RADIAL AIR BEARINGPRODUCT SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCING INFORMATIONFOR CONCAVE AND CONVEX CONFIGURATIONSTABLE OF CONTENTSRADIAL AIR BEARING LINE INFORMATIONLine Sheet ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARING LINE INFORMATION
Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Recommended Width Radius Tolerancing ......................................................................................................... 7
Recommended Length Radius Tolerancing ........................................................................................................ 8
Bearing to Shaft Ratio ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Effects of Tolerancing Factor Changes ............................................................................................................ 10
Tolerancing Factor 0.00035 ............................................................................................................................. 11

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARING LINE INFORMATION
Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Recommended Width Radius Tolerancing ....................................................................................................... 14
Recommended Length Radius Tolerancing ...................................................................................................... 15
Bearing to Shaft Ratio ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Effects of Tolerancing Factor Changes ............................................................................................................ 17
Tolerancing Factor 0.00035 ............................................................................................................................. 18

USES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
Rings ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Shafts.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Large Shafts, Cylinders, Drums....................................................................................................................... 26
Discs ............................................................................................................................................................... 27© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 2

POROUS MEDIA AIR BEARING SOLUTIONS™

NEW WAY AIR BEARINGSRADIAL AIR BEARING LINE
patent pending

Precision Rotary Motion for Critical Applications
New Way introduces Radial Bearings to its range of Air Bearing products. In either concave or convex
configurations, New Way Radial Air Bearings are ideal for rotary applications, giving you all the differential
advantages of air bearings that you require: high speed, high precision, no friction, no wear, no need for
lubrication, excellent velocity control, and no noise. These porous media air bearings ideal for a wide rangeof high-performance applications including inspection, imaging, wind power, turbo machinery, powder
processing, centrifuge and many others.

© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Photograph courtesy of IBS Precision Engineering

Photograph courtesy of IBS Precision Engineering

IBS Precision Engineering’s Susan Wafer Inspection Machine

Uses New Way Concave Radial Air Bearings

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 3

RADIAL AIR BEARING LINE
Precision Rotary Motion for Critical Applications
Concave Radial Air Bearing Line
Ideal for rotary motion, New Way Concave Porous MediaTM Radial Air Bearings aredesigned to maximize open-ID aperture by enabling you to engineer a supporting
structure outside the rotating body.
Concave Radial Air Bearing Line

Convex Radial Air Bearing Line
Ideal for rotary motion, New Way Convex Porous MediaTM Radial Air Bearings aredesigned to minimize the OD circumference, enabling you to engineer a supporting
structure inside the rotating body.
Convex Radial Air Bearing LineThe Advantages of Porous Media
Unlike conventional orifice compensation, New Way Porous Media Air Bearings
control the airflow across the entire bearing surface. Millions of holes in the porous
carbon material produce an ideal supply of uniform air pressure, while
simultaneously restricting and damping the air flow. The carbon surface also
provides greater bearing protection if there is an air supply failure, and allows the
New Way Porous MediaTM Technology

bearings to be moved during air failure without damaging the support surface.

Benefits of New Way Radial Air Bearings
Large-scale rotary motion

Averaging of guide surface errors

No contact

Infinite resolution

No wearSub-nanometer repeatability

No noise

Excellent velocity control

No touchdown damage

No vibration

No need for lubrication

RobustHigh speed

Inexpensive

High stiffness

Lower operation cost

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Phone: 610-494-6700 Fax: 610-494-0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 4

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSPRODUCT LINE DIMENSIONSPART NUMBER
WIDTH RADIUS LENGTH RADIUS
S3212W***
S3212L***S3215W***
S3215L***S3220W***
S3220L***S3225W***
S3225L***
S3240W***
S3240L***S3250W***
S3250L***S3275W***
S3275L***
S32100W***
S32100L***
S32125W***
S32125L***
S32150W***
S32150L***
PART NUMBER
WIDTH RADIUS LENGTH RADIUS
S3212W***
S3212L***S3215W***
S3215L***S3220W***
S3220L***S3225W***
S3225L***
S3240W***
S3240L***S3250W***
S3250L***S3275W***
S3275L***
S32100W***
S32100L***
S32125W***
S32125L***
S32150W***
S32150L***

