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Bearing technology usually operates invisibly in the background. In the case of the kinetic art installation UMBILICAL, however, it becomes a visible component of the work itself. For the large-scale installation, in which giant spools of thread weave a rope in a never-repeating sequence, Rodriguez GmbH supplied a total of 44 custom-made slewing bearings in various sizes.

The work by British artist Conrad Shawcross consists of 40 interlocking arms that continuously weave a rope, tracing the movements of the solar system. Standing ten meters tall and twelve meters in diameter, the installation combines artistic vision with high technical complexity.

Precision Technology for Continuous Operation

The mechanical implementation was developed by British engineering company Brier Solutions. Through its contacts with R.A. Rodriguez UK, a supplier of precision components, German company Rodriguez GmbH was brought into the project as a specialist in bearing technology and custom-made products. Since the installation moves continuously year-round and is stopped only once a year for a spool change, the requirements were high: The components used had to operate with lasting precision, reliability, and resilience while simultaneously withstanding comparatively high axial and radial forces, as well as torsional and tilting moments, despite their compact dimensions. Quiet operation was also very important to the customer.

In addition to the technical suitability of the products, the key factor for the collaboration was, above all, Rodriguez’s ability to implement customer-specific custom solutions quickly and precisely. The company has many years of experience in the development, manufacture, and assembly of special bearing solutions and supplies international customers from a wide range of industries.

Customized ball slewing rings

To realize the project, Rodriguez developed special ball slewing rings. They are particularly suitable for applications where high load-bearing capacity and precise motion sequences are equally required. That is why they are typically used in demanding sectors such as construction and machine tools, cranes, automation, robotics, aerospace, medical technology, and wind turbines.

At UMBILICAL, this technology was applied in an unusual context: Unlike in traditional industrial applications, the mechanics are not hidden but are visible to the audience and can be experienced from close up. “With this project, we were able to demonstrate that we can respond flexibly even to unusual customer requirements and special installation situations. We find the right solution for virtually every application,” emphasizes Product Manager Martin Stremmel.