Business Details
34 Years
experience
Precision Air Bearing Spindles for High-Speed Applications
Air Bearings Ltd (ABL) has been pioneering air bearing spindle solutions for over three decades. Established in the South-West of the UK, our team of engineers and machinists specialise in designing, manufacturing, and testing high-precision products for global clients. By integrating advanced CAD, FEA, and CFD tools, we deliver sub-micron precision in spindle technology, achieving rotational speeds up to 400,000 RPM.Recognised with three Queens Awards for Enterprise and Innovation, we maintain a reputation for excellence through rigorous quality control and collaboration with international agents across 10 countries. Our commitment to innovation ensures tailored solutions for industries requiring extreme accuracy, including PCB drilling, micro-machining, and dicing applications.
Services
PCB Drilling Spindles
Micro-Machining Spindles
Dicing Spindles
Air Bearing Technology
Design & Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in air bearing spindle technology.
- Our engineers use CAD, FEA, and CFD for precision design.
- Three Queens Awards recognise our innovation and export success.
- Global service network with agents in 10+ countries.
- Sub-micron tolerance manufacturing ensures exceptional product quality.
Associations and certifications
- Queens Award for Enterprise
- Queens Award for Innovation
- Dorset Business Awards
Services
PCB Drilling Spindles
Our PCB drilling spindles operate at speeds up to 200,000 RPM, offering high accuracy and reliability for printed circuit board manufacturing. Designed with low static and dynamic run-out, these spindles ensure minimal maintenance and exceptional performance in demanding industrial environments.
Micro-Machining Spindles
Micro-machining spindles deliver speeds up to 160,000 RPM with high stiffness and load capacity. Liquid-cooled designs and sub-micron precision make them ideal for intricate component manufacturing, tailored to meet specific customer requirements for aerospace and medical industries.
Dicing Spindles
Dicing spindles achieve 60,000 RPM for precision cutting of materials like silicon and quartz. Customisable blade mounts and low dynamic run-out ensure efficient, repeatable results for semiconductor and optical component production.
Air Bearing Technology
ABLs air bearing technology uses pressurised air cushions for frictionless rotation, enabling speeds up to 400,000 RPM. This solution eliminates mechanical wear, providing long-term reliability for high-speed industrial applications requiring extreme accuracy.
Design & Analysis
Advanced CAD, FEA, and CFD tools underpin our design process, ensuring optimal performance of air bearing systems. Our engineers deliver customised solutions, validated through simulation and real-world testing, to meet specific client specifications and industry standards.
People
Miquel Illinas
Chief Executive Officer
Leading ABLs strategic direction, Miquel brings extensive experience in precision engineering and global business management to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Jason Freshwater
Supply Chain Manager
Jason oversees ABLs global logistics, ensuring efficient delivery of components and finished products while maintaining rigorous quality control standards across international markets.
Daniel Whittingham
Engineering Manager
Daniel leads ABLs engineering team, focusing on advanced spindle design and implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance product performance and reliability.
Justyna Thanassoulas
Quality and Customer Service Manager
Justyna ensures adherence to quality standards and oversees client relations, combining technical expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Anoushka Dawson
HR Manager
Anoushka manages talent development and organisational culture at ABL, fostering a skilled workforce aligned with the companys innovation-driven goals.
Questions
What industries use ABL’s air bearing spindles?
ABL’s spindles serve industries requiring extreme precision, including PCB manufacturing, semiconductor production, aerospace, and optical component machining.
How do ABL’s air bearing spindles achieve high speeds?
Using aerostatic technology, our spindles employ pressurised air cushions to eliminate friction, enabling rotational speeds up to 400,000 RPM with sub-micron accuracy.
Does ABL offer customised spindle solutions?
Yes, we collaborate with clients to design bespoke spindles tailored to specific applications, leveraging advanced simulation tools and 30+ years of engineering expertise.
What quality standards does ABL adhere to?
We maintain sub-micron tolerance manufacturing using high-specification inspection equipment and hold three Queen’s Awards for quality, innovation, and export excellence.
Are ABL’s spindles suitable for high-volume production?
Yes, our spindles are engineered for reliability in continuous high-volume operations, with proven performance in PCB drilling and micro-machining applications.
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