How It Works

• Air bearings and air foil bearings are similar -- both use air to cushion impact. The bearing is built in layers: the outer casing, the cushioning foil, a layer of air and then the bearing or the required shaft. This construction allows the bearings to move as needed without the lubricant.
  
  

Vs. Ball Bearings

• Ball bearings face high levels of friction and quickly wear out or break down under high speeds. Aero thrust bearings not only move more quickly than ball bearings but can do so without regular maintenance.
  
  

Vs. Liquid Bearings

• Liquid bearings are thrust bearings that use liquid or a lubricant in order to turn and to cushion impact. These bearings can move more quickly and with less friction than ball bearings. However, they require frequent maintenance such as replacement of liquid or lubricant and they are heavier than the aero thrust bearing. The lubricant and/or liquid can contaminate an engine, motor or electronic device. However, liquid bearings cool much more quickly and provide less heat damage to a delicate machine such as a computer than would an aero bearing.
  
  

Reduced Cost

• Because aero thrust bearings do not require either the use of liquids or the construction of ball bearings, they can be produced much more quickly and easily. Bearings that use air cushioning are more efficient and longer lasting than other thrust bearings. They are cheaper to buy and maintain as well, which has led to their use in aircraft and common household appliances such as refrigerators and cooling units.