The list of applications which utilise the benefits of WRBs is grows steadily. If we keep in the arena of low speed and special needs, then it will continue for years to come as more and more designers become aware of their advantages.

The military throughout the world has increasingly turned to Wire Race Bearings for many of its requirements. Not just the obvious one of the good old turret bearing that rumbles on for ever, but gun platforms, radar installations and camera mountings, to mention a few. The "install it and forget it" value of WRBs is high on their list.

One of our more unusual customers was the recently retired hovercraft operated out of Dover. A good example of an aviation standard requirement that has been kept in service economically for nearly forty years.

Exciting developments are afoot with the drive for Wind Turbines where the WRB is ideally suited to handle the environmental and longevity needs.

The same is true for Articulated Marine Loading arms, which are often located at some of the most remote places and extreme conditions around the globe. Interestingly LNG is proving to be a WRB winner with its ability to work without lubrication at cryogenic temperatures.

The days of the BBC van on outside broadcast have been somewhat replaced by the satellite era but with it has come yet another use for a Wire Race Bearing, ideally suited to sit in a flexible low weight material like carbon fibre.

Our recent stand at the Southern Manufacturing Exhibition brought lots of enquiries for WRBs as slewing rings in all shapes and sizes. Watch this space for further developments...