Air bearings were designed, fabricated, and installed on the tool slide of a precision turning machine and the tool and work slides of a similar machine at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant.(a) Optical-flat checks showed an improved bearing performance, especially in regard to short-wavelength errors, when compared with roller bearing slides. Stiffness and load-capacity values were below that of the roller bearings;however, performance of the slides was completely satisfactory in machining parts. During normal operations, the initial tool slide survived a high impact loading ("wreck") without measurable damage. Conclusions reached are that air-bearing slides are feasible for precision machines where load and tool-force requirements are compatible.
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