Great sporting achievements are built on precision, endurance and the ability to perform under immense pressure. Those same qualities come to mind at Vesconite Bearings when reflecting on one of the company’s most remarkable engineering accomplishments, the production of the largest bearing it has ever manufactured.
This colossal bearing, produced in 2016, measured an impressive 16 metres in diameter. To put this in perspective, this is almost the size of the centre circle of a soccer pitch, which is 18.30 metres in diameter.
The bearing was supplied in dozens of segments to support a turbine that harnessed energy from ocean tides. One set of segments formed an outside diameter to locate the giant rotating impeller of the turbine. The other set of segments formed a thrust bearing against which the impeller rotated. The comparison to the centre circle of a soccer field offers a tangible way to appreciate the sheer size of this engineering feat.
“Producing such a massive bearing was a significant milestone for us,” says Dr Jean-Patrick Leger, CEO at Vesconite Bearings.
“It showcased our capability to deliver customised, large-scale solutions for various industries. Each time the Olympics or the Soccer World Cup comes around, we fondly remember the dedication and innovation that went into creating that giant segmented bearing.”
Vesconite Bearings continues to be at the forefront of bearing technology, producing a range of large bearings, many of which are created from staves.
The company’s commitment to excellence ensures that the bearings meet the demanding requirements of its clients, whether for energy generation, marine applications, or other industrial uses.
