R7(TYP)

ThorPlas Bearings “B” GROOVES

R“C”(TYP)

ENGINEERING MANUAL
EQ. SPACED

For ThorPlas-Blue & ThorPlas-White

Version: TP2019.1

BEARING

ØA + (2*C
A

PROJECTED AREA

I.D TH
. LENG
R3

R7
HYDRAULIC
RAM

BEARING I.D.
METAL CAP

25 mm THORPLAS
BEARING

25° LEAD-IN
CHAMBER

CHAMFER AT
LEADING EDGE OF
THE HOUSING
A
SYMBOLS AND UNITS
Units APPROXIMATE COMPARISON OF
VARIOUS HARDNESS SCALES
Metric Imperial
Ct = Thermal Expansion Allowance mm inches
Cs = Absorption Allowance mm inches
d = Shaft Diameter mm inches
Eo = Modulus of Elasticity MPa psi
I.D. = Inside Diameter of Bearing mm inches
O.D. = Outside Diameter of Bearing mm inches
L = Length of Bearing mm inches
N = Shaft Speed R.P.M. R.P.M.
P = Pressure MPa psi
Machine Shop Ambient Temperature
Ta = °C °F
(Nominally 21°C (70°F))
To = Operating Temperature °C °F
W.T. = Wall Thickness of Bearing mm inches
α = Coefficient of Thermal Expansion °C °F
µ = Coefficient of Friction - -
V = Velocity m/sec. ft./min.
𝛄 = Poisson’s Ratio

FREEZE FIT COOLANT TEMPERATURES

Dry Ice: -78°C (-109°F)
Liquid Nitrogen: -196°C (-320°F). Vapours ONLY. (See page 27)
Note: All clearances referred to in this manual are diametrical clearances.

METRIC CONVERSION TABLE

• Length
1 Metre (m) = 39.37 Inches (in.)
1 Millimetre (mm) = 0.03937 Inches (in.)
• Mass
1 Kilogram (kg) = 2.205 lbs.
• Force
1 Newton (N) = 0.2248 lbs.
• Pressure OTHER THORDON TECHNICAL
* 1 kg/cm2 = 14.223 psi (lbs./in.2) INFORMATION AVAILABLE
** 1 Mega Pascal (MPa) = 145 psi (lbs./in.2)
a. Thordon Engineering Manual
1 N/mm2 = 145 psi (lbs./in.2) = 1 MPa
(for Thordon elastomeric bearings)
1 MPa = 10.197 kgf/cm2
1 Bar = 1.019 kg/cm2 b. Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program
1 Mega Pascal (MPa) = 10 Bar
Please contact your local Thordon Distributor or
* Kilo = 1,000 Thordon Bearings Inc. if you require any of the above.
** Mega = 1,000,000

ThorPlas® is a registered trademark owned by Thordon Bearings Inc.

INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04
2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
a) General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
b) Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
c) Friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
d) Self Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
e) Effect of Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
f) Effect of Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
g) Material Stiffness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
h) Chemical Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07
i) Typical Physical Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08
3. DESIGN GUIDE
a) Application Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09
b) Bearing Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09
c) Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09
d) PV Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
e) Water Flow Grooves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
f) Wall Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
g) Mating Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
h) Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
i) L/D Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
j) Abrasive Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
k) Impact and Shock Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4. APPLICATION DESIGN
a) Application Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
b) Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
c) Bore Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
d) Running Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
e) Absorption Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
f) Thermal Expansion Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
g) Machining Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
h) Minimum Installed Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
i) Machined Bearing OD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
j) Bearing ID and Wall Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
k) Bearing Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
l) Bearing Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
m) Using the Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
n) Step-by-Step Manual Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5. MACHINING INSTRUCTIONS
a) General Machining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
b) Groove Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
c) Chamfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
d) Step-by-Step Machining Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
e) Machining Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
a) Freeze Fit Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
b) Press Fit Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
APPENDIX 1
Shaft and Housing Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
 1. INTRODUCTION ThorPlas-White is an engineered thermoplastic alloy that
was specifically developed to operate as a component
Thordon Bearings produces several bearing grades that used in the processing, production, or packaging of
offer specific operating advantages in different applications. food products. It is a bearing material that can operate
The ThorPlas family of products - ThorPlas-Blue and in equipment that is used for the treatment & distribution
ThorPlas-White has been formulated to complement the of potable water. It has been approved by the NSF
existing range of Thordon elastomer bearing grades and International Certification for NSF/ANSI 61 as well as NSF/
significantly expands the range of applications where ANSI 51. The latter is the highest certification achievable
Thordon bearings can be specified, while still maintaining for food equipment which includes direct food contact
many of the recognized Thordon performance benefits. with all food types. NSF International Standard/American
Compared to Thordon elastomer bearings, The ThorPlas National Standard for Food Equipment, designated as an
family offers better dimensional stability in water and ANSI standard dated October 5, 2014 published by NSF
through a wide range of temperatures, so can be installed International, states that ‘21 C.F.R. §§170-199, Food and
with tighter clearances in applications such as vertical Drug’ document constitutes provisions of the NSF/ANSI 51
pumps. Standard. Based on the above certification and standard,
ThorPlas-White complies with FDA regulations. ThorPlas-
Proprietary engineered thermoplastics, the ThorPlas family
White also received WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory
of materials are homogeneous, self-lubricating polymer
Scheme) approval in January 2014.
materials, offering low friction and typically installed in a
full-form, interference-fit bearing configuration.
The guidelines in this manual have been developed to ensure
ThorPlas-Blue was formulated for use in hydro-turbine
that the ThorPlas family of products is designed, machined
wicket gate and operating linkage applications, as well as
and installed correctly. They will also help to ensure the
for high pressure industrial and marine bearing applications
safety of all personnel during the handling, machining and
capable of withstanding operating pressures up to 45 MPa
installation of the ThorPlas material.
(6527 psi). Other applications where ThorPlas-Blue has
performed successfully include vertical pumps and marine This information is offered as part of our service to customers.
deck equipment where oil and grease have been eliminated. It is intended for use by persons having technical training
and skill, at their own discretion and risk. All operations
should be performed by individuals using suitable protective
equipment.
If there are any questions regarding the procedures or
performance of any of the ThorPlas products, contact
Thordon Bearings Inc. at (905) 335-1440 or by e-mail:
info@thordonbearings.com
The company reserves the right to change or amend any
specification without notice. The sole, exclusive and only
responsibility of Thordon Bearings Inc. (’the Company’) to
any customer or distributor of the Company’s products for
any claims, damages, losses or liabilities arising out of, or
relating to, any products supplied by the Company, and
the Company’s sole, exclusive and only warranty shall be
in accordance with the Company’s Limited Warranty and
statements limiting its liability set out on page 30 of this
manual. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be
liable for special, indirect, or consequential damages.

4 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES b) Pressure
The high strength and low creep of the ThorPlas family of
a) General materials enables it to support high operating pressures.
The development of the ThorPlas family of products is part Maximum dynamic design pressure is 45 MPa (6527 psi)
of Thordon’s ongoing program of creating new bearing for ThorPlas-Blue and ThorPlas-White either operating
materials to meet specific needs. Thordon recognized dry or lubricated by water, oil or grease (for corrosion
the need for a high pressure, low friction homogeneous protection purposes).
bearing material that could be installed as a full form (not Peak static pressure is 60 MPa (8702 psi).
requiring a metal or other rigid backing) bearing. The
c) Friction
ThorPlas family was first introduced in 2001, and is the
The dry coefficient of friction is 0.10. (See Figure 3 on page 8)
result of more than 10 years of research.
In water, it is 0.10 to 0.17. Low friction enables ThorPlas-
The main properties and features of the ThorPlas family are:
Blue and ThorPlas-White to be used in vertical pumps with
• Proprietary grades, crystalline, lubricated engineering dry startup requirements.
thermoplastics
• Wear/abrasion resistance d) Self Lubrication
• Low friction, self-lubricating, high pressure-velocity The ThorPlas materials are homogeneous polymers with
(PV) limit lubricants to lower friction and wear formulated into the
• Dimensional stability through the normal range of molecular structure. Once the bearing enters service and
working temperatures a transfer film of solid lubricant is established between
• Strength and low creep the shaft and the bearing, friction stabilizes for the life of
• Maximum continuous service temperature in water or oil: the bearing. Because the lubricants are evenly dispersed
80°C (176°F). throughout the material, machining has no adverse effect
Note: Anti-rotation devices required above 70°C (158°F) on its properties.
• Maximum continuous service temperature in air: e) Effect of Water
110°C (230°F).
Note: Anti-rotation devices required above 70°C (158°F) Long term testing of the ThorPlas family of materials
indicates that water absorption is minimal. For design
• Minimal water absorption purposes a factor of 0.15% of wall thickness is used for
• Chemical resistance water absorption. The same factor is also used for oil or
• Easily machined without affecting the coefficient of grease absorption.
friction or the self-lubricating properties
When the ThorPlas family is subjected to continuous
The following applications take full advantage of the
immersion in hot water, i.e. above 80°C (176°F), the
engineered thermoplastic alloy properties. The maximum
material chemically deteriorates over time due to a reaction
dynamic design pressure of 45 MPa (6527 psi) for
with the hot water. This deterioration or breakdown is
ThorPlas-Blue and ThorPlas-White is high enough that
known as hydrolysis. The surface of the material softens
the material can be used in virtually all water control
initially and then eventually cracks and breaks. Hydrolysis
mechanism applications in hydro turbines. The low friction
will also occur with other high temperature liquids with a
and low water absorption make the material ideal for
high aqueous content.
vertical pump applications, particularly where dry start-up
is required. As the ThorPlas family operates grease free, it
is perfect for highly loaded marine, industrial and food/
beverage applications where grease lubrication is difficult
and sporadic, causing failure of bronze and other metallic
bearings.

