DESIGN GUIDE
Epoxy bonded AIR BEARINGS Design and Installation Guide
This guide provides engineering best practices for the design, preload configuration, and installation of OAV Epoxy Bonded Air Bearings. Follow these recommendations to achieve optimal performance, stiffness, and accuracy.
01
Epoxy Bonded Bearings Overview
Epoxy bonded air bearings use a precision-applied epoxy layer to bond the porous graphite bearing surface directly to its supporting structure. This low-profile configuration improves stiffness, positioning accuracy, and vibration damping while maintaining smooth non-contact motion. Engineered for high precision applications, epoxy bonded air bearings provide long service life, thermal stability, and maintenance-free operation in cleanroom and contamination-sensitive environments.
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Design & Installation Guides
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Modular Air Bearings
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Tapered Air Bearings
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Linear Guide Air Bearings
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02
Key Benefits
Integrated Low-Profile Design
Compact geometry simplifies integration into precision motion systems.
High Stiffness
Epoxy bonded construction improves rigidity and positioning stability.
True Non-Contact Motion
Porous graphite air film eliminates friction and wear.
Uniform Air Film
Air distribution maintains stable and repeatable positioning.
Vibration Damping
Epoxy bonded interface absorbs vibration and improves motion stability.
Cleanroom Compatible
Oil-free, frictionless operation minimizes contamination.
Epoxy bonded air bearings provide non-contact motion with enhanced stiffness, damping, and long-term positional stability.
03
Bonding & Installation Process
Epoxy bonded air bearings require careful surface preparation and controlled epoxy application to achieve optimal flatness, stiffness, and long-term positioning stability. Proper alignment, clean assembly procedures, and controlled curing conditions are critical to maintaining consistent air film performance and repeatable motion accuracy.
Clean all work surfaces thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol to remove contaminants and debris.
Place the epoxy bonded bearing in the desired mounting location and verify alignment.
Apply vacuum or use mechanical fixturing to hold the bearing securely during installation.
Place mating assembly onto bearing surface and verify spacing with gage blocks or feeler gauges.
Inject epoxy into bonding surfaces and remove excess material. Allow curing per manufacturer specifications.