The London Eye has become one of the most spectacular and popular visitor attractions in the world. SKF slewing bearings – 3,6 metres in diameter – keep the passenger capsules in a perfect horizontal orientation.
It is based on a construction similar to a bicycle wheel, with a gigantic wheel intersected by 64 spoke cables and then supported by an A-frame on one side only and anchored by a further series of tensioned cables. Thirty-two passenger capsules, each capable of carrying 25 people, are arranged around the wheel, with each capsule being mounted in a circular mounting ring which, in turn is fixed to the outside of the main rim. This arrangement allows each capsule to remain horizontal as the wheel rotates at a constant speed of 0,26 m/sec, giving passengers a continuous and uninterrupted 360° view of the capital.
The continuous horizontal orientation of the capsules is achieved by the use of SKF slewing bearings, located around the outside of each capsule. In total, 64 bearings are used, two per capsule, with each bearing having an external diameter of 3,6 m and weighing 820 kg.
The slewing bearings are designed to accommodate axial, radial and moment loads, acting either singly or in combination and in any direction. They have low backlash internal gears and are constructed using four-point contact ball bearings to provide a high load capacity for oscillating movements, with low friction.
For more information contact Samantha Joubert, SKF, +27 (0)11 821 3500, [email protected],
It’s full steam ahead for SKF’s sustainable leak detection solution SKF South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
One of SKF’s key customers based in Cape Town, which depends on steam systems for its production processes, was facing costly challenges related to high energy consumption and excessive maintenance hours. SKF recommended the TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector as a more streamlined, user-friendly alternative.
Read more...Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
News & events
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
Read more...A racing partnership SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News & events
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo
News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...Siemens and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate 20 years of innovation Siemens South Africa
News & events
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest standing technical partnerships in Formula 1 today.
Read more...A new generation of solar professionals
News & events
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The new space race Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day an interesting report captured my attention. Within four days, two different private American companies recently succeeded in landing their spacecraft on the moon. Intuitive Machines landed ...
printer friendly version