Typical example of ThorPlas bearing with hydrolysis.

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 5

 f) Effect of Temperature g) Material Stiffness
The ThorPlas family of products are less affected by Bearing stiffness is dependent on both size parameters and
changes in temperature than most engineered plastics. physical properties. The size parameters are the bearing
The coefficient of thermal expansion is 4.6e-5 °C -1 or length, diameter and wall thickness.
2.5e-5 °F -1. This thermal expansion allowance, although The physical property to be considered is the Compressive
small, must be considered when dimensioning a ThorPlas Young’s Modulus (Eo) of the bearing material, which is
bearing. equal to the compressive stress divided by the compressive
Retaining rings or mechanical retention should be used for strain. Bearing stiffness can be roughly estimated from:
temperatures over 70°C (158°F). Stiffness = (L x D x Eo)/t
The maximum operating temperature in water is where: L = Bearing Length: mm (in.)
80°C (176°F). D = Bearing Diameter: mm (in.)
In a dry environment, the maximum operating temperature Eo = Compressive Young’s Modulus: MPa (psi)
is 110°C (230°F). t = Wall Thickness (W.T.): mm (in.)
For bearings with equal size parameters the bearing
material stiffness is directly proportional to the value of
the Compressive Young’s Modulus for the material. Figure
1 gives the value of the Compressive Young’s Modulus
of Elasticity (Eo) for various materials commonly used as
bearings.

COMPRESSIVE YOUNG’S
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (EO)
Material Eo (MPa) Eo (psi)
Thordon SXL 440 64,000
UHMWPE 480 70,000
Thordon XL 490 71,000
Thordon HPSXL 650 94,250
Laminated Phenolic 2,500 362,594
Nylon 2,750 400,000
ThorPlas Family 3,280 476,000
White Metal 33,500 4,860,000
Steel 206,900 30,000,000
Figure 1: Compressive Young’s Modulus

In engineering calculations, the stiffness of bearing support

structures is often in a range between 0.5 to 1.00 MN/mm
(2.8 to 5.7 x 106 lbs/inch).
This is much less than the typical ThorPlas bearing stiffness
of 40 to 150 MN/mm (224 to 860 x 106 lbs/inch).
As a result, the influence of bearing material stiffness (such
as ThorPlas materials) are normally not considered in
dynamic vibration calculations. If more detailed evaluation
is required, contact Thordon Bearings.

6 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

h) Chemical Compatibility
THORDON CHEMICAL RESISTANCE CHART
Thordon Thordon
Chemical/Fluid ThorPlas® Chemical/Fluid ThorPlas®
Elastomers Elastomers
Salt solutions (Aq.) A A Hydrocarbon/fuels A A-D
Ammonium chloride A A Aromatic hydrocarbons A D
Calcium chloride A A-B Benzene A D
Cupric chloride A A Toluene A D
Magnesium chloride A A Xylene A D
Potassium chloride A A Aliphatic – gasoline, grease A A-B
Sodium chloride A A-B Lubricating oils (petroleum) A B
Weak acids (Aq.) A-B B-D Liquid propane gas A B-C
Acetic acid B D Chlorinated Solvents C-D D
Benzoic acid A D Ethylene Chloride C D
Boric acid A A-B Chloroform C D
Carbonic acid A A Alcohols A D
Chromic acid A D Ethanol A D
Citric acid A A Methanol A D
Formic acid, 5% A D Isopropyl alcohol A D
Lactic acid A B-D Ketones A-B D
Strong acids A-C B-D Methyl ethyl ketone A D
Hydrochloric, 10% C B Acetone B D
Nitric acid, 0.1% A C Ethers A D
Phosphoric acid, 3% A A Diethyl ether A D
Sulphuric, 5% A B-C Isopropyl ether A B
Sulphuric, concentrated C D Esters A D
Weak bases A-B A-C Ethyl acetate A D
Ammonia 10% Aq. A A Methyl acetate A D
Magnesium hydroxide, 10% B C Freon 12 A A-C
Potassium carbonate A B Detergents, Organic A B-D
Sodium carbonate A B Castor oil A A-B
Triethanolamine B B-D Silicone fluids A A
Strong bases C-D B Vegetable Oils A A-B
Potassium hydroxide, 10% C B
Sodium hydroxide, 10% C B
Oxidizing agents A B-C
Hydrogen peroxide, 1-3% A B
Chromic acid A C
A: Excellent-No Affect; B: Good-Little Affect; C: Fair-Moderate Affect; D: Unacceptable

Figure 2: Thordon Chemical Resistance Chart

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 7

 i) ThorPlas Family Typical Physical Properties
THORPLAS TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES - METRIC & IMPERIAL
Property Unit of Measure Value
Specific Gravity – 1.40
Hardness
Shore-D 83
(ASTM D2240)
Ultimate Tensile Strength
MPa (psi) 66 (9,600)
(ASTM D638)
Elongation at Break % ~10
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity
MPa (psi) 2,930 (425,000)
(ASTM D638)
Compressive Strength
MPa (psi) >400 (58,000)
(ASTM D695)
Compressive Stress at Yield (2% offset)
MPa (psi) 91 (13,200)
(ASTM D695)
Compressive Young's Modulus of Elasticity
MPa (psi) 3,280 (476,000)
(ASTM D695)
Notched Impact Resistance
J/m (ft.lb/in.) 40 (0.75)
(ASTM D256)
Coefficient of Friction
Dry (ASTM D3702) 0.27MPa or 40psi – 0.15-0.30
Dry (>200 bar or >3000psi) – ~0.1
Wet (>200 bar or >3000psi) – 0.10-0.17
Abrasive Wear (Rotary Drum Dry Abrasion)
mm3 (in.3) ~200 (0.012)
(ASTM D5963)
Thermal Conductivity W/m-k (Btu/hr-ft.F) ~0.25 (~0.14)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion cm/cm/°C (-20°C to 100°C) 4.6x10 -5 (2.6x10 -5)
(ASTM D696 modified) (in/in/°F) (-4°F to 212°F)
Absorption % in Water (22°C) 24-hr Vol % < 0.05
(ASTM D570) Long-term Vol % < 0.15
Melting Temperature °C (°F) > 250 (> 480)
Operating Temperatures – Min. / Dry °C (°F) -50/110 (-58/230)
Max. Wet °C (°F) -10/80 (14/176)
Note: Properties are typical values, unless otherwise noted, and may be altered to some extent by processing conditions.

