Space Electronics manufactures precision gas bearings that offer ideal space simulating platforms for testing attitude control systems. Spherical gas bearings provide a cable pass-through to allow inter-connection between payloads mounted on opposite ends. Hemispherical gas bearings are provided with a bolt pattern on the flat top surface. Our standard bearings are provided with a tilt angle of 10 degrees. We also make custom bearings with tilt angles above 45 degrees.
Advantages of gas bearings are no friction, no wear - since the bearing is non-contacting, the only friction is the immeasurably small shear force in the air film. Therefore our bearings never wear out.
Outstanding stiffness to small deflections - as opposed to what is commonly thought, air bearings are many times stiffer than ball or roller bearings. The thickness of the air gap is only a few microns and remains stable under heavy loading.
No bearing instability - our bearings remain stable over a wide range of loads and pressures.
Operate in dirty environments - clean air constantly flows out of the bearing preventing dirt from entering the gap. Gas bearings can operate in environments that are too dirty for a ball bearing to survive.
Gas bearings are not damaged by shock loads or loss of air pressure - the hardcoat finish and self-lubricating lining prevent damage even if the bearing is turned without air pressure.
