Thordon Bearings Inc. (Ontario, Canada) said it has introduced a new proprietary thermoplastic non-elastomer bearing material, making thermoplastic an option for a wider array of industrial journal bearings.

The material, called ThorPlas™, complements Thordon's existing range of self-lubricating elasomeric bearings, but significantly widens the range of potential applications. In particular, Thordon is targeting applications where greased bronze bushings are currently specified.

The material has been in live market test for three years. In a grappler bucket application, where nylon bearings have a three week service life, ThorPlas bearings lasted five months.

ThorPlas is essentially a stronger and more rigid bearing material than similar thermoplastics; it tolerates working pressures up to 4,500 psi in an interference fit bearing and has a wider operating temperature range. In water, the peak is 175°F; running dry, the peak is 230°F.

Thordon indicates it expects target applications and markets for the material will be condensate pumps, grappler finger bearings, wash line conveyor bearings, agitator and doctor roller bushings for pulp and paper mills, travelling screens, steady bearings on mine dump trucks, and lift gate sheave bearings.

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