Figure 3: ThorPlas Typical Physical Properties - Metric & Imperial

8 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

3. DESIGN GUIDE c) Velocity
The sliding velocity or the peripheral shaft speed is also
a) Application Analysis an important design factor. Velocity is an essential
The following information should be considered when consideration when evaluating frictional heat generation.
evaluating an application where the ThorPlas family of It is calculated by the following equation for rotating shafts.
products are to be used:
π dN dN
• shaft and housing dimensions V (m/sec) = =
60 x 1000 19,100
• bearing pressure
• shaft rotation and speed or
• type, size and concentration of abrasive particles π dN
• type of lubrication – lubricating medium and flow rate V (fpm) = = 0.262 dN
2
b) Bearing Pressure where: V = Sliding Velocity
Nominal bearing pressure is calculated by dividing the d = Shaft Diameter (mm or in.)
radial load by the projected or cross sectional area. N = RPM of the shaft
π = pi constant 3.1416
The projected area is determined by multiplying the inside
diameter (I.D.) of the bearing by the bearing length (L), as The ThorPlas family of products can work at high pressures
in Figure 4. The use of I.D. multiplied by bearing length (L) is in oscillating motion or at slow full rotation rpm. For non-
a bearing industry norm for calculating the projected area hydrodynamic operation, as the peripheral velocity
for bearing pressure. Dividing the load by the projected increases, the load on the bearing should be reviewed
area gives the approximate pressure. This assumes that the in conjunction with the allowable PV limit as described in
pressure is uniform across the area. In reality, the pressure Figure 5 on page 10.
is greatest at the 6 o’clock position and decreases in
For applications outside the PV limits, please consult with
a parabolic curve to zero where the shaft starts to have
Thordon Bearings Inc.
clearance with the bearing. It is therefore advantageous,
considering load carrying capacity, to keep running
clearances to a minimum.

BEARING

PROJECTED AREA

I.D TH
. LENG

Figure 4: Bearing Pressure

Radial load needs to be defined as maximum design load,

normal operating load or a combination of static and
impact loads. Furthermore, it is important to define if the
load is constant or cyclic.
Nominal Radial Load Load
= =
Bearing Pressure Projected Area Length x I.D.

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 9

 d) PV Limits – Sliding Operation e) Water Flow Grooves
For proper bearing performance, two factors must be For applications such as vertical pumps where there is a
considered: high peripheral velocity and an available flow of cooling
• operating pressure water, grooves are machined in the I.D. of the bearing to
• velocity at the contact surface facilitate the flow of the cooling water. Grooves for the
ThorPlas bearings should be radiused (“u” type) to prevent
The result of multiplying the pressure by the linear velocity chipping during machining, rather than the square grooves
is referred to as a PV value. The combination of pressure often used for Thordon elastomeric bearings. Figure 6
and velocity causes heat generation at the bearing surface. shows the standard groove configuration for a ThorPlas-
If this heat is not removed from the bearing surface, it can Blue bearing while Figure 7 shows the groove dimensions.
cause premature bearing failure due to overheating and
wear.
R7(TYP)
The PV limits in Figure 5 have been developed to ensure the
proper design of the ThorPlas family of bearings.

PV LIMITS “B” GROOVES

EQ. SPACED
R“C”(TYP) ØA

Operating Condition PV Limit PV Limit

(MPa - m/min.) (psi - fpm)

Full rotation – dry 7.35 3,500

Full rotation – cooled
24 12,000
(water bath)1
Full rotation – continuous
147 70,000
cool water supply ØA + (2*C)

Figure 5: PV Limits Figure 6: Typical Groove Configuration for the ThorPlas

family of bearings
Note 1: The size of the water bath should be such that the
heat generated by friction does not increase the water
temperature above 80°C (176°F). THORPLAS WATER GROOVE
Note 2: For guidance on potential applications that fall DIMENSIONS
outside the PV limits contact Thordon Bearings Inc. or your
local Thordon distributor.
A A B C C
Shaft Shaft Number Groove Groove
Note 3: PV values are given by many non-metallic material Diameter Diameter of Radius Radius
manufacturers and are often published with several (mm) (in.) Grooves (mm) (in.)
incorrect assumptions. The first is that the individual P and
up to 30 up to 1.20 3 3 0.120
V values have little importance, as long as they are with the
product value range. The second, and perhaps the most 31 to 50 1.21 to 2.00 4 3 0.120
dangerous assumption is the limited amount of test time used 51 to 80 2.01 to 3.15 6 3 0.120
to develop the P and V values. No formal consideration is
given to the time factor. 81 to 120 3.16 to 4.70 6 4 0.160
Note 4: These guideline values are supplied for reference
121 to 160 4.71 to 6.30 8 4 0.160
only. PV limits for any material vary with different 161 to 200+ 6.31 to 7.90+ 10 4 0.160
combinations of pressure and velocity as well as with other A, B and C refer to dimensions in Figure 6.
test conditions. Note: Water grooves are only used when there is a flow of water through the
bearing such as a vertical pump. Grooves are not required when a bearing is
These limits do not apply where shaft speeds and loads immersed in water with no significant flow, as in a wicket gate bearing application.
are such that the bearing operates under hydrodynamic
Figure 7: ThorPlas Water Groove Dimensions
conditions.

10 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

 f) Wall Thickness
A minimum wall thickness is required for the ThorPlas material to ensure that it can generate sufficient interface pressure for an
interference fit. The typical minimum wall thickness for this is shown in Figure 8.
TYPICAL THORPLAS MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS GUIDE
16

15

14

13

12
WALL THICKNESS (mm)

11

10
Metric

0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 450 500
SHAFT O.D. (mm)

.65

.60

.55

.50
WALL THICKNESS (inches)

.45

.40
Imperial

.35

.30

.25

.20

.15

.10

.05

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
SHAFT O.D. (inches)

Figure 8: Typical ThorPlas Minimum Wall Thickness Guide

Notes: 1) If actual wall thickness is close to the minimum as indicated above, an increase in standard interference may be required to
ensure that there is sufficient interface pressure to hold the bearing in place. See further comments in Application Design, page 13 (4b).
2) For grooved bearings, the minimum wall thickness is measured from the bottom of the groove to the bearing O.D.
Thinner walls may be possible, contact Thordon Bearings for further information.
ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 11
 g) Mating Surface j) Abrasive Environment
Most common metallic mating surfaces perform well when Although ThorPlas bearings are more abrasive resistant
used in conjunction with the ThorPlas family of bearings. than the majority of metallic and non-metallic bearing
If corrosion is a concern, a corrosion resistant mating materials, they will perform better if they have less contact
surface should be used. Stainless steel is frequently used with abrasives. For high pressure bearings which may be
for corrosion resistance. Bronze shafts or liners can also exposed to water, especially those with oscillating motion
be used. Do not run ThorPlas on corroded surfaces as this and no flow of water, Thordon recommends the use of
will result in accelerated bearing wear. Common bronzes Thorseals® in recessed grooves near the ends of the bearing
that work well include Gunmetal (88% Cu, 10% Sn and to prevent abrasive ingress. In other cases, a clean water
2% Zn) or 70-30 Copper Nickel. While shaft hardness of flush may offer a practical alternative.
40 Rockwell C or above is preferred; satisfactory
performance can be achieved with hardness in the range
of 20 Rockwell C, depending on the amount and type of
abrasives present.
ThorPlas products should not be operated against a non-
metallic mating surface.
The surface finish of the mating shaft should be as smooth
as practical to limit the initial bedding-in wear. Thordon
testing has shown that less frictional heat is generated
with a smoother shaft. For optimum performance, a final
machined surface finish of 0.8 micro-metres (32 micro-
inches) is recommended. Mating surface finishes up to 1.6
micro-metres (63 micro-inches) will perform satisfactorily.
Where the application involves axial movement, the shaft
finish should not exceed 0.8 micro-metres (32 micro-inches).
ThorPlas Wicket Gate Bearing with Thorseal
h) Fitting
ThorPlas bearings are usually fitted with an interference k) Impact and Shock Loads
fit. Freeze fitting is recommended but press fitting can be The ThorPlas family of products can withstand substantial
used as long as care is taken to avoid direct impact on impact and shock loading, however, the bearing must be
the material. A combination of freeze fitting and press fully supported in this type of application. For applications
fitting is recommended for bearings with high interference. with significant shock/impact, Thordon elastomer bearing
See Section 6 - Installation Guidelines on page 27 for grades should be evaluated.
detailed freeze and press fitting instructions.
Bonding of ThorPlas bearings is not recommended.
If ThorPlas bearings are exposed to temperatures above
70°C (158°F) mechanical retention – retaining rings or
pins – should be used.
Both the O.D. and I.D. of a ThorPlas bearing should ideally
be machined prior to installation. Machining of the bearing
I.D. after fitting should be avoided since it reduces the
interference stresses, which are concentrated on the I.D. of
the bearing. If unavoidable, less than 5% of wall thickness
should be removed.
i) L/D Ratio
To facilitate installation and to provide reasonable bearing
operation, typical recommended Length to Diameter ratios
(L/D) for the ThorPlas family of materials are:
This photograph indicates that the ThorPlas bearing
Maximum L/D ratio: 2:1 chamfers were too long and as the bearing was loaded
Minimum L/D ratio: 1:1 in this area, not enough support was available for the
For larger or smaller L/D ratios, please consult with material to take the load. Although the bearing cracked,
Thordon Bearings Inc. it did not shatter and remained in one piece.

