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],
From the editor's desk: What happened to the metaverse? Technews Publishing
News & events
One of the most interesting technical crashes in recent years is the metaverse. As recently as 2022 it was white hot, with massive hype led by Meta. Even Bill Gates was saying that in two to three years ...
Read more...Hamar Controls earns dual Siemens Partner Awards
News & events
Hamar Controls has been honoured with two Smart Infrastructure Partner of the Year Awards by Siemens. These acknowledge the company’s exceptional manufacturing output within the Siemens SIVACON S8 partner programme.
Read more...Academy pumps out the next generation of experts
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves has invested in a specialised training centre designed to equip internal and branch staff and certified partners with in-depth knowledge of KSB products and systems.
Read more...Africa Automation Indaba 2026
News & events
Africa’s automation and process control landscape is poised for a major milestone with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, taking place from 13 to 14 May 2026 at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town.
Read more...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...BMG backs emerging driver talent in South African motorsport Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
BMG has reaffirmed its commitment to local talent development through its sponsorship of Karabo Malemela, a driver on the Pablo Clark Racing Development Company’s motorsport development programme.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version