'W'
12
15
20
25
40
50
75
100
125
150

'L'
24
30
40
50
80
100
150
200
250
300

'WR' MIN.
12
15
20
25
40
50
75
100
125
150

'I'

'J'
6.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
20.0
25.0
37.5
50.0
62.5
75.0

'K'

N/A
7
8
7.62
8.69
N/A
25

'M'

'WR' MAX.
60
75
100
125
200
250
375
500
625
750

'N' TAP

3.3
6.3
10.3
11.5
15.8

DIMENSIONS'LR' MIN'LR' MAX.
24
120
30
150
40
200
50
250
80
400
100
500
750
150
200
1000
1250
250
1500
300
DIMENSIONS'P' TAP'O''E''Q' TAP'R'

M3 X 0.5

25

4

'F'

'G'
12
15
N/A
20
25
59.94 40
75
50
125
75
175 100
225 125
275 150

'H'
N/A
20
25
25
N/A

'S'
22
28
37
47

'T'
2.5
2.5
4.0
4.0

'U'
2.5
2.5
4.0
4.0

N/A

N/A

N/A

M3 X 0.5

21.59

6.35

13

N/A

18.00

3.18

6

2

10.75

N/A M1.6 X 0.35

M5 x 0.8

M5 X 0.8

M3 X 0.5
36

'C'
10
10
13
17
20
25
50
70
85
100

38.10

3

N/A

NOTES: -*** IN PART NUMBER IS BEARING RADIUS-TAP HOLES 'N' QUANTITY OR ORIENTATION MAY NOT BE AS SHOWN ILLUSTRATION

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 5

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSPRODUCT LINE SPECIFICATIONS

SIZE
(MM)
12 X 24
15 X 30
20 X 40
25 X 50
40 X 80
50 X 100
75 X 150
100 X 200
125 X 250
150 X 300

LOAD @ 5 UM
FLY HEIGHT
(N)
22
44
89
156
445
801
1868
4003
6672
10453

STIFFNESS(N/UM)
5
7
14
22
58
110
250
665
1009
1645

FLOW
(NLPM)
0.40
1.18
1.89
2.36
4.25
4.72
4.25
4.25
4.96
5.19

BEARING
HEIGHT
(MM)
10
10
13
17
20
25
50
70
75
100

BEARING
WEIGHT
(GM)
6
8
24
48
145
295
1372
3628
6937
11822

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

BALL
SOCKET
(MM)
6
6
6
6
13
13
25
25
25
25

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 6

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSRECOMMENDED WIDTH RADIUS TOLERANCING

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZEMINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZEBEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('WD' MIN.='W' X 2)

(WR MIN.'='W' X 1)('WD' MAX.='W' X 10)('WR' MAX.='W' X 5)

'WD' MIN.
+ 0.000024- 0.0084+ 0.000030- 0.0105+ 0.000040- 0.0140+ 0.000050- 0.0175+ 0.000080- 0.0280+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000300- 0.1050'WR' MIN.
+ 0.004212- 0.0000+ 0.0053
15- 0.0000+ 0.0070
20- 0.0000+ 0.008825- 0.0000+ 0.014040- 0.0000+ 0.017550- 0.0000+ 0.026375- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0438125- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000'WD' MAX.
+ 0.0000120- 0.0420+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000750- 0.2625+ 0.00001000- 0.3500+ 0.00001250- 0.4375+ 0.00001500- 0.5250'WR' MAX.
+ 0.021060- 0.0000+ 0.026375- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0438125- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1313
375- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2188625- 0.0000+ 0.2625750- 0.0000NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-RECOMMENDED TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'):
0.00035-TO CALCULATE TOLERANCE FOR SPECIFIC SHAFT SIZE ('WD'):
SHAFT DIAMETER TOLERANCE=+ 0.0000- 'WD' X 'TF'

BEARING RADIUS TOLERANCE=+ ('WD / 2) X 'TF'
- 0.0000-THE TOLERANCING FACTOR MAY BE INCREASED OR DECREASED AS REQUIRED. CONSULT FACTORY
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 7

