Bearing Surface / Face: Load Capacity 10-50 N/cm²

Component Specifications

Definition

The bearing surface or face is the precisely finished flat interface on an air bearing pad that creates a thin, pressurized air film when supplied with compressed air. This component maintains extremely tight geometric tolerances (typically within microns) to ensure uniform air gap distribution, enabling frictionless linear or rotational motion with nanometer-scale precision in industrial applications.

Working Principle

Operates on the principle of aerostatic lubrication, where compressed air is forced through microscopic pores or grooves on the surface, creating a pressurized air film that separates the bearing face from the opposing surface, eliminating mechanical contact and friction.

Materials

High-grade aluminum alloys (6061-T6, 7075), stainless steel (304, 316), ceramic composites (alumina, silicon carbide), or polymer composites with surface hardness ≥HRC 40 and surface roughness Ra ≤0.1μm.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Pore Size	5-20μm
Load Capacity	10-50 N/cm²
Air Consumption	5-20 L/min per pad
Surface Roughness	Ra 0.05-0.2μm
Flatness Tolerance	≤1μm/100mm
Operating Pressure	3-6 bar

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 12129-1, DIN 31698, ISO 1101

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Air Bearing Pad

A precision component that creates a thin film of pressurized air to support and guide loads with minimal friction.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Surface contamination blocking air pores
Geometric deformation under thermal variation
Corrosion in humid environments
Uneven wear from particulate ingress

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Surface contamination from particulates
Failure: Blocked air pores leading to contact friction and surface scoring
Mitigation: Install multi-stage filtration (≤0.1μm) in air supply and implement regular surface cleaning protocols

Trigger: Thermal expansion mismatch with base material
Failure: Surface warping and loss of flatness tolerance
Mitigation: Use materials with matched thermal coefficients and implement temperature-controlled environments (±1°C)

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Geometric tolerances per ISO 1101: Flatness ≤0.001mm, Parallelism ≤0.002mm

Test Method

ISO 12129-1 for bearing performance, surface measurement per ISO 4287 with white light interferometry

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Bearing Surface / Face

Manufacturer profiles associated with Bearing Surface / Face.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Seal Groove

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Frequently Asked Questions

What surface finish is required for optimal air bearing performance?

Surface roughness should be Ra ≤0.1μm with flatness tolerance within 1μm per 100mm to ensure uniform air film distribution and stable levitation.

How does the bearing surface maintain air film stability?

Through precisely engineered surface geometry and controlled porosity that regulates air flow, creating a stable pressure distribution that prevents contact even under varying loads.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Bearing Surface / Face