ABTech Blog

Precision engineering is a critical part of many advanced industries. Looking at aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing, for instance, it’s clear that stringent standards and sub-micron accuracy demands are the norm.

In this three-part series, we’ve examined ABTech’s role in assembling the optical module for a NASA space telescope; part 3 concludes the journey with validation testing, the launch of NuSTAR, and some resourceful repurposing by ABTech.

In this three-part series, we look over ABTech’s contribution to the lenses of NASA’s NuSTAR Telescope; part 2 covers the project’s daring timeline and high standards of workmanship.

Image credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory In this series, we’ll recount how ABTech’s expertise shaped the lenses of NASA’s NuSTAR space telescope; part 1 looks at the project approach, engineering design, and plans for validation. As the NuSTAR telescope observes another year in space, the...

ABTech recently had a booth at Orlando's 2023 SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing conference. It was exciting to attend one of the biggest shows in the industry. While the turnout for the show was smaller than in previous years, the event was a success. We had many valuable opportunities to talk to...

As technology advances, many manufacturers require tools with cutting-edge accuracy. Single point diamond turning (SPDT) is one of today's most precise CNC processes. Equipped with an air-bearing spindle, an SPDT machine can finish parts to an accuracy of less than a millionth of an inch.

For many machine builders, there comes a time when off-the-shelf air-bearing devices will not suffice. Sometimes, an existing unit needs a custom component for a retrofit, say, to increase accuracy. And other times, like for new development projects, the air bearing design requires some expert...

A linear stage is a motion control device used in many industrial applications. At ABTech, we design, engineer, and build linear stages—they’re one of the main categories of high-performance, precision motion machines we manufacture. In this post, we’ll introduce the basics of linear stages,...

Most engineers start exploring the benefits of air bearings once their manufacturing tolerances drop to less than 1 micron. Why is that? Unlike mechanical, metal, or ball bearings, an air bearing provides zero-friction operation, absolute repeatability, and requires little maintenance. But it’s an...

From aerospace to medical devices, to additive manufacturing, some of the most challenging precision manufacturing environments depend on motion solutions such as air bearings to deliver extraordinary, sub-micron-level accuracies and near-perfect repeatability. But every precision motion challenge...