Air bearing systems are widely used in ultra precision equipment because they provide nearly frictionless motion with extremely high positioning accuracy.
To achieve nanometer-level motion stability, air bearing systems require an ultra stable structural platform.
Precision granite is one of the most widely used materials for air bearing machine structures.
What Is an Air Bearing System?
An air bearing system uses a thin layer of pressurized air to create frictionless motion between surfaces.
Air bearings are commonly used in:
- Semiconductor stages
- Optical metrology systems
- Precision motion platforms
- Laser positioning equipment
- Ultra precision CNC systems
These applications require extremely stable structural support.
Why Granite Is Ideal for Air Bearing Structures
Excellent Flatness
Precision granite can achieve ultra high surface flatness required for air bearing motion.
Typical flatness:
|
Specification |
Typical Value |
|
Flatness |
2μm/1000mm |
|
Surface Finish |
Ra 0.4 |
|
Parallelism |
3μm |
Superior Vibration Damping
Granite absorbs vibration better than many metal materials.
This improves:
- Motion smoothness
- Positioning repeatability
- Surface quality
- Measurement stability
Thermal Stability
Granite has low thermal expansion, helping maintain positioning accuracy under temperature changes.
This is important for:
- Semiconductor inspection systems
- Interferometers
- Optical alignment systems
Applications of Granite Air Bearing Platforms
|
Industry |
Application |
|
Semiconductor |
Wafer positioning stage |
|
Optics |
Optical alignment platform |
|
Metrology |
Precision measurement systems |
|
Laser Equipment |
Motion positioning |
|
Precision Automation |
Ultra precision stages |
Why Choose UNPARALLELED®
UNPARALLELED® manufactures precision granite air bearing structures for advanced industrial applications.
Our capabilities include:
- Large precision granite machining
- Air bearing compatible flatness
- Precision lapping technology
- Ultra precision assembly
- Complex structural integration
FAQ
Why are granite structures used in air bearing systems?
Granite provides excellent flatness, vibration damping, and thermal stability for ultra precision motion systems.
What industries use air bearing granite platforms?
Semiconductor, optics, metrology, and precision automation industries widely use granite air bearing systems.
Can granite support nanometer-level positioning?
Yes. Precision granite structures are widely used in nanometer-level positioning applications.