12 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

4. APPLICATION DESIGN The interference values presented are for minimum
operating temperatures above -20°C (-4°F) and a
a) Application Analysis machine shop ambient temperature of approximately 21°C
(70°F). Increased interference values may be required for
Thordon Bearings Inc. has developed a software program
applications with lower operating temperatures, higher
for calculating the dimensions of the ThorPlas bearings.
machine shop ambient temperatures and thin-walled
This program greatly simplifies the dimensioning process. bearing applications. A temperature adjustment chart is
Using the Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program is available from the Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation
the preferred method of calculating dimensions for these Program. For those who are familiar with the ambient
bearings. temperature adjustments required for Thordon elastomeric
In order to perform an analysis for an application, all the bearings (XL, SXL, COMPAC, etc.), it should be noted that
appropriate information must be reviewed and correctly ThorPlas materials have more stable thermal properties. For
evaluated. The following parameters should be considered: this reason, ambient temperature adjustments are less critical.
• Housing Size and Tolerance It can be installed using either a straight press fit technique or
• Shaft Diameter and Tolerance preferably by freeze fitting. For a high pressure application,
• Length of Bearing with higher interference value, freezing of the bearing
• Operating Temperatures prior to press fitting is helpful. Significant line boring of the
• Machine Shop Temperature bearing I.D. after installation is not recommended because
• Type of Lubrication of the reduction this will have on the interference stress.
• Retention Method c) Bore Closure
Note: The recommended tolerance is H7 on the housing Empirical data indicates ThorPlas bearings experience an
and h7 on the shaft. – See Appendix 1 on page 29 for I.D. reduction of approximately 110% of the diametrical
complete metric and imperial shaft and housing tolerances interference. Therefore 110% of the interference should be
for various sizes. considered in the machined bearing I.D. to allow for bore
closure.
b) Interference
ThorPlas bearings are normally installed in a housing using Example:
an interference fit. The level of interference will depend if a bearing has interference of 0.5mm on the O.D.,
on the design operating pressure of the bearing. Figure 9 the bore closure allowance will be 0.5 x 110% = 0.55mm
(below) gives the pressure ranges and the appropriate d) Running Clearance
interference calculation for each range. The recommended running clearance for ThorPlas products
Example: is dependent on the type of service – see Figure 10a or
Comparing interference values for a bearing to suit a 10b on page 14. For applications where the bearing is
127mm (5.000”) housing diameter at various pressure exposed to constant shaft rotation, the recommended
ranges: running clearance is 0.15% x shaft diameter. For oscillatory
• Low pressure application bearing, applications, tighter clearances based on 0.10% x shaft
interference is: 0.30mm (0.012”) diameter are permitted.
• Medium pressure application, Please note that the running clearance for a ThorPlas
interference is: 0.51mm (0.020”) bearing is NOT the same as the installed clearance.
• High pressure application, Thermal and water effects, although minimal, must still be
interference value is: 0.64mm (0.025”) taken into account.

TYPICAL INTERFERENCE AMOUNTS

Pressure Bearing Pressure Range Interference (Metric) Interference (Imperial)

Low Up to 300 psi (0 to 2 MPa) Housing I.D. x 0.0020 + 0.05 mm Housing I.D. x 0.0020 + 0.002”

Medium 300 to 1,500 psi (2 to 10 MPa) Housing I.D. x 0.0034 + 0.05 mm Housing I.D. x 0.0034 + 0.002”

High 1,500 to 4,300 psi (10 to 45 MPa) Housing I.D. x 0.0045 + 0.05 mm Housing I.D. x 0.0045 + 0.002”

Figure 9: Typical Interference Amounts

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 13

 TYPICAL MINIMUM RUNNING CLEARANCE FOR THORPLAS
(METRIC)
0.8

0.7
MINIMUM RUNNING CLEARANCE (mm)

0.6
FULL ROTATION

0.5

0.4

0.3 OSCILLATORY MOTION

0.2

0.1

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

SHAFT OR SLEEVE DIAMETER (mm)
Figure 10a: Typical Minimum Running Clearance for ThorPlas (Metric)

TYPICAL MINIMUM RUNNING CLEARANCE FOR THORPLAS

(IMPERIAL)

0.025
MINIMUM RUNNING CLEARANCE (inches)

0.020
FULL ROTATION

0.015

0.010 OSCILLATORY MOTION

0.005

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
SHAFT OR SLEEVE DIAMETER (inches)
Figure 10b: Typical Minimum Running Clearance for ThorPlas (Imperial)

14 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

e) Absorption Allowance f) Thermal Expansion Allowance
The diametrical water absorption allowance for ThorPlas As with other Thordon grades, a thermal expansion
products is based upon the bearing wall thickness and it is allowance is used in the design of ThorPlas bearings
typically calculated as 0.15% of the wall thickness. For a when appropriate. The standard design temperature is
ThorPlas bearing with wall thickness of 12.7 mm (0.500”), 21°C (70°F). Thermal expansion should be considered for
the expected diametrical water absorption is 0.04 mm critical applications. The thermal expansion allowance is
(0.0015”). This same absorption allowance should be used based upon the wall thickness (W.T.) of the bearing and
for bearings lubricated with oil or grease. the deviation between the standard design temperature
Water absorption also varies slightly with variations in and the maximum service temperature. The diametrical
maximum operating temperature. Figure 11 can be used temperature allowance is calculated as follows:
as a guideline for manually calculating extra absorption Thermal Expansion Allowance (Ct)
allowances when the maximum operating temperature is
higher than the standard 21°C (70°F) temperature. Ct (diametrical) = 2 x W.T. x α x (Tmax - Tstandard)
where α = Thermal Coefficient of Expansion
For metric results:
C t = 2 x W.T. x 4.6e-5 x (Tmax - Tstandard)
F or imperial results:
C t = 2 x W.T. x 2.5e-5 x (Tmax - Tstandard)

If ThorPlas bearings are machined at a temperature that is

significantly different from 21°C (70°F), use the Thordon
Bearing Sizing Calculation Program or contact Thordon
Bearings to see if the thermal expansion allowance requires
adjustment.

TYPICAL WATER ABSORPTION FACTOR (W.A.F.)

FOR VARIOUS WATER TEMPERATURES

0.006
WATER ABSORPTION FACTOR (W.A.F.)

0.005

0.004

0.003

0.002

0.001

0 10 (50) 20 (68) 30 (86) 40 (104) 50 (122) 60 (140) 70 (158) 80 (176)

TEMPERATURE °C (°F)
Figure 11: Typical Water Absorption Factor (W.A.F.) for Various Water Temperatures

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 15

 g) Machining Tolerances
A - Bearing OD Machining Tolerances
METRIC (mm) IMPERIAL (inches)
Tolerance Tolerance
Bearing OD Bearing Length Bearing OD Bearing Length
on OD on OD
up to 100 +/-0.03 up to 4.00" +/-0.001
Up to 150 Up to 6.00"
above 100 +/-0.05 above 4.00" +/-0.002
up to 150 +/-0.05 up to 6.00" +/-0.002
150 to 250 6.00" to 10.00"
150 to 250 +/-0.07 6.00" to 10.00" +/-0.003
250 and up maximum L/D of 1:1 +/-0.07 10.00" and up maximum L/D of 1:1 +/-0.003

B - Bearing WALL THICKNESS Machining Tolerances

METRIC (mm) IMPERIAL (inches)
Tolerance Tolerance
Bearing OD Bearing Length Bearing OD Bearing Length
on WALL on WALL
+0.00 +0.000
up to 100 up to 4.00"
-0.03 -0.001
Up to 150 Up to 6.00"
+0.00 +0.000
above 100 above 4.00"
-0.05 -0.002
+0.00 +0.000
up to 150 up to 6.00"
-0.05 -0.002
150 to 250 6.00" to 10.00"
+0.00 +0.000
150 to 250 6.00" to 10.00"
-0.07 -0.003
+0.00 +0.000
250 and up maximum L/D of 1:1 10.00" and up maximum L/D of 1:1
-0.07 -0.003

