FUCHS Lubricants

FUCHS Lubricants for Food & Beverage Processing

FUCHS manufactures lubricants for food and beverage processing, packaging, manufacturing and other industrial applications where equipment reliability and appropriate lubricant selection are important.

For food-processing environments, FUCHS offers product families including CASSIDA and FM lubricants for hydraulic systems, gearboxes, bearings, chains, pneumatic equipment and other machinery. Many food-grade FUCHS products are NSF H1 registered for applications where incidental food contact may occur, while individual certifications and specifications should always be confirmed for the specific product being used.

Which FUCHS Lubricant Is Right for Your Equipment?

The right lubricant depends on the equipment, operating conditions and required food-industry certifications. A hydraulic system, gearbox, conveyor chain and bearing may all require different lubricant types and viscosities.

FUCHS Hydraulic Oils for Food-Processing Equipment

FUCHS offers food-grade hydraulic fluids in multiple viscosity grades for hydraulic systems used in food and beverage processing and packaging.

For example, the FM HYDRAULIC OIL series is available in ISO VG 15, 32, 46, 68 and 100. FUCHS lists these products for hydraulic systems, hydrostatic gears, bearings, circulating systems and some general-purpose lubrication applications. The series is NSF H1 registered and carries additional food-industry certifications.

How do I choose between ISO 32, 46 and 68 hydraulic oil?

Start with the equipment manufacturer's recommended viscosity.

Operating temperature, load, pump design and system requirements can all affect the correct viscosity. A lower viscosity grade may be appropriate for some colder or higher-speed applications, while a higher viscosity may be required under warmer operating conditions or where the equipment specifically calls for it.

The goal is not to choose the thickest oil. It is to use the viscosity the system was designed around.

Suggested links:

• FUCHS Hydraulic Oils
• CASSIDA FLUID HF
• Food-Grade Hydraulic Oils

FUCHS Gear Oils for Food & Beverage Equipment

Gearboxes in food-processing facilities may operate under heavy loads, elevated temperatures, moisture exposure and frequent washdown conditions.

FUCHS offers both FM and CASSIDA gear lubricants in a range of viscosities and formulations for different gear types and operating conditions.

The CASSIDA FLUID GLE series, for example, is a synthetic food-grade gear lubricant designed for demanding applications and environments where water, juice or food contamination may occur.

What should I consider when choosing a food-grade gear oil?

Important factors include:

• Manufacturer-required viscosity
• Gear type
• Load
• Operating speed
• Temperature
• Water exposure
• Base-oil compatibility
• Food-industry certification requirements

A product's food-grade status does not replace the need to match the mechanical requirements of the gearbox.

FUCHS Food-Grade Greases

FUCHS offers food-grade greases for bearings, conveyors, motors and other lubrication points throughout food and beverage facilities.

Different greases are designed for different conditions, including:

• General-purpose lubrication
• Heavy loads
• Extreme-pressure applications
• High temperatures
• Water and washdown exposure
• Low-temperature operation

FUCHS Lubricants for Pneumatic Equipment

Food-production facilities often use compressed-air equipment, pneumatic actuators, lifters and air tools.

FM AIR LUBE AA is specifically designed for airline lubrication in food and beverage processing and packaging environments. FUCHS lists applications including pneumatic actuators, air motors and air tools, with performance characteristics intended to help control corrosion, condensate and deposit formation. It is NSF H1 registered. 

What Does NSF H1 Mean for FUCHS Lubricants?

NSF H1 identifies lubricants intended for equipment in food-processing environments where incidental food contact may occur.

It does not mean the lubricant is intended to be deliberately added to food.

Applications may include:

• Hydraulic systems
• Gearboxes
• Bearings
• Chains
• Pneumatic equipment
• Conveyors
• Packaging machinery

What Is ISO 21469?

ISO 21469 addresses hygienic requirements for lubricants used in environments where incidental contact with food, beverages, pharmaceuticals or related products may occur.

FUCHS states that its CASSIDA food-grade lubricants are manufactured in facilities certified to ISO 21469. 

Where Can FUCHS Food-Grade Lubricants Be Used?

FUCHS food-grade lubricants are used across many areas of food and beverage production, including:

Bakeries and Confectionery

Lubrication may be required for chains, bearings, conveyors, hydraulic systems and equipment operating near ovens or other high-temperature areas. FUCHS specifically offers chain oils, hydraulic fluids, gear oils and high-temperature greases for bakery applications.

Beverage and Brewing Facilities

Breweries, bottling plants and beverage facilities may require food-grade lubricants for conveyors, fillers, gearboxes, hydraulic systems and packaging equipment.

Meat, Poultry and Food Processing

Washdowns, moisture, contamination control and heavy equipment loads can make water resistance and corrosion protection especially important.

Dairy Facilities

Pumps, conveyors, packaging machinery and processing equipment may all contain lubrication points where food-grade requirements apply.

Packaging Operations

Packaging equipment can include chains, bearings, pneumatic components, hydraulic systems and gear drives that require different types of lubricant.