Thordon Introduces New Bearing for Rudder Steering Linkage and Deck Equipment Applications

For Immediate Release - January 10, 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® self loader boom bushing at Grand Bahamas Shipyard

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 (4500 psi)
• 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 and 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.