C - Bearing LENGTH Machining Tolerances

METRIC (mm) IMPERIAL (inches)
Bearing Length Tolerance on LENGTH Bearing Length Tolerance on LENGTH
+0.00 +0.000
Up to 150 Up to 6.00"
-0.25 -0.010
+0.00 +0.000
150 to 250 6.00" to 10.00"
-0.50 -0.020
+0.00 +0.000
250 and up 10.00" and up
-1.00 -0.040

D - Washer Tolerances
METRIC (mm) IMPERIAL (inches)
Bearing Dimension Tolerance Bearing Dimension Tolerance
+0.00 +0.000
OD OD
-1.00 -0.040
+1.00 +0.040
ID ID
-0.00 -0.000
Thickness +/-0.50 Thickness +/-0.020
Figure 12: Machining Tolerances

16 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

h) Minimum Installed Clearance j) Bearing I.D. and Wall Thickness
The minimum installed clearance for a ThorPlas bearing is The machined bearing I.D. is calculated as follows:
the sum of the following parameters:
Maximum Shaft Diameter
Recommended Running Clearance +
+ Bore Closure
Thermal Expansion Allowance +
+ Running Clearance
Water Absorption Allowance +
Thermal Expansion Allowance
Minimum Installed Clearance is used as an important +
final check before putting the bearing into service. If the Water Absorption Allowance
measured clearance after fitting is less than the Minimum The bearing I.D. is best used as a reference only.
Installed Clearance, then there is a high probability that
the bearing may bind. The problem should be fixed before Machining the O.D. and wall thickness controls concentricity
the bearing enters service. Do not expect the bearing to better. To determine the wall thickness value, use the
“conform” in service. calculated machined O.D. and the calculated machined
I.D. and use the following equation:
i) Machined Bearing O.D.
The machined bearing O.D. is the maximum housing Machining Calculated O.D. - Calculated I.D.
diameter + interference as calculated in section 4.b). =
Wall Thickness 2
The bearing O.D. machining tolerances for various sizes
are shown in Figure 12-A on page 16. The machining tolerances for ThorPlas bearing wall
thicknesses are presented in Figure 12-B on page 16.
k) Bearing Length
In addition to wall thickness, bearing length must be
calculated with sufficient allowances for axial thermal
expansion and water absorption.

k.1 Axial Thermal Expansion

Thermal Allowance =
Housing Length x α x (Tmax - Tstandard)
where α = Thermal Coefficient of Expansion
For metric results:
= Housing Length x 4.6e-5 x (Tmax - Tstandard)
For imperial results:
= Housing Length x 2.5e-5 x (Tmax - Tstandard)

k.2 Axial Absorption Allowance

0.15% of housing length.

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 17

 l) Bearing Retention m) Using the Thordon Bearing Sizing
ThorPlas bearings operating at temperatures above 70°C Calculation Program
(158°F) should be installed with anti-rotation devices as well A software program is available to calculate the sizing of
as interference. Although interference is normally sufficient ThorPlas bearings. It takes into account all of the factors
to prevent rotation of a bearing in its housing, at higher covered in the application design section of this manual
temperatures the risk of stress relaxation increases and the and greatly simplifies the calculation process. The program
bearing could lose some of its interference. To prevent the is available from your Thordon distributor or Thordon
bearing from turning under these circumstances, Thordon Bearings Inc.
recommends that radial pins be fit through the housing wall
The Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program is,
into a hole in the bearing. The hole in the bearing should
however, only as reliable as the information entered, care
be fully through the wall, as shown in Figure 13 (below), so
must be taken to ensure that all inputs are correct. Detailed
that the pin does not bottom out. Pins that are fit into blind
help screens are available throughout the program if you
holes can cause deformation on the inside diameter of the
have questions regarding a specific topic.
bearing.
The Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program is the
The length of the pin should penetrate to minimum of half
preferred method for calculating dimensions of ThorPlas
the bearing wall thickness. Consideration should be given
bearings. The following are examples of the Sizing Program
to the wear of the bearing, so the pin does not contact the
used to calculate typical bearing dimensions.
shaft. If two pins are fit, then place diametrically opposite
each other. Note: The values calculated from the Bearing Sizing
Calculation Program may be slightly different than those
calculated manually using this manual due to differences
resulting from inaccuracies in reading values from the
graphs, etc. In general, the bearing sizing program is more
accurate than the manual calculation process.

A
BEARING O.D.
25°

R3

BEARING LENGTH
R7

BEARING I.D. AFTER FITTING

BEARING:
1. DRILL & TAP HOLE
2. FIT SCREW
HEAD OF
ANTI-ROTATION
PIN TO BE
PEENED AFTER
INSTALLATION
SECTION A-A, Rotated 90°

Figure 13: Bearing Retention with Anti-Rotation Pins

18 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

Samples Using Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program
i) Metric Example – Wicket Gate Bearing
Given Data
1. Type of Service Wicket Gate Bearing
2. Grade of Thordon ThorPlas-Blue
3. Lubrication Water
4. Type of Installation Interference Fit
5. Shaft Diameter 150mm +0.00/-0.04
6. Housing Diameter 175mm +0.04/-0.00
7. Housing Length 100mm
8. Operating Temperatures Min. -2°C Max. 35°C
9. Machine Shop Ambient Temp. 21°C
Once the information above is entered, the Bearing Sizing Calculation Program gives the following results:

Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program Thordon Bearings Inc.

No: V2017 Release 10 3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7M 1A6
Print Date: 19-Jun-2019 Tel: 905-335-1440 www.thordonbearings.com

General Information
Thordon Distributor:
Customer: ThorPlas-Blue Engineering Manual
Project Reference:
Calculated By:
Checked By: Metric Calculations
Comments:
Drawing Number:
MRP Number:

Data Sheet
-= ATTENTION =-
Method of axial retention must be considered.

Designed at 21 °C Machined at 21 °C
Machined Bearing Outside Diameter: 175.88 175.88 mm +0.05, -0.05
Machined Bearing Inside Diameter: 151.14 151.14 mm (For reference only)
Calculated Machined Bearing Length: 99.79 99.79 mm +0.00, -0.25
Bearing Wall Thickness: 12.37 12.37 mm +0.00, -0.05

Amount of Interference: 0.84 mm

Bore Closure Factor: 1.100
Bore Closure Amount: 0.92 mm

Minimum Installed Diametrical Clearance (MIC): 0.22 mm

Diametric Running Clearance: 0.15 mm
Diametric Thermal Expansion: 0.03 mm
Diametric Absorption Allowance: 0.04 mm

Axial Thermal Expansion: 0.06 mm

Axial Absorption Allowance: 0.15 mm

Outside Diameter after dry ice cooling: 175.27 mm

Note: Forced press required after dry ice cooling; Never immerse a ThorPlas-Blue bearing in liquid nitrogen

Input Data
Dimension Scale: Metric (mm)
Temperature Scale: Celsius
Maximum Operating Temperature: 35 °C
Minimum Operating Temperature: -2 °C
Machine Shop Ambient Temperature: 21 °C

Maximum Shaft Diameter: 150 mm

Maximum Housing Diameter: 175.04 mm
Minimum Housing Diameter: 175 mm
Housing Length: 100 mm

Type of Lubrication: Water

Grade of Thordon Used: ThorPlas-Blue
Type of Service: Hydro Wicket Gate & Linkage Bearings
Type of Installation: Interference Freeze Fit

Load on Bearing: 0 kg
Shaft RPM: 0

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 19

 ii) Imperial Example - Wicket Gate Bearing
Given Data
1. Type of Service Wicket Gate Bearing
2. Grade of Thordon ThorPlas-Blue
3. Lubrication Water
4. Type of Installation Interference Fit
5. Shaft Diameter 6.500” + 0.000/-0.002”
6. Housing Diameter 7.500” + 0.002/-0.000”
7. Housing Length 6.000”
8. Operating Temperatures Min. 28°F Max. 95°F
9. Machine Shop Ambient Temp. 70°F
Once the information above is entered, the Bearing Sizing Calculation Program gives the following results:

Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program Thordon Bearings Inc.

No: V2017 Release 10 3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7M 1A6
Print Date: 19-Jun-2019 Tel: 905-335-1440 www.thordonbearings.com

General Information
Thordon Distributor:
Customer: ThorPlas-Blue Engineering Manual
Project Reference:
Calculated By:
Checked By: Imperial Calculations
Comments:
Drawing Number:
MRP Number:

Data Sheet
-= ATTENTION =-
Method of axial retention must be considered.

