Optimizing Aerospace Manufacturing: The Critical Role of Air Bearings

Achieving this level of precision requires manufacturing solutions that minimize friction, eliminate mechanical wear, and maintain stability throughout the production process. That’s where air bearings for aerospace engine components come into play.

What are air bearings and how do they work? 

The Advantages of Air Bearings in Aerospace Manufacturing

Unlike traditional mechanical bearings, air bearings utilize a thin film of pressurized air to create a virtually frictionless surface. This non-contact design offers several key benefits that directly impact aerospace manufacturing:

• Unparalleled Precision – Air bearings eliminate mechanical contact, reducing errors caused by friction, vibration, or material deformation. This leads to ultra-precise motion control, which is critical in applications such as engine inspection and assembly systems and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

• Zero Wear and Contamination – Without physical contact between surfaces, air bearings experience no mechanical wear, extending the longevity of equipment and preventing particle contamination—an essential requirement for aerospace metrology.

• Smooth and Consistent Motion – The absence of rolling elements ensures consistent motion, reducing variations that could impact manufacturing repeatability and component quality.

• Higher Speeds and Efficiency – Air bearings allow for higher rotational and linear speeds without the risk of heat buildup or material degradation, making them ideal for applications such as engine rotor balancing and high-speed machining.

Learn more about ABTech’s approach to Air Bearing Design

ABTech's Precision Solutions for Aerospace Applications

At ABTech, we specialize in air bearings for aerospace engine components, delivering precision solutions tailored to the industry's demanding requirements. Our air bearing systems provide manufacturers with the accuracy, stability, and repeatability needed to optimize production efficiency and meet stringent quality standards.

Chief Operating Officer, Chris Abbott, explains: “Since air bearing axes provide near-perfect repeatability and nanometer level precision, they are the ideal approach for precision manufacturing and measurement equipment in the aerospace industry. For example, Single Point Diamond Turning Machines utilize air bearing work holding spindles and produce nanometer-level part geometries. And on the metrology side, Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM’s), Cylindricity, and Form Measurement platforms all utilize air bearings as the core of their motion design, responsible for providing the most accurate and reliable platform possible.”

Applications of ABTech Air Bearings in Aerospace Manufacturing:

• Turbine Engine Assembly & Inspection – Our air bearing-based metrology systems ensure exact alignment and measurement of turbine components, enhancing performance and safety.

• Precision Machining – Air bearing spindles and rotary tables enable ultra-precise material removal, ensuring tight tolerances and superior surface finishes.

• High-Accuracy Metrology – Our precision measuring systems empower aerospace manufacturers to verify and validate every component with confidence.

ABTech is the sole air bearing manufacturer trusted by GE Aerospace

Ken Abbott, President of ABTech, Inc. is proud of the company’s relationship with GE Aerospace and the combined commitment to innovation. "Working with our friends at GE has been a privilege, and we’re thrilled to continue our role as the sole source supplier for the Air Bearing based Engine Assembly System. The collaborative nature of this relationship has yielded an impressive Metrology System capable of empowering GE to build an even better engine."

By integrating ABTech’s advanced air bearings for aerospace engine components into your manufacturing process, you gain the competitive edge needed to enhance precision, reduce downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Elevate Your Manufacturing Precision with ABTech

Precision matters. Efficiency matters. And in aerospace manufacturing, there’s no room for compromise. Reach out to ABtech today to learn how our air bearing solutions can help you achieve the highest accuracy and performance in your production environment.

If you’re looking for a reliable manufacturer of precision motion technology, consider ABTech for your next project. We’ve been in business since 1998 and have repeatedly proven our capabilities to meet and exceed customer expectations.  ABTech looks forward to supporting your next project.