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Writer's pictureAndrew Emerson

Air Bearings in Medicine: Precision and Efficiency in Healthcare


Medical Diagnostic Devices




Andrew Emerson

OAV Air Bearings 

Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA






In the field of medicine, where precision and efficiency are crucial for the livelihood of patients and the development of medicinal knowledge, air bearings are emerging as a transformative technology. Air Bearings offer a frictionless and clean solution, significantly enhancing the performance of medical devices like MRIs, CT Scanners, surgical robots, and more.



In medical applications—from high-resolution imaging systems to sophisticated robotic surgical tools—the need for exacting precision and minimal wear is critical. Air bearings are increasingly being integrated into these systems due to their exceptional stability and low maintenance requirements. By eliminating physical contact, they reduce mechanical noise and vibration, leading to improved imaging quality and surgical outcomes.



OAV Roller Air Bearing for Medicine

Benefits of Air Bearings in High Precision Diagnostic Equipment


  • Frictionless Operation

    • Reduction in Mechanical Wear: Air bearings eliminate physical contact between moving parts resulting in a longer lifespan for components and reducing the frequency of maintenance.


  • Improved Imaging Quality:

    • Reduced Mechanical Noise and Vibration: Air bearings significantly lower mechanical noise and vibration. In imaging systems like MRI and CT scanners, this reduction improves the quality of the images by minimizing artifacts and distortions that can arise from vibrations. The degradation of image quality and mechanical wear that MRI scanners face is due to the vibration levels they perform at. When replaced with OAV alternatives, image quality and lifespan increase and outperform the negative effects of the mechanical competitors.


  • Increased Efficiency:

    • Cost Efficiency: By extending the lifespan of medical equipment and reducing maintenance costs, air bearings contribute to overall cost savings for healthcare facilities. No down time and more durability is an essential part of making sure patients are receiving the care they need on time and at the highest level.

    • Energy Efficiency: Air bearings have lower energy requirements compared to other traditional mechanical components used in medical devices, supporting efforts to reduce the energy consumption and promote sustainability in healthcare.


  • Enhanced Safety and Reliability:

    • Cleaner Operation: Air bearings operate without lubricants or contaminants, reducing the risk of contamination in medical environments. This is particularly important in sterile environments and for devices in direct contact with patients.



Air Bearings used for MRI Imaging

In the field of medicine, there is a rigorous demand for precision and consistency, especially when discussing and servicing for the health and future of patients. Air Bearing technology is suited for the requirements it faces, and goes far beyond the capacities of traditional mechanics in medical devices. As a result, air bearings are becoming an integral component in advancing medical technology, driving improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes.



Schedule a meeting with an OAV Engineer to discuss your application here.


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