Designed at 69.8 °F Machined at 70 °F

Machined Bearing Outside Diameter: 7.538 7.538 in +0.003, -0.003
Machined Bearing Inside Diameter: 6.548 6.549 in (For reference only)
Calculated Machined Bearing Length: 5.987 5.987 in +0.000, -0.020
Bearing Wall Thickness: 0.494 0.494 in +0.000, -0.003

Amount of Interference: 0.036 in

Bore Closure Factor: 1.100
Bore Closure Amount: 0.039 in

Minimum Installed Diametrical Clearance (MIC): 0.009 in

Diametric Running Clearance: 0.007 in
Diametric Thermal Expansion: 0.001 in
Diametric Absorption Allowance: 0.002 in

Axial Thermal Expansion: 0.004 in

Axial Absorption Allowance: 0.009 in

Outside Diameter after dry ice cooling: 7.511 in

Note: Forced press required after dry ice cooling; Never immerse a ThorPlas-Blue bearing in liquid nitrogen

Input Data
Dimension Scale: Imperial (in)
Temperature Scale: Fahrenheit
Maximum Operating Temperature: 95 °F
Minimum Operating Temperature: 28 °F
Machine Shop Ambient Temperature: 70 °F

Maximum Shaft Diameter: 6.500 in

Maximum Housing Diameter: 7.502 in
Minimum Housing Diameter: 7.500 in
Housing Length: 6.000 in

Type of Lubrication: Water

Grade of Thordon Used: ThorPlas-Blue
Type of Service: Hydro Wicket Gate & Linkage Bearings
Type of Installation: Interference Freeze Fit

Load on Bearing: 0 lb
Shaft RPM: 0

20 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

n) Step-by-Step Manual Calculations Step 6 - Water Absorption Allowance
i) Metric Example 0.15% of wall thickness
= 2 x 0.0015 x 12.5
Given Data
= 0.0375mm or approx. .04mm
1. Type of Service Wicket Gate Bearing Step 7 - Machined Bearing I.D.
2. Grade of Thordon ThorPlas-Blue The machined bearing I.D. is the shaft diameter plus the
3. Lubrication Water sum of steps 3 to 6
(bore closure + running clearance + thermal expansion
4. Type of Installation Interference Fit allowance + water absorption allowance)
5. Shaft Diameter 150mm +0.00/-0.04 = 150 + 0.92 + 0.15 + 0.03 + 0.04
6. Housing Diameter 175mm +0.04/-0.00 = 151.14mm (for reference only)
7. Housing Length 100mm Step 8 - Minimum Installed Clearance
Minimum Installed Clearance (for checking)
8. Maximum
= running clearance
Ambient Temperature 35°C
+ thermal expansion allowance
9. Maximum + water absorption allowance
Bearing Pressure >25MPa = .15 + 0.03 + 0.04
10. Lubrication Water = 0.22mm

Step 1 - Interference Step 9 - Bearing Length

Interference from Figure 9 In calculating the length of a ThorPlas-Blue bearing,
allowances must be made for axial thermal expansion
= 0.05 + .0045 x Housing Diameter and water absorption.
= 0.05 + .0045 x 175
= 0.84mm Axial thermal expansion
= housing length
Step 2 - Bearing O.D. x coefficient of thermal expansion
= maximum housing diameter + interference x temperature difference
= 175.04 + 0.84 = 100 x 4.6e-5 x (35 - 21)
= 175.88mm = 0.06 mm
With machining tolerance 175.88mm +/-0.05mm
Axial absorption allowance is 0.15% of housing length
Step 3 - Bore Closure
The bore closure effect on the bearing I.D. is 110% of = 100 x 0.0015
the interference. = 0.15 mm

Bore closure = .84 x 1.10 = 0.92mm Machined bearing length

= housing length
Step 4 - Running Clearance – axial thermal expansion allowance
Running clearance for oscillating motion – axial absorption allowance
= 0.10% of shaft diameter = 100 - 0.06 - 0.15
= .001 x 150 = 99.79 mm
= 0.15mm With machining tolerance
Step 5 - Thermal Expansion Allowance = 99.79 mm + 0.00 / -0.25 mm
= 2 x W.T. x α x (Tmax – 21°C)
= 2 x 12.5 x 4.6e-5 x (35-21) Note: Calculation Program uses latest design parameters
= 0.02mm 0.03mm and takes precedence over manually calculated results.
(minimal allowance of 0.03mm used for safety margin)

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 21

 ii) Imperial Example Step 6 - Water Absorption Allowance
The water absorption allowance is 0.15% of wall
Given Data thickness
= 2 x 0.0015 x 0.5
1. Type of Service Wicket Gate Bearing
= 0.002”
2. Grade of Thordon ThorPlas-Blue
Step 7 - Machined Bearing I.D.
3. Lubrication Water The machined bearing I.D. is the shaft diameter plus the
4. Type of Installation Interference Fit sum of steps 3 to 6
(bore closure + running clearance + thermal expansion
5. Shaft Diameter 6.500” + 0.000/-0.002”
allowance + water absorption allowance)
6. Housing Diameter 7.500” + 0.002/-0.000” = 6.5” + 0.039” + 0.007” + 0.001” + 0.002”
7. Housing Length 6.000” = 6.549” (for reference only)
8. Maximum Step 8 - Minimum Installed Clearance
Ambient Temperature 95°F Minimum Installed Clearance
= running clearance
9. Maximum
+ thermal expansion allowance
Bearing Pressure > 2000 psi
+ water absorption allowance
10. Lubrication Water = 0.007” + 0.001” + 0.002”
= 0.010”
Step 1 - Interference
Interference from Figure 9 Step 9 - Bearing Length
= 0.002” + .0045” x housing diameter In calculating the length of a ThorPlas bearing,
= 0.002” + .0045” x 7.5” allowances must be made for axial thermal expansion
= 0.036” and water absorption.
Bearing O.D. Axial thermal expansion
Step 2 - Bearing O.D. = housing length
Bearing O.D. = maximum housing diameter + x coefficient of thermal expansion
interference x temperature difference
= 7.502” + 0.036” = 6” x 2.5e-5 x (95 - 70)
= 7.538” = 0.004”
With machining tolerance = 7.538” +/-0.003” Axial absorption allowance is 0.15% of housing length
Step 3 - Bore Closure = 6 x 0.0015
The bore closure effect on the bearing I.D. is 110% of = 0.009”
the interference.
Machined bearing length
Bore closure = 0.036 x 1.10 = 0.039”
= housing length
Step 4 - Running Clearance – axial thermal expansion allowance
Running clearance for oscillating motion = 0.10% of – axial absorption allowance
shaft diameter = 6” - 0.004” - 0.009”
= .001 x 6.5” = 5.987”
= 0.0065” or approx. 0.007”
With machining tolerance
Step 5 - Thermal Expansion Allowance = 5.987” + 0.000 / -0.020”
= 2 x W.T. x α x (Tmax - 70°F)
= 2 x .5 x 2.5e-5 x (95 - 70) Note: Calculation Program uses latest design parameters
= 0.001” and takes precedence over manually calculated results.

22 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

5. MACHINING b) Groove Cutting
INSTRUCTIONS Water grooves, when required, are normally broached
using custom-made cutting tools to produce the dimensions
given in Figures 6 and 7 in Section 3(e) on page 10.
a) General Machining
ThorPlas materials are easily machined to fine tolerances. The following custom made tool bits can be ordered from
The material can be milled, sawed, planed, drilled, tapped Thordon Bearings or your Thordon distributor using the
and threaded. Depending on bearing sizes, allow for 25 to appropriate Part Numbers:
40 mm (0.984” to 1.575”) of material length for chucking F99TB003: Tool bit with profile to machine 3mm (0.118”)
and holding the part for machining. radius groove with 7 mm (0.276”) radius edge
Guidelines for safe machining: F99TB004: Tool bit with profile to machine 4mm (0.157”)
• Use sharp tools (carbide grade) with fast speeds radius groove with 7 mm (0.276”) radius edge
• Provide good support to the part without over-clamping c) Chamfers
(to avoid cracking)
Chamfers should be machined on the O.D. of each end of
• Avoid sharp corners/edges
the bearing to facilitate installation following guidelines in
• Adequate material cuttings removal during machining Figure 14 (left) and the dimensions in Figure 15 (below).
• Coolants may be considered for drilling holes
DIMENSIONS FOR
Typical cutting speeds for the ThorPlas materials are MACHINING CHAMFERS
between 150 to 300 m/min (492 to 985 fpm).
METRIC:
TYPICAL CUTTING SPEEDS FOR Bearing Length Chamfer Detail
MACHINING THORPLAS Below 25 mm 1.5 mm x 25°
Diameter RPM 25 mm to 100 mm 3.0 mm x 25°
200 mm (7.874”) 350 Over 100 mm 5.0 mm x 25°
300 mm (11.811”) 300 IMPERIAL:
400 mm (15.750”) 200 Bearing Length Chamfer Detail
500 mm (19.685”) 150 Below 1 inch 1/16” x 25°
600 mm (23.622”) 100 1 inch to 4 inches 1/8” x 25°
Figure 14: Typical Cutting Speeds for Machining ThorPlas Over 4 inches 1/4” x 25°
Cutting Feeds used for rough turning are 0.38 mm to 0.5 Figure 15: Dimensions for Machining Chamfers
mm (0.015” to 0.020”) per revolution. For finish turning,
0.12 mm to 0.25 mm (0.005” to 0.010”) per revolution are
recommended.
As mentioned, fine tolerances can be achieved for ThorPlas
bearings, as shown earlier in Section 4(g) on page 16.

