The VLA system has a stroke of 12 feet (3.66m) total and the capability to reach 1 G (2g total force with gravity) acceleration and a maximum velocity of 14 ft/s.  In order to maximize the value of the device to the NAMRL and the greater research community, the goal of the machine development is to make the device as smooth and as quiet as possible.  This is accomplished in part by the use of brushless linear motors and "air bearings" as the primary mover and guidance components.  The VLA will include an integrated dynamic visual acuity (DVA) tester and capability to run arbitrary waveforms.  Also included is the use of a triple redundant safety scheme utilizing long travel impact bumpers, rail brakes and regenerative dynamic braking. 

Axis New England is proud to carry the New Way product line.  New Way Air Bearings is the market leader in the design and manufacture of porous air bearings, air bushings, radial air bearings, air conveyors, and air bearing slides.  These modular products are inexpensive, easy to use, and available from stock.

Unlike orifice bearings, New Way Porous Media Air Bearings control the airflow across the entire bearing surface.  This more consistent air pressure distribution provides superior performance, damping, and stability.  New Way air bearings will continue to function properly even if the bearing or guide surfaces are severely scratched.

Contaminated air can also affect the surfaces of the machines. Many of the drilling and routing machines function with the moving parts floating on a very thin cushion of air. The X Y tables float on air bearings, very similar to how an air hockey puck floats on an air table. The table on many of the PCB drilling and routing machines are made of solid granite, with air shoes mounted on the carriage or overheads. Micro-holes are drilled into the air shoes to allow the air to come out in a small stream, causing the air bearing or air shoe to float away and lift from the surface at a fraction of an inch lift.

fitting on the side of the moving forcer and is evenly distributed through precision orifices on the bottom surface of the forcer between it and the platen. The forcer is constructed with rare-earth magnets which preload the air bearings to the steel platen with up to 350 lb of attraction force.