Air Bearing Applications
Leveraging the cutting-edge technology and precision engineering found at Loadpoint, air bearing spindles have emerged as a gold standard for a range of industrial applications
Offering accuracy, reliability, and efficiency, our spindles are helping advance industries by pushing the boundaries of what's possible in precision manufacturing.
Semiconductor Industry
Precision and Accuracy: Air bearing spindles offer a no-contact design which means reduced friction and wear. This results in superior accuracy, especially critical for the intricate dicing processes.
Reduced Heat Generation: Reduced Heat Generation: Traditional bearings can produce heat due to friction, which can distort the wafer. The almost frictionless operation of air bearings prevents this, ensuring precisely consistent results.
Longevity and Reduced Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and no direct contact, the wear and tear are minimal, leading to reduced downtime and maintenance costs.
Consistent Results: Air bearing spindles distribute pressure while minimising vibrations allowing users to achieve a more uniform grinding of wafers.
Improved Surface Finish: The low vibration levels and high speed capabilities of our air bearing spindles contribute to smoother surface finishes, a key part of semiconductor applications.
Contamination Control: The non-contact nature of air bearings means fewer particles are generated, which can be crucial in ensuring the purity of semiconductor wafers.
Enhanced Measurement Accuracy: Air bearing spindles offer exceptional stability and precision, which is paramount when measuring wafer properties.
Stability: In wafer metrology, any vibration or inconsistency can disrupt measurements. Air bearing spindles ensure a stable platform, giving more reliable results.
Speed and Throughput: The high-speed capabilities of air bearing spindles can expedite measurements, increasing the throughput in metrology processes. Air bearing spindles offer exceptional stability and precision, which is vital when measuring wafer properties.
Automotive Industry
Precision Movement: Air bearing spindles can provide smoother motion, enhancing the precision of robotic arms when painting cars, leading to a more consistent and even application.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Traditional bearings can wear out quickly because of the repetitive motion of robots. Air bearing spindles, due to their frictionless nature, are likely to have a longer lifespan and less downtime due to reduced maintenance.
Less Contamination: As there are fewer particles generated by the virtually frictionless operation of air bearings, there's a hugely reduced risk of contaminants disrupting the paint job.
Uniform Application: The precision and stability offered by air bearing spindles can lead to a more uniform application of paint, resulting in a smoother finish.
Enhanced Speed and Efficiency: Due to their high-speed capabilities, air bearing spindles can potentially speed up the painting process, enhancing efficiency in production lines.
Improved Longevity: As mentioned, reduced wear and tear can lead to longer operational lifespans, reducing downtimes in vehicle paint application processes.
Optical Industry
Precision and Accuracy: In the optical industry, even the most minute deviation or error can result in significant defects in the final product. Our air bearing spindles, known for high precision due to reduced friction and wear, can help ensure lenses are turned to the exact specification.
Reduced Heat Generation: The almost frictionless operation of air bearings minimises heat generation, which is crucial when working with delicate optical materials. Excessive heat can cause the optical material to warp or alter its properties.
Stability and Reduced Vibration: When turning lenses, any vibration can introduce imperfections. Air bearing spindles offer superior stability and minimal vibration meaning a smoother and more consistent lens surface.
OEM Machinery Manufacturer Collaboration: Collaborating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) lets us tailor our air bearing spindles to the specific needs of the optical industry. This collaboration ensures that the spindles are optimised for the machinery used. This enhances performance and helps ensure seamless integration into the manufacturing process.
Longevity and Maintenance: Given the reduced wear and tear, air bearing spindles typically require less maintenance and have a longer operational lifespan. This can be particularly beneficial for lens turning on lathes, ensuring consistent production quality over extended periods.
Enhanced Surface Finish: For optical applications, the surface finish is paramount. Air bearing spindles, due to their high-speed capabilities and reduced vibration, can result in an exceptionally smooth surface finish on lenses.
Precision Machining Industry
Diamond turning is a precision machining process that uses a diamond-tipped cutting tool to produce highly accurate surfaces, often on optical components and non-ferrous metals. Loadpoint's air bearing spindles offer several plus points:
Exceptional Precision and Accuracy: Air bearing spindles, by their nature, operate with minimal friction. This helps ensure the diamond-tipped tool can move smoothly across the workpiece, producing surfaces with very high tolerances.
Reduced Heat Generation: Diamond turning processes, especially when machining non-ferrous metals, can generate heat. Air bearing spindles, with their almost frictionless operation, mitigate excessive heat generation. This means material being machined remains undistorted and maintains its critical properties.
Stability and Low Vibration: For the machining of optical components, stability is paramount. Any vibration can introduce microscopic imperfections in the surface. Air bearing spindles provide superior stability and minimal vibration, ensuring the final surface is as smooth and defect-free as possible.
Enhanced Surface Finish: The combination of a diamond-tipped tool and the smooth operation of an air bearing spindle means the surface finish achieved during diamond turning is of exceptional quality. This is particularly crucial for optical components where the surface finish can directly affect the clarity and quality of transmitted light.
Extended Tool Life: The consistent and stable motion provided by air bearing spindles ensures even wear on the diamond-tipped tool, potentially extending its lifespan. This means fewer tool changes, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Collaboration and Customisation: Loadpoint's collaboration with manufacturers in the precision machining industry makes it likely their air bearing spindles are optimised for diamond turning applications. This ensures the spindle integrates seamlessly with the diamond turning machinery, enhancing overall efficiency and quality.