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSRECOMMENDED LENGTH RADIUS TOLERANCINGMINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 1)
BEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 5)

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('LD' MIN.='L' X 2)

(LR' MIN.='L'X1)('LD' MAX.='L' X 10)('LR' MAX.='L'X5)'LD' MIN.
+ 0.000048- 0.0168+ 0.000060- 0.0210+ 0.000080- 0.0280+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000160- 0.0560+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000300- 0.1050+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000600- 0.2100'LR' MIN.
+ 0.008424- 0.0000+ 0.010530- 0.0000+ 0.014040- 0.0000+ 0.017550- 0.0000+ 0.028080- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000'LD' MAX.
+ 0.0000240- 0.0840+ 0.0000300- 0.1050+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000800- 0.2800+ 0.00001000- 0.3500+ 0.00001500- 0.5250+ 0.00002000- 0.7000+ 0.00002500- 0.8750+ 0.00003000- 1.0500'LR' MAX+ 0.0420120- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2625750- 0.0000+ 0.3500
1000- 0.0000+ 0.43751250- 0.0000+ 0.5250
1500- 0.0000NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-RECOMMENDED TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'):
0.00035-TO CALCULATE TOLERANCE FOR SPECIFIC SHAFT SIZE ('LD'):SHAFT DIAMETER TOLERANCE=+ 0.0000- 'LD' X 'TF'

BEARING RADIUS TOLERANCE=+ ('LD / 2) X 'TF'
- 0.0000-THE TOLERANCING FACTOR MAY BE INCREASED OR DECREASED AS REQUIRED. CONSULT FACTORY
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 8

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSBEARING TO SHAFT RATIO

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 9

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSEFFECTS OF TOLERANCING FACTOR CHANGESThe Tolerancing Factor is used to generate the manufacturing tolerances for the shaft diameter and bearing radius. The table below
illustrates the effect of changes in the tolerancing factor to the gaps at the ends of the radial bearing under worst-case conditions.

SMALLEST BEARING SIZETOLERANCING BEARING
FACTOR
WIDTH'TF'

0.000100.000150.000200.000250.000300.000350.000400.000450.00050LARGEST BEARING SIZE

SHAFT
DIAMETERBEARINGRADIUSTOLERANCING BEARING
FACTORLENGTHEDGE GAP

'W'

'WD'

'WR'

'EG'

'TF'

12

23.9976
23.9964
23.9952
23.9940
23.9928
23.991623.9904
23.9892
23.9880

12.001212.0018
12.0024
12.0030
12.0036
12.004212.0048
12.0054
12.0060

0.00032
0.000480.000640.000800.000960.001130.001290.001450.001610.000100.000150.000200.000250.000300.000350.000400.000450.00050SHAFT
DIAMETERBEARINGRADIUS

'L'

'LD'

'LR'

'EG'

300

599.9400
599.9100599.8800
599.8500
599.8200
599.7900
599.7600
599.7300
599.7000

300.0300
300.0450
300.0600
300.0750
300.0900
300.1050
300.1200
300.1350
300.1500

0.00804
0.01206
0.016080.020090.024110.028130.03215
0.036170.04019

EDGE GAPNOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-FOR ANY GIVEN BEARING SIZE AND TOLERANCING FACTOR, THE EDGE GAP ('EG') DIMENSION WILL INCREASE AS THE SHAFT DIAMETERDECREASES. IN THE TABLE ABOVE THE NOMINAL SHAFT DIAMETER IS THE MINIMUM DIAMETER RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH THE
CHOSEN BEARING SIZE.
-SHAFT DIAMETERS 'WD' AND 'LD' ARE THE MINIMUM SIZE ALLOWED FOR EACH GIVEN TOLERANCING FACTOR-BEARING RADIUS 'WR' AND 'LR' ARE THE MAXIMUM SIZE ALLOWED FOR EACH GIVEN TOLERANCING FACTOR

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 10

CONCAVE RADIAL AIR BEARINGSTOLERANCING FACTOR = 0.00035

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZEBEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('WD' MIN.='W' X 2)

