews provide accurate and consistent control of specific functions.

Apple Engineering provides the food industry with an all embracing bespoke design, development, manufacture, servicing and installation service.  The company has won international recognition and awards for its specialised processing equipment and exports throughout Europe, the United States and Asia, to organisations that include Birds Eye, Wall’s, Heinz foods, McVitie Group, Oscar Mayer, and Nestlé.

”THK has an excellent range of caged ball guides, and a good delivery schedule”, continued Steve Smith, “The customer service is also excellent, as was proven when we had problems with a delivery to the USA; THK provided a local technician and resolved the problem for us in a matter of hours.  However, due to the reliability of THK LM Guides, we have rarely had to call upon this service.”

For further information contact Diane Gregory, THK U.K. 26 Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes.  MK13 9HA.  Tel: 01908 222159.  Fax: 01908 222161.  Email:  dg@thk.co.uk