Page 10 of catalogue Bearing Supports in Buildings and Structures of Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

Specia

Structures

Can safety be fun?

At the top of the Millenium Wheel, also known as the London Eye, you have the most impressive view of London. Millions of tourists have taken a ride on this ferris wheel and have returned to the ground safely thanks to INA and FAG. The consolidated knowhow and the ideal way in which these two bearing specialists complement each other are evident in this project.
London Eye: Thanks to INA and FAG, people can safely enjoy the stunning view from the world’s largest ferris wheel

In the hub, the “heart” of the ferris wheel, FAG ensures friction-free rotary motion. Two Spherical roller bearings are installed in this position. They each weigh tons and have a diameter of one meter. INA is responsible for the safe upright position, or more specifically, two specialdesign ELGES large spherical plain bearings. With outside diameters of 600 mm and a weight of 194 kg each they were indispensable for moving the wheel from its horizontal mounting position across the Thames into a vertical position. During the process, enormous contact pressures of more than 450 N/mm2 were present.

Safe fun: INA has performed comprehensive testing on the load capacity of Elgoglide® coating on its in-house test stands

10