Among the many benefits of air bearings is its continuous use for research conducted by universities around the world by both students and professors alike. Each year, OAV provides financial support and assistance to R&D labs and universities around the globe to fund their research, accomodate their budgets, and improve humanitarian technology.  University research done in collaboration with OAV has spanned a wide range of experiments, from harvesting efficient energy, conducting tribometer testing, analyses of quantum physics, space exploration, and many more. OAV takes pride in wor ..read more

Gas bearings have become an indispensable component in many high-tech applications. Their high performance and efficiency have led them to be embraced across industries from aerospace to high-speed machinery. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive dive into what gas bearings are, how they function, and why they’re pivotal in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. In today's rapidly advancing technological era, efficiency and precision are paramount. Enter gas bearings, a type of bearing that uses a thin film of gas, usually air, between the bearing surfaces to support the relative ..read more

In a world obsessed with efficiency and performance, frictionless bearings have emerged as game-changers in machinery and engineering. Their intricate design, minimalistic friction, and diverse applications have significantly reshaped several industries. By understanding frictionless bearings, we gain insight into the future of mechanical innovations and the pursuit of perfection in machinery. What is a Frictionless Bearing? Frictionless bearings, as the name suggests, are specialized mechanical devices designed to reduce or eliminate friction between moving parts. Their primary goal is to all ..read more

In the expanding world of machinery and technology, foil bearings stand as a remarkable innovation in the realm of high-speed equipment. Representing the apex of low friction, high-speed capability, and durability, these bearings are rewriting the script on machinery efficiency. What is a Foil Bearing? Foil bearings, commonly known as foil air bearings, are a unique type of ,air bearing. These are characterized by a surface supported by a spring-loaded foil journal lining. As the surface achieves sufficient speed, the air pushes the foil away, preventing contact and wear. This separation resul ..read more

In the fast-paced world of modern industry, air bearing technology has emerged as a revolutionary advancement. From the precise operations of the aerospace industry to the microscopic maneuvers of semiconductor production, air bearings play an indispensable role. But, what exactly is an air bearing, and why has it become so vital across various industries? Dive in to discover the heart of this technology and its widespread applications. What is an Air Bearing? An ,air bearing, at its core, is a non-contact bearing system that relies on a thin film of pressurized gas—typically air—to support lo ..read more

For anyone familiar with the intricacies of machinery, the concept of air bearings might not be entirely foreign. However, for the uninitiated, the distinct advantages of air bearing technology can truly reshape one's understanding of precision and functionality in the realm of mechanical operations. What is an air bearing? An ,air bearing, as the name suggests, is a bearing that uses a thin film of pressurized air to support a load. Unlike traditional ball bearings or roller bearings that rely on physical rolling elements to reduce friction, air bearings eliminate mechanical contact and opera ..read more

As time passes and technology continues to advance at an ever-increasing rate, being a mechanical engineer, even a successful one, has certainly not become any easier and may have become much more difficult. The technology industry is constantly growing and with millions of engineers working collaboratively on the industry’s latest problems – all working to create the “latest technological innovation” – being at the forefront of the field is only becoming more challenging. Air bearings most certainly are one of these “latest innovations.” along with OAV roller air bearings. Air bearings are no ..read more

"Imagine you have a spindle that can run over 500K plus RPM, less than 1 millionths of an inches (.025 microns) precision with no oil or maintenance required... PRICELESS " “Frictionless” Air bearings continue to be a fascinating development for the machine world! Among knowledgeable developers and designers air bearings have created an immense curiosity and appreciation for their benefits.  A spindle application is just one of many possible uses for air bearings in the machine development industry. There is no difference between the static and dynamic coefficients of friction in air bea ..read more

Graphite is made up of a giant covalent structure consisting of layers of carbon atoms. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons that are available for bonding. In Graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms. The carbon atoms form layers with a hexagonal arrangement of atoms; each carbon atom has one non-bonded outer electron, which becomes delocalized. While there are strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms in each layer, there are only weak forces between layers. This structure allows layers of carbon to slide over each other - and because one layer can easily ..read more

OAV Air Bearings are emerging as the industry standard for non-contact, frictionless, ultra-precision, and smooth motion air bearings. Air Bearings are being more commonly used across all industries due to the fact that today’s and tomorrow’s technology requires a higher level of precision. OAV Air Bearings utilize porous material to direct even flow distribution. Because of this, OAV Air Bearings offer more precision, higher stiffness and many other benefits over orifice air bearings as well as any contact bearing. The porous material, graphite is a more reliable design allowing for main ..read more