(WR MIN.'='W' X 1)('WD' MAX.='W' X 10)('WR' MAX.='W' X 5)

'WD' MIN.
+ 0.000024- 0.0084+ 0.000030- 0.0105+ 0.000040- 0.0140+ 0.000050- 0.0175+ 0.000080- 0.0280+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000300- 0.1050'WR' MIN.
+ 0.004212- 0.0000+ 0.0053
15- 0.0000+ 0.0070
20- 0.0000+ 0.008825- 0.0000+ 0.014040- 0.0000+ 0.017550- 0.0000+ 0.026375- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0438125- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000'WD' MAX.
+ 0.0000120- 0.0420+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000750- 0.2625+ 0.00001000- 0.3500+ 0.00001250- 0.4375+ 0.00001500- 0.5250'WR' MAX.
+ 0.021060- 0.0000+ 0.026375- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0438125- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1313
375- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2188625- 0.0000+ 0.2625750- 0.0000BEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 1)

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 5)

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

SHAFT DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('LD' MIN.='L' X 2)

(LR' MIN.='L'X1)('LD' MAX.='L' X 10)('LR' MAX.='L'X5)'LD' MIN.
+ 0.000048- 0.0168+ 0.000060- 0.0210+ 0.000080- 0.0280+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000160- 0.0560+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000300- 0.1050+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000600- 0.2100'LR' MIN.
+ 0.008424- 0.0000+ 0.010530- 0.0000+ 0.014040- 0.0000+ 0.017550- 0.0000+ 0.028080- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000'LD' MAX.
+ 0.0000240- 0.0840+ 0.0000300- 0.1050+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000800- 0.2800+ 0.00001000- 0.3500+ 0.00001500- 0.5250+ 0.00002000- 0.7000+ 0.00002500- 0.8750+ 0.00003000- 1.0500'LR' MAX+ 0.0420120- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2625750- 0.0000+ 0.3500
1000- 0.0000+ 0.43751250- 0.0000+ 0.5250
1500- 0.0000NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'):
0.00035

NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'):
0.00035

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 11

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSPRODUCT LINE DIMENSIONSPART NUMBER
WIDTH RADIUS LENGTH RADIUS 'W'
S3312W***
S3312L***12
S3315W***
S3315L***
15
S3320W***
S3320L***20
S3325W***
S3325L***25
S3340W***
S3340L***40
S3350W***
S3350L***50
S3375W***
S3375L***75
S33100W***
S33100L***
100
S33125W***
S33125L***
125
S33150W***
S33150L***
150

'L'
24
30
40
50
80
100
150
200
250
300

'WR' MIN.
12
15
20
25
40
50
75
100
125
150

PART NUMBER
WIDTH RADIUS LENGTH RADIUS
S3312W***
S3312L***S3315W***
S3315L***S3320W***
S3320L***S3325W***
S3325L***S3340W***
S3340L***S3350W***
S3350L***S3375W***
S3375L***
S33100W***
S33100L***
S33125W***
S33125L***
S33150W***
S33150L***

'J'
6.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
20.0
25.0
37.5
50.0
62.5
75.0

'K'

'I'
N/A
7
8
7.62
8.69
N/A
25

'WR' MAX.
60
75
100
125
200
250
375
500
625
750

'M'

'N' TAP

N/A

M1.6 X 0.35

DIMENSIONS'LR' MIN'LR' MAX.
24
120
30
150
40
200
50
250
80
400
100
500
150
750
200
1000
250
1250
300
1500
DIMENSIONS'O''P' TAP'E''Q' TAP

'R'

10.75

3.3
6.3
10.3
11.5
3.175
15.8

13

25

N/A
4

18.00

'F'

