Vesconite wear-resistant self-lubricating rotary head slide pads will be at Bauma 2025, the world’s leading construction and mining machinery trade fair. With 3,500 exhibitors and approximately 500,000 visitors expected to attend, Bauma takes place in Munich from April 7 to 13. It will feature Vesconite’s wear solutions as part of a drill rig displayed at the stand of a major European OEM drill rig manufacturer.

The inclusion of Vesconite rotary head slide pads in the exhibit reflects the OEM’s confidence in the durability and performance of the material. Since 2023, a manufacturer has been rigorously testing Vesconite’s drill rig slide pads. The testing is ongoing and will continue until the slides need to be replaced. To date, the pads exhibit minimal signs of wear, reinforcing their reliability in demanding drilling applications.

While Vesconite bearing and wear materials are self-lubricating, the testing required that the mast guides be greased, as the side guide strips are made of steel. This ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of corrosion and compatibility with the existing rig components.

Rotary head slide pads play a crucial role in drill rig performance, providing a smooth sliding surface for the rotary head assembly as it moves up and down during drilling operations. By reducing friction between the moving rotary head and the stationary mast guides, these wear components contribute to greater efficiency, reduced maintenance, and prolonged equipment life.

Vesconite sliding wear pads have already demonstrated exceptional longevity in mining and construction drill rigs, lasting through tens of thousands of drilled metres across various client operations. Their superior durability, compared to traditional wear materials, ensures lower replacement frequency and operational downtime, making them a preferred choice for high-performance drilling applications.

The presence of Vesconite components at Bauma 2025 highlights growing interest in them from drill rig manufacturers and end-users seeking reliable, long-lasting wear solutions for demanding environments.