Air Bearings-Application Review

In Air bearings pressured air acts as a lubrication between the moving element and the stationary element which nearlycreates a smooth frictionless motion. They are broadly divided into two types AERODYNAMIC and AEROSTATIC. As air is the lubricant there is no mess due to oil-based lubricants. The air prevents the compounds from sliding, wearing and the life of the compounds are increased. Graphite is used as a porous film so that air is disturbed evenly on the surface or a small hole is made incenter of the bearing so that the air can pass to form a thin layer between the elements, this are of aerostatic type. The aerodynamic bearings do not have any external source of air when the mechanical components are stationary, they are in contact with each other, once they start the motion a thin layer of air is formed. Air bearings come in various shapes and sizes and are used in manufacturing tools which include lathe, grinders and CMM as they are very precious and accurate in working, which reduces the errors and time in manufacturing this precious tools.