Figure 16: Chamfer on ThorPlas-Blue bearings

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 23

 d) Step-By-Step Machining Process Step 2b.
Steps 1 through 8 illustrate a typical machining process for For parts needing a metal chucking ring, machine slightly
the ThorPlas material in a standard lathe. the O.D. to clean uneven surfaces and machine the I.D.
Step 1. so that the chucking ring has a slight interference with
the ThorPlas material - interference of 0.03mm (0.001”).
Cut part allowing extra length for chucking, parting off
Typical thickness of chucking rings vary from 12mm (0.5”)
and facing. Typically chucking lengths of 25mm (1”) are
for small parts to as high as 25mm (1.0”) for parts with O.D.
sufficient for bearings up to 152mm (6”) O.D.
values in excess of 250mm (10”). Figures below show a
For large parts - O.D. in excess of 152mm (6”), thin wall ThorPlas-Blue bearing, size of 152mm (6.0”) O.D., where
bearings and/or for parts with tighter than standard a chucking ring is used for extra support.
tolerances, an internal plug or “chucking ring” is
recommended to support the bearing in the chuck jaws.

Step 2a.
Set the part in the chuck jaws as shown below. These
figures show a piece with sizes of 76.2mm O.D. x 25mm
I.D. (3” x 1”) squared in the chuck using a three-jaw
configuration. Use light to moderate clamping forces. Do
not over clamp as this can cause stresses in the material
resulting in cracking.

24 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

Step 3. Step 5.
Sharp and smooth tool bits will ensure the best finish Proceed to machine the bearing wall thickness using the
when machining the ThorPlas materials. The photo below tool bit and the boring bar. Clearing of chips or shavings
illustrates the tools used to machine ThorPlas bearings– the from bearing I.D. is important to reduce heat buildup and
bit on the left is used for machining the I.D. while the bit on to obtain desired tolerances.
the right is used for the O.D.
Step 6.
Note: Cutting feeds for rough turning are 0.38 to 0.50mm If broaching the bearing, ensure the bearing length has
(0.015” to 0.020”) per revolution. For finish turning, 0.12 to 50mm (2”) chucking allowance to allow enough space for
0.25mm (0.005” to 0.010”) feeds are recommended.
cuttings/streamers.
Broach the grooves using the custom-made cutting tool
shown below.

Step 4.
Machine the bearing O.D. using the appropriate tool.

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 25

 Step 7. Step 8.
Part bearing to length using the parting tool. Support the Chamfers can be machined or routered on the end of the
bearing as the cut is made so that it does not fall. As shown bearings to ease installation. Use Figure 15 on page 23 for
below, fine streamers are collected after machining the proper dimension of chamfers based on bearing size.
ThorPlas materials.

e) Machining Tolerances
Machining Tolerances found in Section 4(g) on page 16.

26 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

6. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
a) Freeze Fit Installations
As mentioned previously, the preferred method of fitting the ThorPlas family of bearings is using an interference fit.
A combination of freeze fitting and press in installation is recommended for bearings with high interference.
Cooling of the bearings can be achieved by placing them in a freezer or using dry ice.
CAUTION: Use of liquid nitrogen or significant quantities of dry ice in closed or poorly ventilated areas should be avoided.
The boiled off gases tend to displace the existing oxygen and can be fatal.

Using Liquid Nitrogen Using Dry Ice

Liquid nitrogen may be used, but never immerse ThorPlas Cooling of the bearings can be achieved by placing them
bearings directly into the liquid nitrogen as cracking of directly in dry ice. The combination of dry ice freezing and
the bearing can occur as the bearing warms up. Suspend press-in assists in the installation of bearings with a high
the bearing in the cold liquid nitrogen vapor for typically level of interference.
30 minutes. (As shown below) When using dry ice, typically allow at least 1- 2 hours
of cooling for sufficient reduction of the bearing O.D. for
installation. Measure the bearing O.D. to establish the
amount of cooling achieved before proceeding with the
press in installation. Lead-in chamfers at the top of the
housing (if not already present) and on one end of the
bearing are recommended to assist in the installation of the
bearings – see Figure 17 in following section.
Note: For optimal performance, the following should be
considered when evaluating the condition of the bearing
housing:
i) The surface finish on the housing I.D. is not critical as
there is no movement of the bearing O.D. after installation.
However for best practices, the finish must not be too coarse.
Remove any burrs or sharp edges.
ii) Machine the housing I.D. to an H7 tolerance or better
for proper support along the whole ThorPlas bearing length.

See b) Press Fit Installations on next page.

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 27

 b) Press Fit Installations 1) Set up of bearing for press fit and initial push into housing.
ThorPlas bearings may be easily press fit into housings
where the L/D ratio < 1.5.
A 25° chamfer on the O.D. will facilitate installation when
using this method. A combination of cooling and press fit is
adequate for most installations. See steps 1 through 3 (right)
for illustrations. For situations where the L/D ratio is greater
than 2, consult Thordon Bearings for recommendations.

HYDRAULIC
RAM

METAL CAP

25 mm THORPLAS
BEARING

25° LEAD-IN
2) 75% of bearing length inside the housing.
CHAMBER

CHAMFER AT
LEADING EDGE OF
THE HOUSING

Figure 17: Press in set up for ThorPlas bearings

Note: Caution should be taken, as direct impact on the

material may cause fracture.

Press Force Required

The force required to press a ThorPlas bearing into a
housing without cooling the bearing would be:

interference (mm) x wall thickness (mm) x length (mm) x 200

F(kg) =
housing bore (mm)
3) Bearing in housing.

interference (mm) x wall thickness (mm) x length (mm) x 2,000

F(N) =
housing bore (mm)

interference (in) x wall thickness (in) x length (in) x 140

F(tons) =
housing bore (in)
Note: For thin wall bearings and long bearings with L/D
exceeding 2:1, freeze fitting is a preferred method to
eliminate risk of buckling. When in doubt, please consult
with Thordon Bearings Inc.

Mechanical Retention
When deemed necessary, radial pins or other mechanical
means (consult Thordon Bearings) may be used to prevent
the bearing from rotating in the housing.

