Circular Flat Vacuum Preloaded Air Bearings

The flat circular vacuum preloaded air bearings of the LRAV series are similar to the LRA and LSA series bearings in that they provide friction free translational or rotational motion on a surface.  However, LRAV series air bearings add a vacuum pocket in the center of the pad which restrains the bearing to the mating surface with a constant force.  This type of bearing can simplify stage assemblies by reducing the number of bearings needed to constrain motion.  A secondary seal within the pocket isolates the exiting bearing air from the vacuum source; this improves stiffness and load capacity of the bearing while making more constant the preload force.  A simple ball seat is favored over the use of flexure mounts to attach the working load by providing for the use of a vacuum preloaded ball stem.

A majority of the products we sell are adapted or customized in some way to meet specific application requirements.  If you do not see exactly what you are looking for within this product line, please contact Specialty Components; we would be glad to help you design, prototype and manufacture your own idea.

Do you need to know more about the differences of porous surface and orifice type air bearings?  Please click on the “Resources” tab above.

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