A US original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has integrated Vesconite low-friction wear-resistant materials into its product lines for several decades.

This is according to a seasoned OEM pump development engineer, who notes that Vesconite’s durability and versatility make it particularly useful in harsh environments and challenging applications involving dirty water, hot water, marine environments, and chemicals.

"When small particulates are present in the pumpage, such as in rivers or mines, bearings can wear excessively,” says the development engineer. “To address this, we employ a method of flushing the bearings with a small supply of clean water, and we always use Vesconite bearings for this reason," he notes.

Recently, Vesconite Bearings CEO Dr Jean-Patrick Leger and pump engineer Joané Odendaal sat down with the lead development engineer, who has played a pivotal role in the pump manufacturing sector in the US. The engineer, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University ("back when dirt was being created," as he humorously recalls), is widely recognised as a walking encyclopedia by his colleagues. His passion for manufacturing was sparked early on by his uncle. This self-taught mechanical genius took the young engineer under his wing, imparting both mechanical knowledge and a deep love for engineering. Reflecting on his uncle’s influence, he shared, "He could build or repair any mechanical machine without formal instruction. He was a kind, loving, generous man who gave a city kid like me invaluable experiences in the mechanical world.”

The engineer’s connection with Vesconite Bearings dates back several decades. He recalls, with a touch of humour, his first encounter with Vesconite Bearings’ dedicated US pump representative from 2004 until 2022: “A guy named Charlie Simpson showed up on our doorstep years ago, and the only way to get rid of him was to try the stuff.” Since then, the OEM manufacturing company has integrated Vesconite low-friction wear-resistant materials into its product lines. Vesconite bearings have replaced traditional materials like rubber, polyetheretherketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, and even bronze, offering not only superior performance but also cost advantages.

Delivering Consistent Results in Demanding Applications

The company’s experience with Vesconite Bearings has been overwhelmingly positive. The engineer highlights how Vesconite Bearings’ cost-effective, high-performance solutions have proven to be as good, if not better, than the previous materials the OEM pump manufacturer had used. “We’ve used Vesconite for decades in specific applications, and it always delivers,” he notes.

For the OEM manufacturing company, the true value of Vesconite bearings lies in their exceptional resilience in harsh environments. For instance, in applications where pumps handle water mixed with fine particulates—common in rivers and mining operations—the bearings are prone to wear. To mitigate this, the company uses a specialised method to flush the bearings with clean water, a technique that pairs perfectly with Vesconite's robust properties.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, the OEM sees even more potential for Vesconite in the company’s future projects. The partnership has not only enhanced their offerings but also deepened Vesconite’s footprint in the American pump industry. He is quick to praise both the quality of Vesconite’s products and the company’s customer support: “The bearings themselves have always met or exceeded our expectations, and the Vesconite team has been highly responsive to our inquiries and supply chain needs.”

The longstanding relationship between Vesconite Bearings and the OEM manufacturing company is a testament to the value of collaboration in engineering—where innovative materials meet practical, real-world applications to drive success. Vesconite Bearings looks forward to continuing this journey, supporting the company in delivering reliable, efficient solutions for the most demanding environments.