25 years of seals and bearings
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Meco Shaft Seals product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Aug 19, 2005
Woodex Bearing Company, manufacturer of oil-impregnated split wood bearings and Meco custom-engineered shaft seals, marks its 25th year of operation this September.
Woodex Bearing Company, manufacturer of oil-impregnated split wood bearings and Meco custom-engineered shaft seals, marks its 25th year of operation this September.
The company was incorporated in 1980 when its principle shareholders purchased the 75-year-old "Woodex" trademark and production machinery from Robinhood Marina on the Maine coastal island of Georgetown.
Woodex is one of only two major manufacturers of wood bearings in the USA today.
The Woodex brand was first established in 1905 by the Wakefield Company in Massachusetts.
Woodex bearings are fully split, shimless oil-impregnated maple plane bearings for screw conveyors, roll conveyors and other equipment.
Used since ancient times on chariot wheels, water mills, rudder shafts, clock movements and many other machines, the bearing wood of choice for centuries was lignum vitae.
When "lig" hit the endangered species list, it was replaced by rock maple.
The company refers fondly to its bearings as being on "the cutting edge of low technology".
A 1984 licensing agreement made Woodex Bearing Company the exclusive manufacturer and marketing agent for Meco shaft seals.
Originally designed for high-runout screw conveyor shafts, Meco Seals have solved sealing problems on a wide array of bulk processing machinery in many industries.
The Meco division has made a niche for itself through continual engineering development and product customisation over the years.
Its largest markets are in the food, chemical and plastics processing industries, worldwide.
Recognising that no standard seals will work properly in every application, Meco engineers specify the design and construction materials for each seal according to a machine's precise shaft diameter, speed, chemistry, temperature, pressure etc.
Seal materials are chosen from a variety of specialty and hardened metal alloys, bearing-grade plastics and specialty elastomers.
Engineers select the optimal patented seal design to suit each application.
Seals are then drawn to spec and custom-manufactured.
Woodex facilities are located on a former poultry farm on scenic Georgetown Island, Maine.
The chicken barn has been converted to a modern machine shop with CNC capabilities.
In honour of this landmark event, the company has redesigned its website.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact Meco Shaft Seals
Tel +1 207 371 2210
Other Meco Shaft Seals stories
-
Meco launches HB standard-sized seals
Meco Shaft Seals has announced the launch of the HB range of standard-sized seals for screw conveyors and similar equipment. -
Meco seals solve contamination and vacuum issues
Meco Shaft Seals has revealed how its Meco-DR shaft seals can solve contamination and vacuum problems in drying applications. -
Meco shaft seals take stand at POWTEX
Meco custom-engineered shaft seals will be on exhibit at the 17th International Powder Technology Exhibition (POWTEX) in Tokyo on 28-31 October 2008. -
Air-purged seals clear caramelised sugar
Unlike traditional mechanical seals, MECO seal faces are soft, fault-tolerant and almost impossible to break. -
Seal upgrades meet ATEX requirements
Meco has adapted two of its seal designs to comply with ATEX, which considers packing glands unsuitable for service in potentially explosive atmospheres
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