DESIGN GUIDE
MODULAR AIR BEARINGS Design and Installation Guide
This guide provides engineering best practices for the design, preload configuration, and installation of OAV Modular Air Bearings. Follow these recommendations to achieve optimal performance, stiffness, and accuracy.
01
Typical Configurations
Modular air bearings can be preloaded in many different ways to meet the stiffness, load, and accuracy requirements of your application.
1. Opposite Bearings ​
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Highest stiffness and balance
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Best for high load capacity
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Requires more space
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Ensure surfaces are parallel to each other and bearings are placed opposite of one another
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2. Single Sided Support
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Compact and simple
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Lower stiffness
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Suitable for lighter loads or guided motion
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3. Multi-Bearing Platform
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Best for large platforms
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Excellent load distribution
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Improves stability and accuracy
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Avoid over-constraint
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4. Linear Array
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Designed for long stroke applications
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Distributes load along the travel path
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Use symmetric layout for best performance
Design & Installation Guides
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Tapered Air Bearings
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Linear Guide Air Bearings
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Download Full Design Guide (PDF)
Complete technical reference document
02
When to use Modular Air Bearings
Modular air bearings are ideal for applications that require customized support, high precision, and design flexibility. Use modular air bearings when your system demands performance beyond standard solutions.
Custom Motion Systems
Perfect for custom stages and machines with unique layouts and load paths.
Large Surface Platforms
Perfect for custom stages and machines with unique layouts and load paths.
Non-Standard Geometries
Perfect for custom stages and machines with unique layouts and load paths.
High-Precision Applications
Perfect for custom stages and machines with unique layouts and load paths.