'G'
12
15
N/A
20
25
59.94 40
75
50
125
75
175 100
225 125
275 150

'H'
N/A
20
25
25
N/A

'S'
22
28
37
47

'T'
2.5
2.5
4.0
4.0

'U'
2.5
2.5
4.0
4.0

N/A

N/A

N/A

M3 X 0.5

21.59

6.35

6

2
M3 X 0.5

M5 X 0.8

M3 X 0.5
36

'C'
10
10
13
17
20
25
50
70
85
100

M5 X 0.8

38.10

3

N/A

NOTES: -*** IN PART NUMBER IS BEARING RADIUS-TAP HOLES 'N' QUANTITY OR ORIENTATION MAY NOT BE AS SHOWN ILLUSTRATION

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

Printed in USA NWAB-11-M-028 2011-08-08-V12-50

Page 12CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSPRODUCT LINE SPECIFICATIONS

SIZE
(MM)
12 X 24
15 X 30
20 X 40
25 X 50
40 X 80
50 X 100
75 X 150
100 X 200
125 X 250
150 X 300

LOAD @ 5 UM
FLY HEIGHT
(N)
22
44
89
156
445
801
1868
4003
6672
10453

STIFFNESS(N/UM)
5
7
14
22
58
110
250
665
1009
1645

FLOW
(NLPM)
0.40
1.18
1.89
2.36
4.25
4.72
4.25
4.25
4.96
5.19

BEARING
HEIGHT
(MM)
10
10
13
17
20
25
50
70
75
100

BEARING
WEIGHT
(GM)
6
8
24
48
145
295
1372
3628
6937
11822

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BALL
SOCKET
(MM)
6
6
6
6
13
13
25
25
25
25

Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

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Page 13

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSRECOMMENDED WIDTH RADIUS TOLERANCINGMINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZEBEARING SIZE'W'

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('WD' MIN.='W' X 2)

(WR MIN.'='W' X 1)('WD' MAX.='W' X 10)('WR' MAX.='W' X 5)

'WD' MIN.

'WR' MIN.

'WD' MAX.

'WR' MAX.

'L'

12

24

24

15

30

30

20

40

40

25

50

50

40

80

80

50

100

100

75

150

150

100

200

200

125

250

250

150

300

300

+ 0.0084- 0.0000+ 0.0105- 0.0000+ 0.0140- 0.0000+ 0.0175- 0.0000+ 0.0280- 0.0000+ 0.0350- 0.0000+ 0.0525- 0.0000+ 0.0700- 0.0000+ 0.0875- 0.0000+ 0.1050- 0.0000

12
15
20
25
40
50
75
100
125
150

+ 0.0000- 0.0042+ 0.0000- 0.0053+ 0.0000- 0.0070+ 0.0000- 0.0088+ 0.0000- 0.0140+ 0.0000- 0.0175+ 0.0000- 0.0263+ 0.0000- 0.0350+ 0.0000- 0.0438+ 0.0000- 0.0525

120
150
200
250
400
500
750
1000
1250
1500

+ 0.0420- 0.0000+ 0.0525- 0.0000+ 0.0700- 0.0000+ 0.0875- 0.0000+ 0.1400- 0.0000+ 0.1750- 0.0000+ 0.2625- 0.0000+ 0.3500- 0.0000+ 0.4375- 0.0000+ 0.5250- 0.0000

60
75
100
125
200
250
375
500
625
750

+ 0.0000- 0.0210+ 0.0000- 0.0263+ 0.0000- 0.0350+ 0.0000- 0.0438+ 0.0000- 0.0700+ 0.0000- 0.0875+ 0.0000- 0.1313+ 0.0000- 0.1750+ 0.0000- 0.2188+ 0.0000- 0.2625

NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-RECOMMENDED TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'):
0.00035-TO CALCULATE TOLERANCE FOR SPECIFIC BORE SIZE ('WD'):
BORE DIAMETER TOLERANCE=+ 'WD' X 'TF'
- 0.0000BEARING RADIUS TOLERANCE=+ 0.0000- ('WD / 2) X 'TF'

-THE TOLERANCING FACTOR MAY BE INCREASED OR DECREASED AS REQUIRED. CONSULT FACTORY
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
info@newwayairbearings.com

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
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Page 14

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSRECOMMENDED LENGTH RADIUS TOLERANCING

BEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 1)

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 5)

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('LD' MIN.='L' X 2)

