PI USA is a leading manufacturer of rotary air bearings, tables (spindles). We provide a line of in-house designed and manufactured air bearings  for industries including semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, optics inspection and medical engineering. 

Advantages of Rotary Air Bearings (Spindles)

Rotary air bearings are used for various applications due to their unique advantages and capabilities. Here are some reasons why rotary air bearings are favored in certain situations:

1. Frictionless operation: Rotary air bearings operate without any physical contact between the bearing surfaces. This frictionless operation eliminates wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements.

2. High precision: Air bearings provide exceptional precision and repeatability in motion control applications. Their design allows for smooth and precise rotation, making them ideal for tasks that require accurate positioning and smooth motion, such as semiconductor manufacturing, optical systems, and high-precision machining.

3. High-speed capability: Air bearings can achieve extremely high rotational speeds, enabling rapid movements and dynamic operations. Their low friction and absence of mechanical components allow for higher acceleration rates, making them suitable for high-speed applications.

4. No Vibrations: Due to the lack of mechanical contact there is no bearing rumble, and motion is basically vibrationless. 

5. Cleanroom compatibility: Since rotary air bearings do not produce particulates or require lubrication, they are well-suited for cleanroom environments in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, where contamination must be minimized.

6. Low heat generation: The frictionless operation of air bearings results in minimal heat generation, preventing issues related to thermal expansion and ensuring stable performance even in high-temperature environments.

7. No maintenance: Due to their simple design and lack of mechanical contact, lubricants or wear, rotary air bearings require no maintenance compared to traditional bearings. This reduces downtime and associated costs.