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OAV aerodynamic foil air bearings provide high-speed, oil-free rotational support using self-generating air films that eliminate mechanical contact, wear, and the need for external lubrication. As rotational speed increases, the compliant foil structure creates a pressurized air layer, enabling true non-contact operation with exceptional efficiency, durability, and reliability.

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Designed for demanding environments, these bearings operate across a wide range of speeds and temperatures while maintaining stability and low vibration. OAV foil air bearings are ideal for turbomachinery, microturbine generators, aerospace systems, and other high-speed rotating equipment requiring maintenance-free performance.

Key Benefits

  • No external air supply required

  • Oil-free, clean operation

  • High-speed capability with low friction

  • Quiet, low-vibration performance

  • Wide operating temperature range

  • High shock and load tolerance

  • Maintenance-free design

Common Applications

  • Turbomachinery

  • Aircraft and aerospace systems

  • Microturbine generators

  • High-speed rotating equipment

Hybrid Aerodynamic + Aerostatic Design

OAV’s hybrid foil bearing technology combines aerodynamic and aerostatic principles to improve load capacity, damping, and system stability. This design reduces sensitivity to rotor imbalance and startup conditions, delivering smoother and more reliable performance across a wider range of operating speeds.

Foil Air Bearing diagram
OAV Aerodynamic Foil Air Bearing

High-Speed Aerodynamic Foil Bearings for Oil-Free Rotational Systems

Aerodynamic Foil AIR Bearings

Engineered For High Speed, Oil-Free Operations

Self-generating aerodynamic air films enable true non-contact operation at high speeds, eliminating wear while delivering stable, oil-free performance in demanding environments.

FOIL AIR BEARINGS DESIGN GUIDE & SPECIFICATIONS (PDF)

Download our comprehensive guide with detailed specifications, dimensions, load capacities, and engineering data to help you select the right air bushing for your application.

8 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

8 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

Part # FB-T8-X47

8 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil thrust air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and axial load support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

8 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

8 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

Part # FB-J8-L12

8 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil journal air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and radial shaft support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

13 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

13 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

Part # FB-T13-X57

13 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil thrust air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and axial load support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

13 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

13 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

Part # FB-J13-L20

13 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil journal air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and radial shaft support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

20 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

20 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

Part # FB-T20-X65

20 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil thrust air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and axial load support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

20 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

20 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

Part # FB-J20-L25

20 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil journal air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and radial shaft support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

25 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

25 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

Part # FB-T25-X75

25 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil thrust air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and axial load support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

25 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

25 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

Part # FB-J25-L28

25 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil journal air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and radial shaft support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

40 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

40 mm OAV Foil Thrust Air Bearing

Part # FB-T40-X120

40 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil thrust air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and axial load support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

40 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

40 mm OAV Foil Journal Air Bearing

Part # FB-J40-L35

40 mm OAV 4th Generation self-starting aerodynamic foil journal air bearing for high-speed rotary motion and radial shaft support. Provides oil-free, non-contact operation with low friction and no external air supply. Ideal for turbomachinery, aerospace, microturbines, and other high-speed rotating applications.

Custom Design

Part # Foil Air Bearings

We provide designs that are integrated into your product and we can quickly develop a design based on the application or specific requirements. We provide detailed drawings and 3-D CAD models, can analysis complex issues associated with application from nanometer accuracy positioning to standard calculations.

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