28 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

APPENDIX 1.
Shaft and Housing Tolerances (ISO Tolerances, reference ISO 286-2)
METRIC IMPERIAL
Shaft Tolerances h7 Housing Tolerances H7 Shaft Tolerances h7 Housing Tolerances H7
Basic Sizes (mm) Tolerance Basic Sizes Tolerance Basic Sizes (inches) Tolerance Basic Sizes (inches) Tolerance
Up to and value in Up to and value in Up to and Value in Up to and Value in
Above mm Above mm Above inches Above inches
including including including including
+0.000 +0.010 +0.000 +0.0004
0 3 0 3 0 0.118 0 0.118
-0.010 -0.000 -0.0004 -0.000
+0.000 +0.012 +0.000 +0.001
3 6 3 6 0.118 0.236 0.118 0.236
-0.012 -0.000 -0.001 -0.000
+0.000 +0.015 +0.000 +0.001
6 10 6 10 0.236 0.394 0.236 0.394
-0.015 -0.000 -0.001 -0.000
+0.000 +0.018 +0.000 +0.001
10 18 10 18 0.394 0.709 0.394 0.709
-0.018 -0.000 -0.001 -0.000
+0.000 +0.021 +0.000 +0.001
18 30 18 30 0.709 1.181 0.709 1.181
-0.021 -0.000 -0.001 -0.000
+0.000 +0.025 +0.000 +0.001
30 50 30 50 1.181 1.969 1.181 1.969
-0.025 -0.000 -0.001 -0.000
+0.000 +0.030 +0.000 +0.001
50 80 50 80 1.969 3.150 1.969 3.150
-0.030 -0.000 -0.001 -0.000
+0.000 +0.035 +0.000 +0.002
80 120 80 120 3.150 4.724 3.150 4.724
-0.035 -0.000 -0.002 -0.000
+0.000 +0.040 +0.000 +0.002
120 180 120 180 4.724 7.087 4.724 7.087
-0.040 -0.000 -0.002 -0.000
+0.000 +0.046 +0.000 +0.002
180 250 180 250 7.087 9.843 7.087 9.843
-0.046 -0.000 -0.002 -0.000
+0.000 +0.052 +0.000 +0.002
250 315 250 315 9.843 12.402 9.843 12.402
-0.052 -0.000 -0.002 -0.000
+0.000 +0.057 +0.000 +0.002
315 400 315 400 12.402 15.748 12.402 15.748
-0.057 -0.000 -0.002 -0.000
+0.000 +0.063 +0.000 +0.003
400 500 400 500 15.748 19.685 15.748 19.685
-0.063 -0.000 -0.003 -0.000
+0.000 +0.070 +0.000 +0.003
500 630 500 630 19.685 24.803 19.685 24.803
-0.070 -0.000 -0.003 -0.000
+0.000 +0.080 +0.000 +0.003
630 800 630 800 24.803 31.496 24.803 31.496
-0.080 -0.000 -0.003 -0.000
+0.000 +0.090 +0.000 +0.004
800 1000 800 1000 31.496 39.370 31.496 39.370
-0.090 -0.000 -0.004 -0.000
+0.000 +0.105 +0.000 +0.004
1000 1250 1000 1250 39.370 49.213 39.370 49.213
-0.105 -0.000 -0.004 -0.000
+0.000 +0.125 +0.000 +0.005
1250 1600 1250 1600 49.213 62.992 49.213 62.992
-0.125 -0.000 -0.005 -0.000
+0.000 +0.150 +0.000 +0.006
1600 2000 1600 2000 62.992 78.740 62.992 78.740
-0.150 -0.000 -0.006 -0.000
+0.000 +0.175 +0.000 +0.007
2000 2500 2000 2500 78.740 98.425 78.740 98.425
-0.175 -0.000 -0.007 -0.000
+0.000 +0.210 +0.000 +0.008
2500 3150 2500 3150 98.425 124.016 98.425 124.016
-0.210 -0.000 -0.008 -0.000

ThorPlas Engineering Manual | 29

 LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR
THORDON BEARINGS INC. (‘TBI’)
a. Basic Terms. TBI provides a limited warranty on the f. Exclusions. TBI shall, as to each aforesaid defect, be
Goods of its own manufacture sold by it to the Buyer relieved of all obligations and liability under this Limited
thereof, against defects of material and workmanship (the Warranty if:
“Limited Warranty”). 1. The Goods are operated with any accessory, equipment or
b. Coverage. This Limited Warranty covers the repair or part not specifically approved by TBI and not manufactured
replacement or the refund of the purchase price, as TBI by TBI or to TBI’s design and specifications, unless the
may elect, of any defective products regarding which, Buyer furnishes reasonable evidence that such installation
was not a cause of the defect; provided, that this provision
upon discovery of the defect, the Buyer has given
shall not apply to any accessory, equipment or part, the use
immediate written notice. TBI does NOT warrant the of which does not affect the safety of the Goods;
merchantability of its product and does NOT make any 2. The Goods shall not be operated or maintained in
warranty express or implied other than the warranty accordance with TBI’s written instructions as delivered
contained herein. to the Buyer, at any time or from time to time, unless the
c. Third Party Products. Accessories, equipment and parts Buyer furnishes reasonable evidence that such operation or
not manufactured by TBI are warranted or otherwise maintenance was not a cause of the defect;
guaranteed only to the extent and in the manner warranted 3. The Goods shall not be operated or maintained under
or guaranteed to TBI by the actual manufacturer, and then normal industry use, unless the Buyer furnishes reasonable
only to the extent TBI is able to enforce such warranty or evidence that such operation was not a cause of the defect;
4. The Goods shall have been repaired, altered or modified
guarantee.
without TBI’s written approval or, if the Goods shall have
d. Limited Liability. TBI’s liability for any and all claims, been operated subsequent to its involvement in an accident
damages, losses and injuries arising out of or relating or breakdown, unless the Buyer furnishes reasonable
to its performance or breach of any contract of sale of evidence that such repair, alteration, modification,
goods and the manufacture, sale delivery, re-sale, repair, operation, accident or breakdown was not a cause of the
or use of any goods, shall NOT exceed the agreed price defect; provided, however, that this limitation insofar as it
of such Goods. The Buyer’s remedy shall be at TBI’s option, relates to repairs, accidents and breakdowns, shall NOT
the replacement or repair of the Goods. This shall be the be applicable to routine repairs or replacements or minor
Buyer’s sole, exclusive and only remedy against TBI. accidents or minor breakdowns which normally occur in the
IN NO EVENT SHALL TBI BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, operation of a machine, if such repairs or replacements are
made with suitable materials and according to standard
SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
practice and engineering;
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, 5. The Buyer does not submit reasonable proof to TBI that the
BUSINESS, GOODWILL, INCURRING OF MACHINERY defect is due to a material embraced within TBI’s Limited
DOWNTIME, DESTRUCTION OR LOSS OF ANY Warranty hereunder.
CAPITAL GOODS, LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, g. Warranty Term. This Limited Warranty made by TBI
DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND ANY OTHER TYPE contained in these Terms and Conditions, or contained in
OF DAMAGES WHETHER SIMILAR TO OR DIFFERENT any document given in order to carry out the transactions
FROM THIS LISTING. contemplated hereby, shall continue in full force and
e. Latent Defects. In cases of defects in materials or effect for the benefit of the Buyer, save and except, no
workmanship or defects arising from the selection of warranty claim may be made or brought by the Buyer
material or processes of manufacturer, such defects must after the date which is twelve (12) months following
be apparent in the Goods within three (3) months, after delivery and acceptance of the Goods pursuant to this
delivery and acceptance of the Goods to the Buyer. Contract.
h. Expiration and Release. After the expiration of this
Limited Warranty’s period of time, as aforesaid, TBI shall
be released from all obligations and liabilities in respect
of such warranty made by TBI and contained in this
Contract or in any document given in order to carry out
the transactions contemplated hereby.

30 | ThorPlas Engineering Manual

CUSTOMER FOCUSED TO SUPPORT
YOUR IMMEDIATE AND FUTURE NEEDS
Supply and Service
Geared to provide quick response to customer needs, Thordon Bearings understands the importance of fast delivery
and reduced down time. Thordon marine and industrial bearings can be designed, produced to the exact requirements
of the customer and shipped quickly.

Distribution
With Thordon bearings specified all around the world, an extensive distribution network has been established in over
100 countries. Inventories of common bearing sizes are stocked by local Thordon Distributors and are backed up by
large regional and head office Thordon stocks.

Application Engineering
Thordon Bearing’s engineers work closely with customers to provide innovative bearing system designs that meet or
exceed the technical requirements of the application.

Manufacturing
Thordon’s modern polymer processing facility is staffed with experienced and dedicated employees. Bearings up to
2.2 m (86”) in diameter have been supplied and bearings up to 1.5 m (60”) O.D. can be machined in-house.

Quality
Thordon Bearings Inc. is a Canadian company manufacturing to ISO 9001 Quality System requirements.
With over 40 years experience in polymer bearing design, application engineering and manufacturing,
Thordon marine and industrial bearings are recognized worldwide for both quality and performance.

Research and Development

Thordon bearings are being continuously tested by our Bearing Test Facility. The Facility evaluates new designs and
applications before they are put into service. Ongoing testing not only allows for design refinements, but ensures
quality and performance after installation. Our polymer laboratory evaluates new and modified polymers in a
continuing quest to improve Thordon bearing performance and searches for new polymer bearing solutions.

Your Authorized Thordon Distributor

3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario L7M 1A6 Canada

Tel: +1.905.335.1440 Fax: +1.905.335.4033 Email: info@thordonbearings.com Website: www.ThordonBearings.com
TPEM 07/19/NA
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