For precision motion
January 1st 2005

A new range of direct drive, linear air bearing slideways from Loadpoint Bearings is said to provide straightness of motion better than 0.1µm in 100mm of travel, and resolution on position accuracy better than 0.1µm, Developed for use on ultra precision machine tools, the slideways are also suitable for applications on test or measuring equipment and on machinery used in clean environments.

The slideways use inherently accurate air bearings as machine elements; these units being virtually frictionless at the relatively low surface speeds at which linear slideways are used. In addition, when driven by a DC brushless linear motor, they are free from the backlash, mechanical noise and hysteresis associated with some other types of bearing and drive.

Further benefits claimed are wear-free operation and an indefinite operating life, provided that the slideways are kept clean.