Question 1

What is the working principle of air bearings?

Accepted Answer

Air bearings, also referred to as air cushions or air casters, operate by using pressurized gas (typically air) to create a frictionless bearing surface. This technology is widely utilized in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and metrology, where precision and clean, frictionless movement are crucial.

Question 2

How do air bearings work and what are their principles of operation?

Accepted Answer

Air bearings work by using pressurized gas, usually air, to create a thin film of gas between two surfaces. This thin film of gas acts as a lubricant, reducing the friction between the two surfaces and allowing them to move smoothly and easily against each other.
There are several types of air bearings, including journal bearings, linear bearings, thrust bearings, roller bearings, tapered bearings, and vacuum-preloaded bearings. Each type of air bearing operates on similar principles but is designed for a specific type of motion or load-bearing application. Contact the OAV Support team for your specific application.
The gas film acts as a lubricant, reducing the friction between the two surfaces and allowing them to move smoothly and easily against each other. This makes air bearings ideal for applications that require low friction, high accuracy, or clean operation.

Question 3

What are the performance advantages of air bearings compared to other types of bearings?

Accepted Answer

Air bearings utilize pressurized gas (typically air) to create a thin film between two surfaces, resulting in low friction, high accuracy, and clean operation. These characteristics make them suitable for various applications. Compared to rolling element bearings and hydrostatic bearings, air bearings offer several advantages:
- Low friction: The thin gas film minimizes friction, ideal for precise movement and low-friction operations.
- High accuracy: Air bearings maintain precise positions and orientations over extended periods, perfect for applications requiring exact measurements or control.
- Clean operation: They require no lubrication or maintenance, preventing contamination and operating effectively in diverse environments.
- Long lifespan: With no wear and minimal maintenance, air bearings are cost-effective over time.

Question 4

What maintenance do air bearings require?

Accepted Answer

OAV Air Bearings require zero maintenance. If you do need to clean the air bearing surface, simply wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry.

Question 5

What is the recommended air quality for OAV Air Bearings?

Accepted Answer

Between ISO 8573.1 Quality Classes 3 & 4. Minimum recommendation: dirt particle size at 15 microns, dew point at 37 deg F, oil/vapor content at 5mg per cubic meter. 
Ideal recommendation: dirt particle size at 5 microns, dew point at -4 deg F, oil/vapor content at 1 mg per cubic meter.

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Question 6

Can only air be used for air bearings?

Accepted Answer

Compressed air is very common in industrial environments, however other gases such as compressed nitrogen can be also used. Different gases will provide different results. The specifications listed by OAV Air Bearings are based on compressed air.

Question 7

How does OAV Air Bearings maintain the stability and damping effect?

Accepted Answer

We design our air bearings to have special epoxy to block the pores on the surface where air flow is not desired. Our design forces the flow in the direction of the frictionless surface. This results in higher stiffness, more stability, and better damping properties.

Question 8

Can I download solid files and drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by clicking on the product link where each size will have a solid file and drawing.

Question 9

How do I install OAV Air Bearings?

Accepted Answer

It is important to read the Design Guides found here. This information will help you design around the air bearing. The links below are the direct links to the Installation Guides for the respective air bearings:
 
Roller Air Bearing
Thrust Air Bearing
Air Bushing
Flat Air Bearings

Question 10

How much air pressure do I use?

Accepted Answer

It is best to start with 40 PSI and gradually increase until your desired results are achieved. Our standard air bearings are designed to function between 40 PSI and 100 PSI.

Question 11

How much do air bearings cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing will vary based on quantity. Contact OAV Air Bearings for a quote.
http://oavco.com/purchase.html

Question 12

How accurate are OAV air bearings?

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of air bearings is almost entirely determined by the accuracy of the guide. To improve the accuracy, the guide will need to have high stiffness, excellent flatness, and the right surface roughness.

For best results, use the following tolerances:
 
Surface Roughness 16 micro-inch (0.4 micron) RMS or better
Grade A for high precision
Grade AA for ultra precision
 
OAV manufactures guide surfaces with state of the art measuring and testing equipment. OAV guarantees that tolerances are met and that the air bearings achieve the desired performance on the guide.

Question 13

How small can you manufacture custom sizes?

Accepted Answer

We can manufacture parts as small as 3mm ID air bearings.

Question 14

How fast can a bearing rotate?

Accepted Answer

Below are the standard size air bearing speeds (rpm):

0.25 Inch - 140,000 rpm
13 mm - 76,500 rpm
20 mm - 50,000 rpm
25mm - 40,000 rpm
40mm - 25,000 rpm
50mm - 20,000 rpm
75mm - 13,250 rpm

Question 15

What happens to air bearing systems when the air supply suddenly shuts off?

Accepted Answer

OAV Air bearings are made from Aircraft Quality Aluminum and Graphite. Graphite is a carbon that forms only two bonds with other carbon atoms. This means that it has free electrons and the graphite material exists in layers. This enables one layer to slip over another layer, making graphite an excellent lubricant. If the air supply shuts off, OAV Air bearings act as low friction bushings and it won't damage the platform or the bearing.

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Question 16

I have orifice air bearings. How will I benefit by switching to porous media air bearings?

Accepted Answer

Porous media air bearings distribute air more evenly. Because of this, they offer the benefit of more load capacity, higher stiffness, better gap stability, and more. Additionally, the porous material (graphite) has a natural lubricity. Therefore, your assembly will still work even if the bearing briefly makes contact with the guide. An orifice air bearing however, will have metal-on-metal contact which could damage both the bearing and the guide. The porous media air bearings won't get damaged from contact.

Question 17

How do I choose the right size and type air bearing for my application?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right size air bearing for your application is important to ensure that it performs appropriately and meets the requirements of your application. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting the size of an air bearing:
1. Load-bearing capacity: The load-bearing capacity of an air bearing is determined by the pressure of the gas film and the size of the bearing surfaces. It is important to ensure that the air bearing is capable of supporting the required load without failing or deforming.
2. Envelope Size
3. Accuracy 
4. Operating conditions: The operating conditions of the air bearing, such as temperature, humidity, and contamination, can also affect its performance. It is important to consider these factors and choose a size that is appropriate for the operating environment.

Question 18

What industries benefit the most from OAV air bearings?

Accepted Answer

Air bearings are used in high-precision applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging devices, and aerospace testing, CMM, friction lion motion and automation systems . Their ability to operate without friction enhances accuracy, reduces maintenance costs, and increases efficiency.

Question 19

What factors should I consider when choosing an OAV air bearing?

Accepted Answer

Consider load capacity, environmental conditions, size requirements, and system compatibility.

Question 20

What is an air bearing?

Accepted Answer

An air bearing is a non-contact bearing that uses a thin layer of pressurized air to create a virtually frictionless load-bearing interface between two surfaces. This allows for high precision, smooth motion, and minimal wear.

FAQ

What is OAV Air Bearing Material and Technology?