Thordon deck equipment bushings are an ideal replacement for bronze and other non-metallic bearings in deck equipment applications. ThorPlas-Blue is a homogeneous, self-lubricating polymer bearing capable of withstanding operating pressures up to 45 MPa (6,527 psi) installed in a full-form, interference-fit configuration. It is an engineered thermoplastic, offering very low wear in non-abrasive environments with several tests showing low friction and low wear.

Deck machinery and steering gear bearings require frequent maintenance and grease lubrication. If routine maintenance is delayed or greasing is overlooked, it has a high cost consequence for the ship owner – seized bearings can cause expensive rope replacement, excessive vibration resulting on damaged pistons and cylinders while it compromises crew safety as a result of manual greasing.

ThorPlas-Blue delivers superior performance in all deck machinery applications with some important characteristics:

• Does not require grease or greasing systems to ensure smooth operation
• Eliminates frequent maintenance / reduces labor cost
• Life-time lubricated – lubricants in the homogeneous polymer ensure a low, stable friction coefficient, even as the bearing wears
• Wear rates are very low compared to greased bronze ensuring long life time and reduced maintenance costs
• Long bearing wear life with no maintenance
• Eliminates safety issues when manually greasing bearings in hard to reach locations
• Easily and safely machined on-board
• Installation is quick and easy
• Environmental friendly

ThorPlas-Blue was developed as a maintenance free solution to replace greased bronze bearings, eliminating a source of pollution as well. It is available in a range of sizes and can be easily machined to the dimensions required for the following applications:

• Fairlead bearings, mooring gear and washers
• Winches
• Tiller arm and jockey bar bearings
• Pivot point bushings on embarkation and loading platforms
• Door and ramp hinge bearings
• Lifeboat/tender davit and sheave bearings
• Hydraulic steering gear self-aligning bearings
• Cranes, chain hoists and deck loading bearings
• Watertight doors and hatches
• Capstans, gantries
• Hatch cover rollers
• Steering gear ram and linkage pins

Thordon Bearings has been the leading manufacturer of seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearings, grease-free rudder and deck equipment bearings and other shaftline products for the global marine market for over 35 years.