AIR BEARING

INTRODUCTION
An air bearing is a non-contacting system where a gas
film (typically air) acts as the lubricant that separates
the two surfaces in relative motion.
Air bearing technology offers real advantages to

applications where the demand for accuracy, speed and

reliability is crucial.
air bearings avoid the traditional bearing-related

problems of friction, wear, and lubricant handling, and

offer distinct advantages in precision positioning and
high speed applications.
TYPES OF AIR BEARING
There are basically two types of air bearing:

1)Aerostatic 2)Aerodynamic
1. Aerostatic Bearing
A separate external supply of air is fed under
pressure between the two surfaces being kept apart.
The pressure inside the gap creates the load
carrying properties which are limited only by the
available supply line pressure and material
strength.
They have found popular use in grinding,
machining and micro positioning applications
where full performance at zero speed and the
absence of friction is essential.
2. Aerodynamic Bearing
Aerodynamic or self-acting bearings, the air film
is created by the relative motion of two mating
surfaces separated by a small distance.
As the speed increases, a velocity induced

pressure gradient is formed across the clearance.

The increased pressure between the surfaces
creates the load carrying effect.
The load capacity is dependent on the relative

speed at which the surface moves and therefore at

zero speed, the bearing supports no load.
WORKING
Deflated :
In the deflated stage, the air bearing , it is resting on the floor
with most of the weight being supported by the center load pad.

Inflated :
The second image shows the air bearing in an inflated form
after it has formed a seal with the floor surface. At this stage, the
load has not been engaged to float away from the floor.
WORKING
Load Lifted On Air :
The above image shows the air bearing after it has engaged and floated
the load. Compressed air will then start to escape from the bearing
diaphragm into the area that is being contained by the floor seal.

The weight of the load causes the compressed air escaping out of the air
bearing to force downward onto the floor surface thus causing the load to
float away from the floor.
Comparison with other bearings
 Application
Lifting weights
Machines for the Image Setting Industry
Coordinate Measuring Machines
Testing Equipment
High Speed Equipment
Ultra accurate machine tools
Linear Stages
Advantages
Greater Precision
High Speed
Increased Tool Life
Improved Surface Finish
Long Bearing Life
Low Thermal Growth
Lack of Maintenance
Large Load Capacity
Reduced Vibration
 DISADVANTAGE
High geometry accuracy during manufacturing.
High cost.
Need to have clean working environment.
 Conculsion
By stating the above points air bearings will soon
replace the conventional bearings in high speed, low
loading applications because of their excellence in
overcoming the friction related problems.
As the technology is non-stationary, it is sure that the

shortcomings of air bearings will soon be removed and

the air bearings will be applicable in many more
applications and fulfill the demands of machine
designers.
 REFERENCES
Licht L, Elrod H. A study of the stability of
externally pressurized gas bearings.

Bassani R, Ciulli E, Forte P. Pneumatic

stability of the integral aerostatic
bearing:comparison with other types of
bearing.
Application of Air Bearings to an
Electrodynamic Vibration Standard T. Dimoff
and B. F. Payne
Thank you