Thordon Introduces New Bearing for Rudder Steering Linkage and Deck Equipment Applications
11 January 2006
Thordon Bearings Inc. a world leader in grease and oil-free bearing solutions has announced the introduction of ThorPlas®, a new proprietary engineered (non-elastomer) thermoplastic bearing.
ThorPlas has been formulated to complement the existing range of Thordon elastomer bearing grades and significantly expands the range of applications where Thordon bearings can be specified, while still maintaining many of the recognized Thordon performance benefits.
ThorPlas offers the following advantages:
- Greasing is eliminated, including the labor, cost and potential pollution source
- Increased strength and rigidity allowing working pressures in an interference fit bearing up to 31MPa (4,500psi)
- Internal lubricants formulated into ThorPlas reduce friction, resulting in smooth operation without lubrication
- Operates above and below the water line
- ThorPlas machines easily, and dust-free, to suit required dimensions
- Installation is quick and easy using freeze fit techniques
As part of Thordon's StageGate new product development program, Thordon has been test marketing ThorPlas since 2003 and has many installations in operation working successfully. Typical marine applications for ThorPlas include steering gear tiller arm and jockey-bar linkage bushings, fairleads and rope rollers, self unloader booms, cranes and hoists, barge trolleys, davits and gantrys, door and ramp hinge bushings and hydraulic cylinder rod ends.
Thordon Bearings Inc. designs and manufactures a complete range of environmentally friendly propeller shaft, rudder and deck equipment bearings for the global marine market. Recognized internationally for superior performance in marine applications, Thordon bearings has a worldwide customer service network in over 70 countries.
