Voices of Innovation: Why Lubron HX & Lubron AQ Are Game-Changers for Tainter Gates

Press Release • August 26, 2026
By Allen Sepielli, Business Development Engineer
Featuring insights from Alex Philippou, Hydro Product Specialist

Lubron HX and AQ bearings are trusted solutions for partially and fully submerged hydro applications, including sector gates, vertical lift gates, miter gates, and tainter gates. With decades of successful performance in hydroelectric and water control projects, these materials have earned a reputation for reliability in some of the industry's most demanding environments.

"In hydro applications, reliability isn't a preference, it's a requirement," says Alex Philippou. "The right bearing material can make the difference between decades of dependable service and costly maintenance."

Lubron HX is a USACE-approved failure-critical bearing material engineered for continuous immersion and wet operating conditions. Its extremely low water absorption provides exceptional dimensional stability, helping maintain consistent performance throughout the life of the structure.

"What sets Lubron HX apart is its ability to maintain its properties even in constantly submerged environments," Philippou adds. "Engineers need confidence that critical components will perform year after year, and HX was developed with exactly that goal in mind."

From hydroelectric facilities to water control structures, Lubron continues to deliver innovative bearing solutions that help customers achieve long-term performance, durability, and peace of mind.

RBC Lubron Earns PennDOT Approval: A Milestone for Infrastructure Reliability

Press Release • August 26, 2026
Released by Allen Sepielli (Business Development Engineer)

Lubron Bearing Systems is pleased to highlight a significant company milestone: the successful approval of Lubron bearing products by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and inclusion in PennDOT Bulletin 15.

While this approval was achieved in 2025, many customers and industry partners may not be aware of its importance. As infrastructure spending continues to grow and agencies place increasing emphasis on proven, qualified products, Lubron is proud to reaffirm its status as an approved supplier for PennDOT projects throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

What Does PennDOT Approval Mean?

PennDOT Bulletin 15 serves as the department's official list of approved materials, products, and manufacturers for use on transportation projects. Inclusion on this list confirms that a product has met PennDOT's requirements for quality, performance, and compliance.

For engineers, fabricators, and contractors, Bulletin 15 approval provides confidence that specified materials have been reviewed and accepted for use on state-funded infrastructure projects. It can also simplify the specification and procurement process by identifying suppliers that meet PennDOT's standards.

"Approval by PennDOT is an important validation of the quality and reliability we've always aimed to deliver," said Allen Sepielli, Business Development Engineer. "It demonstrates our commitment to providing solutions that meet the demanding requirements of transportation infrastructure."

Supporting Critical Infrastructure

Bridge bearings play a crucial role in the long-term performance of transportation structures. They accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, structural movement, traffic loading, and environmental forces while safely transferring loads throughout the bridge system.

Although often hidden from view, bearings are essential components that help preserve structural integrity and extend service life. Selecting qualified, high-performance bearing systems can contribute to reduced maintenance requirements and improved lifecycle performance.

With PennDOT approval, Lubron is positioned to support bridge rehabilitation, bridge replacement, and new construction projects across Pennsylvania with trusted bearing solutions backed by decades of engineering experience.

Built on a Legacy of Reliability

Since 1976, Lubron has developed bearing solutions for transportation, industrial, hydroelectric, and structural applications. Throughout nearly five decades of operation, the company has remained focused on delivering products that perform in demanding environments where reliability is critical.

The addition of Lubron products to Bulletin 15 reflects the same principles that have guided the company from the beginning: engineering excellence, quality manufacturing, and long-term performance.

"Infrastructure owners are increasingly focused on durability and lifecycle value," Sepielli added. "PennDOT approval reinforces our ability to support those goals while providing engineers with confidence in the products they specify."

Looking Ahead

As transportation agencies continue investing in the maintenance and modernization of critical infrastructure, Lubron remains committed to delivering innovative bearing solutions that help structures perform safely and efficiently for decades.

By earning PennDOT approval and inclusion in Bulletin 15, Lubron further strengthens its ability to support engineers, contractors, and public agencies with proven products designed for today's infrastructure challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.

Voices of Innovation: Lubron’s HLMR Disc & Spherical Bearings

Press Release • August 26, 2026
By Allen Sepielli, Business Development Engineer
Featuring insights from Allen Sepielli, Business Development Engineer

Why More Engineers Are Specifying Disc and PTFE Spherical Bearings

As bridge designs continue to evolve, engineers are seeking bearing solutions that can accommodate larger movements, higher loads, and greater rotational demands. While elastomeric and rocker bearings have long been used in bridge construction, modern projects often require a bearing system capable of delivering predictable performance under increasingly demanding conditions.

Disc Bearings and PTFE Spherical Bearings provide a solution by combining high load capacity with controlled rotation and low-friction movement. Available in fixed, guided expansion, and free expansion configurations, these bearings support thermal expansion, seismic displacement, and structural rotation while maintaining a compact footprint.

"Today's bridges demand more from a bearing than simply supporting load. Engineers need a solution that can accommodate movement, rotation, and changing structural demands with confidence. That's where Disc and PTFE Spherical Bearings excel."

– Allen Sepielli, Business Development Engineer, RBC Lubron

PTFE Spherical Bearings are often selected when multidirectional rotation and high compressive loads are required. Their spherical sliding interface allows rotation in any direction while maintaining a low coefficient of friction and compact design.

Disc Bearings are commonly specified for bridges requiring larger translational movements and controlled expansion. By combining a low-friction PTFE sliding surface with an elastomeric disc, they can accommodate both rotation and displacement within a single assembly.

"What sets Lubron apart is our ability to provide engineered bearing solutions backed by decades of infrastructure experience. We work closely with bridge owners, contractors, and fabricators to deliver bearings designed for the specific demands of each project."

– Allen Sepielli

Manufactured in the USA, RBC Lubron's High Load Multi-Rotational Bearings are designed for demanding infrastructure applications and are available with capacities up to 4,000 kips.

For bridge owners and designers evaluating alternatives to traditional elastomeric or rocker bearings, Disc and PTFE Spherical Bearings offer a modern approach to managing movement, rotation, and load transfer in today's infrastructure projects.