(LR' MIN.='L'X1)('LD' MAX.='L' X 10)('LR' MAX.='L'X5)'LD' MIN.
+ 0.016848- 0.0000+ 0.021060- 0.0000+ 0.028080- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0560160- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2100600- 0.0000'LR' MIN.
+ 0.000024- 0.0084+ 0.000030- 0.0105+ 0.000040- 0.0140+ 0.000050- 0.0175+ 0.000080- 0.0280+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000300- 0.1050'LD' MAX.
+ 0.0840240- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2800
800- 0.0000+ 0.3500
1000- 0.0000+ 0.5250
1500- 0.0000+ 0.70002000- 0.0000+ 0.8750
2500- 0.0000+ 1.0500
3000- 0.0000'LR' MAX+ 0.0000120- 0.0420+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000750- 0.2625+ 0.00001000- 0.3500+ 0.00001250- 0.4375+ 0.00001500- 0.5250

NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-RECOMMENDED TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'):
0.00035-TO CALCULATE TOLERANCE FOR SPECIFIC BORE SIZE ('LD'):
BORE DIAMETER TOLERANCE=+ 0.0000- 'LD' X 'TF'

BEARING RADIUS TOLERANCE=+ ('LD / 2) X 'TF'
- 0.0000-THE TOLERANCING FACTOR MAY BE INCREASED OR DECREASED AS REQUIRED. CONSULT FACTORY
FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Page 15

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSBEARING TO BORE RATIO

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Page 16

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSEFFECTS OF TOLERANCING FACTOR CHANGESThe Tolerancing Factor is used to generate the manufacturing tolerances for the bore diameter and bearing radius. The table below
illustrates the effect of changes in the tolerancing factor to the gaps at the ends of the radial bearing under worst-case conditions.

SMALLEST BEARING SIZETOLERANCING BEARING
FACTOR
WIDTH'TF'

0.000100.000150.000200.000250.000300.000350.000400.000450.00050LARGEST BEARING SIZE

BORE
DIAMETERBEARINGRADIUSTOLERANCING BEARING
FACTORLENGTHEDGE GAP

'W'

'WD'

'WR'

'EG'

'TF'

12

24.002424.0036
24.004824.0060
24.0072
24.0084
24.009624.010824.0120

11.9988
11.9982
11.9976
11.9970
11.9964
11.9958
11.9952
11.9946
11.99400.00032
0.000480.000640.000800.000960.001130.001290.001450.001610.000100.000150.000200.000250.000300.000350.000400.000450.00050

BORE
DIAMETERBEARINGRADIUS

'L'

'LD'

'LR'

'EG'

300

600.0600
600.0900
600.1200
600.1500
600.1800
600.2100
600.2400
600.2700
600.3000

299.9700
299.9550
299.9400
299.9250
299.9100299.8950299.8800
299.8650
299.8500

0.00804
0.01206
0.016080.020090.024110.028130.03215
0.036170.04019

EDGE GAPNOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-FOR ANY GIVEN BEARING SIZE AND TOLERANCING FACTOR, THE EDGE GAP ('EG') DIMENSION WILL INCREASE AS THE BORE
DIAMETER DECREASES. IN THE TABLE ABOVE THE NOMINAL BORE DIAMETER IS THE MINIMUM DIAMETER RECOMMENDED
FOR USE WITH THE CHOSEN BEARING SIZE.
-BORE DIAMETERS 'WD' AND 'LD' ARE THE MAXIMUM SIZE ALLOWED FOR EACH GIVEN TOLERANCING FACTOR-BEARING RADIUS 'WR' AND 'LR' ARE THE MINIMUM SIZE ALLOWED FOR EACH GIVEN TOLERANCING FACTOR

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Page 17

CONVEX RADIAL AIR BEARINGSTOLERANCING FACTOR = 0.00035

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZEBEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZEMINIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 1)

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('WD' MIN.='W' X 2)

(WR MIN.'='W' X 1)('WD' MAX.='W' X 10)('WR' MAX.='W' X 5)

