Track guide system for moving carriage with air bearing system has basic plane made of granite for minimum distortion under load

摘要

The track guide system has a basic plane (12) along which a carriage (14) can move. The carriage is lifted out of contact with the basic plane by a lifting air bearing arrangement (16). A roller guide unit (20) is provided, to resist sideways movement of the carriage. A unit determines the lifting force of the air bearing system according to the engagement of the roller guide system. Facilities are provided for controlling the air bearing depending on the established lifting force. Balls or rollers can be used for the guide unit.