Machining capabilities at Free State factory probably the largest in SA

South African wear parts manufacturer Vesconite Bearings has increased its Virginia-based factory capacity and ramped up its three-, four- and five-axis machining capability in line with expected future demand for more complex machined parts made from Vesconite’s advanced engineered materials.

The Vesconite Bearings factory spans 20 000 m2 and features advanced extrusion, injection-moulding and CNC machining facilities. Standard stock shapes, including rods, bushings and plates, as well as precision machined components are produced at the company’s ISO-certified factory in the Free State. It is the one of the largest polymer engineering facilities in the world.

Vesconite Bearings production manager Robin Crabb states that the machining capabilities at Vesconite are highly advanced.

“In the last 15 years we've gone over to CNC machining, and we now exceed 80 CNC machines – probably the largest number of CNC machines in one place in South Africa,” he states proudly. The factory features a number of processing and machining plants, as well as a testing laboratory.

The Vesconite factory boasts the capacity of multi-axis machining, enabling the factory to produce high volumes of complex bushings.

Bushings are produced seven days a week, 24 hours a day with the goal of offering a turnaround for customers within three days. “At any given time, we have over 47 000 parts on order,” he notes.

Vesconite’s larger machines can machine up to a 2 000 mm diameter bushing, going down to as small as a 10 mm outside diameter bush, and even smaller.

Crabb notes that the additional five-axis machining capability will permit Vesconite Bearings to take on challenging machining projects, including difficult precision, custom wear parts such as daggerboard casings for high-technology sailing yachts.

Vesconite Bearings CEO Dr Jean-Patrick Leger explains that Vesconite is machined on metal working equipment, noting that components can be machined to precise tolerances.

“We have always focused on high precision, long-life bearing materials that do not require regular greasing. So, the idea is that you install these products, and that hopefully you will never have to grease them or grease them very seldom. Our focus is on producing premium long-life products, precision machined,” he says.

Apart from the factory’s extensive machine and equipment range, the facilities include compounding, extrusion, moulding, and machinery construction shops. Vesconite’s products are shipped directly from the factory to all corners of the globe with typical despatches of two to fourteen days.

Factory Learnerships and Apprenticeships

Vesconite also runs a successful Learnership Programme at its Virginia production plant. The programme provides mentorship for several young people, in which training and guidance is provided for formal learnerships and qualifications. In addition to the Learnership Programme, the company provides opportunities for new staff members to undertake Apprenticeships in fitting and turning, boiler making and electrical. 

Apprentice Shanelle Potgieter is grateful for the opportunity she has been offered through the Vesco apprenticeship programme.

“I had heard a lot about Vesconite, which made me want to enter this industry. And I love working with my hands, so I thought fitting and turning would be a good solution.

She says the apprenticeship has improved her life substantially. “I have purpose now. I wake up every morning knowing I'm going to do something meaningful today, I'm going to learn something new. It's fun and it keeps me busy, which I appreciate very much,” she says.

Fellow apprentice Lesley Segalo, who holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, says the experience he has gained has helped him to understand the theory he learned at university.

“I now have the privilege of using various kinds of machines in a practical way, which increases my knowledge of the mechanical and the engineering side of this interesting industry,” he says.

He hopes to study further and become an integral part of the Vesconite company.