'WD' MIN.
+ 0.008424- 0.0000+ 0.010530- 0.0000+ 0.014040- 0.0000+ 0.017550- 0.0000+ 0.028080- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000'WR' MIN.
+ 0.000012- 0.0042+ 0.000015- 0.0053+ 0.000020- 0.0070+ 0.000025- 0.0088+ 0.000040- 0.0140+ 0.000050- 0.0175+ 0.000075- 0.0263+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000125- 0.0438+ 0.0000150- 0.0525'WD' MAX.
+ 0.0420120- 0.0000+ 0.0525150- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.0875250- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2625750- 0.0000+ 0.3500
1000- 0.0000+ 0.43751250- 0.0000+ 0.5250
1500- 0.0000'WR' MAX.
+ 0.000060- 0.0210+ 0.000075- 0.0263+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000125- 0.0438+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000375- 0.1313+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000625- 0.2188+ 0.0000750- 0.2625

BEARING SIZE

'W'

'L'

12

24

15

30

20

40

25

50

40

80

50

100

75

150

100

200

125

250

150

300

BEARING RADIUS

BORE DIAMETERBEARING RADIUS('LD' MIN.='L' X 2)

(LR' MIN.='L'X1)('LD' MAX.='L' X 10)('LR' MAX.='L'X5)'LD' MIN.
+ 0.016848- 0.0000+ 0.021060- 0.0000+ 0.028080- 0.0000+ 0.0350100- 0.0000+ 0.0560160- 0.0000+ 0.0700
200- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2100600- 0.0000'LR' MIN.
+ 0.000024- 0.0084+ 0.000030- 0.0105+ 0.000040- 0.0140+ 0.000050- 0.0175+ 0.000080- 0.0280+ 0.0000100- 0.0350+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000300- 0.1050'LD' MAX.
+ 0.0840240- 0.0000+ 0.1050
300- 0.0000+ 0.1400
400- 0.0000+ 0.1750
500- 0.0000+ 0.2800
800- 0.0000+ 0.3500
1000- 0.0000+ 0.5250
1500- 0.0000+ 0.70002000- 0.0000+ 0.8750
2500- 0.0000+ 1.0500
3000- 0.0000'LR' MAX+ 0.0000120- 0.0420+ 0.0000150- 0.0525+ 0.0000200- 0.0700+ 0.0000250- 0.0875+ 0.0000400- 0.1400+ 0.0000500- 0.1750+ 0.0000750- 0.2625+ 0.00001000- 0.3500+ 0.00001250- 0.4375+ 0.00001500- 0.5250

NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF') 0.00035

NOTES: -ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS-TOLERANCING FACTOR ('TF'): 0.00035

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Radial Air Bearing Application & Design Guide

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SIZE ('L' X 5)

BORE DIAMETER

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Page 18

RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSRadial bearings have many potential applications. By ganging bearings together, any number ofgoals can be achieved through the use of New Way’s radial concave and convex bearings. This
paper seeks to show some of the iterations possible through illustration. However, there is
probably no end to the types and number of application configurations possible.

Rings often haverelatively large spinning
diameters, resulting inlarge centrifugal forces
and loads to bearing
mounts on the ring,
especially loads thatare not evenly
distributed around thecircumference. These
centrifugal forces canchange the shape ofthe ring. Even balanced
loads that are notuniform can change theshape of the ring. Careshould be given in thedesign of the spinning
artifact constraint
system in anticipationof this.

Concave bearings can be used when
there is a desire to run on the Outer
Diameter of a ring, or other artifact.
The curve cut onto the bearing can belengthwise (Shown) or across thewidth of the bearing. (Not shown)

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Convex bearings can be used when
there is a desire to run on the Inner
Diameter of a ring.
(not shown in diagram)

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Page 19

RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

For these reasons,care should be taken
in calculating the load
bearing capacity of theradial bearings.
The load is calculated
based on the projectedarea of the bearing
face.

These bearings
have a higher
load capacity
than thebearings in thebottomillustration.
The load bearing
capacity of the
bearings will varydepending on theorientation to theload and thetolerances of the
bearing and artifact.
See page 27 for anote on Tolerances.

