Abstract: A method of fabricating a bearing surface for a gas or air bearing is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket. The at least one gas pocket has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating. In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating to form the gas pockets. The coating may be an anodized coating and the bulk bearing portion may be formed from aluminum. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bearing surface for a gas or air bearing is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket. The at least one gas pocket has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating. In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating to form the gas pockets. The coating may be an anodised coating and the bulk bearing portion may be formed from aluminium. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bearing surface (11,13) for a gas or air bearing (2) is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion (30; 44) having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating (32; 42) on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket (34; 40). The at least one gas pocket (34; 40) has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating (32; 42). In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating (32; 42) to form the gas pockets (34; 40). The coating (32; 42) may be an anodised coating and the bulk bearing portion (30) may be formed from aluminium. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.