1、 Environmental control: Ensure stable operating conditions

1. Cleanliness requirements
   The air flotation guide rail is sensitive to environmental cleanliness, and it is recommended that the cleanliness level of the workplace be ≤ Class 1000 (i.e., the number of particles with a diameter ≥ 0.5 μ m per cubic foot of air should be ≤ 1000). Dust or particulate matter may adhere to the surface of the guide rail, disrupting the uniformity of the air film and causing vibration or positioning errors.

2. Temperature and Humidity Control

   • temperatureKeep it at 20 ± 1 ℃ to avoid deformation of the guide rail caused by thermal expansion and contraction. Temperature fluctuations exceeding ± 2 ℃ may cause changes in film thickness, affecting the smoothness of motion.
   • humidityControl at 40%~60% to prevent high humidity from causing condensation on the surface of the guide rail and damaging the air film lubrication; Low humidity may cause static electricity and adsorb particulate matter.

3. Vibration isolation measures
   The air floating guide rail is sensitive to external vibrations and needs to be installed on a vibration isolation base (such as a granite platform) to avoid interference from ground vibrations or equipment operation. Vibration amplitude exceeding 0.1 μ m may cause rail resonance, leading to positioning errors.

2、 Air source management: ensuring the stability of air flotation

1. Gas source quality
   • pressure rangeConnect dry compressed air with a stable pressure of 0.4~0.6MPa. A pressure below 0.4 MPa will cause the air floating block to fail to float sufficiently and rub against the guide rail; Exceeding 0.6 MPa may damage the gas film and cause vibration.
   • cleanlinessThe gas source needs to be equipped with a precision filter (filtration accuracy ≤ 0.01 μ m) and a drying device to remove oil, water, and particulate matter. Oil stains may clog pores, and water vapor may corrode air flotation blocks.
2. Gas path maintenance
   • regular inspectionCheck the filter for blockage daily, drain the condensate from the air storage tank, and prevent water vapor from flowing back.
   • pre-filteringInstall a pre filter in the output pipeline of the air compressor to reduce the entry of oil and water into the measuring machine air path and extend the life of the filter element.

3、 Operation standard: Avoid human error operation

1. Speed and acceleration limits
   • maximum speed：≤500mm/s， Suggest gradually increasing speed to verify stability. High speed movement may cause air film fluctuations, leading to positioning errors.
   • maximum acceleration：≤0.5G， Avoid vibration caused by sudden start and stop. Acceleration exceeding 0.8G may cause brief contact between the air floating block and the guide rail, resulting in friction.
2. Load management
   • maximum capacityTo meet the design specifications, overloading can cause a decrease in the thickness of the air film, a decrease in load-bearing capacity, and even lead to deformation of the guide rail.
   • dynamic loadAvoid frequent start stop or sudden directional changes, and reduce the impact of inertial forces on the gas film.
3. safe operation
   • Emergency stop handlingWhen there is abnormal vibration or positioning deviation, immediately press the emergency stop button to troubleshoot the gas source or sensor.
   • Workpiece placementWhen moving workpieces, first move the measuring head to a safe position to avoid colliding with the guide rail surface. Granite guide rails are brittle in texture, and collisions may cause micrometer level damage.

4、 Maintenance and upkeep: Extend service life

1. Daily cleaning
   • Guide rail surfaceUse a dust-free cloth and specialized cleaning agent to wipe, and prohibit organic solvents (such as alcohol and acetone) to prevent corrosion.
   • Air floating blockAvoid collisions during cleaning to prevent clogged air holes or surface scratches.
2. periodic calibration
   • 定位精度Verify the ± 500nm error range using a laser interferometer and calibrate it every 3 months.
   • linear scaleRegularly wipe the surface of the grating ruler, remove dust, and check the reading head signal every six months.
3. Component replacement
   • sealing elementWhen the cumulative operation exceeds 2000 hours or leakage is found, replace the aging seals.
   • Air bearingWhen running for over 5000 hours or experiencing significant wear and tear, it is recommended to undergo professional testing or replacement.

5、 Special scenario precautions

1. low-temperature environmentWhen the ambient temperature is below 10 ℃, it is necessary to preheat the gas source and guide rail to avoid shrinkage of the gas film thickness due to low temperature.
2. High humidity environmentWhen the humidity exceeds 70%, it is necessary to strengthen dehumidification measures to prevent condensation on the surface of the guide rail.
3. vacuum environmentWhen installing a vacuum suction fixture, it is necessary to activate the vibration suppression mode to reduce the impact of vacuum pump vibration on the guide rail.