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Page 20RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

For these reasons,care should be taken
in calculating the load
bearing capacity of theradial bearings.
The load is calculated
based on the projectedarea of the
bearing face.

These bearings
have a higher
load capacity
than thebearings in thebottomillustration.

The load bearing
capacity of the
bearings will varydepending on theorientation to theload and thetolerances of the
bearing and artifact.
See page 27 for anote on Tolerances.

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Page 21

RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

By utilizing the concave
detail lengthwise on
the bearing, numerous
applications andshaft options areavailable.

Here the shaft is able to slide axially,
as well as rotate – all without friction.
This is a demonstration unit that New
Way has constructed to show thebenefits of Radial Air Bearing
technology. Please call New Way
for more information and details.

Through the use of commonly
available ¾ shafting, simple and costeffect linear motion slides and ways
can be fabricated.
The two views shown at left
illustrate the use of an air bearing on
the top of the shaft, which would
deliver the greatest amount of load
bearing capacity.

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Page 22

RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

By incorporating a magnet, a preload
condition can be created on thelengthwise radial bearings.
This would be beneficial in applications
involving the need for precise flyheight of the table, relative to theshafting. Something to keep in mind;
The magnet should be long enough tospan any bolt holes that might be in
the top of ¾ shafting.

A further embodiment shows a bearing on the top of the rail, and a Puck type air bearing,which New Way pioneered – coupled together to create a kinematically designed linear
way table. One would not want to use two rails in parallel, because the unit would be overconstrained, where one rail would be fighting the other rail – since creating parallel
artifacts in space is difficult.
Shown at left, the system illustrated does not need to be mounted on a granite block,merely a surface flat enough for the Puck type air bearing to ride upon, say > 5μm.

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Page 23RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
By incorporating Lengthwise bearings on the shafting of drums, a non-contact zero friction drum
assembly is possible. Using Puck type bearings at the ends of the shafts, constrains the drum axially.

The above embodiments make possible the deflection of the drum and shafting, without affecting theorientation or relationship of the air bearings to the surface of the artifact. Since the bearings aremounted with ball type fixture mounts, they are able to articulate and self-align to the deflecting shaft.
This could be of particular importance in critical applications.

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Page 24

RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSWhen spinning discs or shafts, abearing on the top of the artifact
can act as a pre-load, to thebottom load carrying bearings.

Care should be exercised when using more than one
bearing as a pre-load, so as not to over constrain theassembly. By using a spring loading mechanism, or apneumatic cylinder as a mounting support, this can
be avoided.

Often, the weight of the artifact can act as a proper amount of pre-load. This helps to saveon the number of bearings, and increases the simplicity of the embodiment.

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Page 25RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
Very large shafts or cylinders can be easily rotated through the use of air bearings.

Very large drums or molds can be precisely rotated off of their ID or OD surfaces.

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Page 26

RADIAL AIR BEARINGSUSES AND APPLICATION ILLUSTRATIONS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSWhen spinning discs a plane can be defined through the use of
three bearings, in keeping with the exact constraint theory.

The use of five radial concave bearings on the outer diameter of these spinning discs ismore accurate than the use of three bearings. The reason for this is that an odd numberof bearings will improve the error motion of the disc – the more used average out any
roundness defects in the artifact, for a more accurate rotation.

NOTE ON TOLERANCES
The tolerances on the bearings are relative to the tolerance on the shafting, or curved surface the bearing isbeing used on. The more the curved surface deviates from a round shape, the greater the gap that is formed
between the curved bearing surface, and the surface of the artifact. When this gap enlarges, there is a greater
opening for the air between the air bearing and the artifact to escape. When this happens, the bearing has alower load bearing capacity, and will ride closer to the artifact. New Way has developed tolerance guidelines toaccount for this variation. By looking at the different bearing permutations, a suitable factor can be utilized, toinsure that you are able to achieve the level of precision desired or necessary for the intended application.

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Page 27

50 McDonald Blvd., Aston, PA 19014 USA
www.newwayairbearings.com© Copyright 2011, New Way Air Bearings

Phone: 610.494.6700 Fax: 610.494.0911
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Page 28