Abstract: A noncontact support platform system is configured to support a workpiece and includes pressure ports and vacuum ports that are interspersed on a top surface of a table. The ports are arranged along columns such that a pressure port alternates with a vacuum port along each column. The columns include at least one longitudinal column that is oriented substantially parallel to a direction of motion of the workpiece. Mutually parallel rotated columns are each oriented at an oblique angle to the direction of motion. At least one transition column is located between a longitudinal column and its proximal rotated column and has an orientation that is intermediate between the two columns that are adjacent to that transition column. Each vacuum port and pressure port is located at an intersection of a column with a row that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion.

Abstract: A noncontact support platform system is configured to support a workpiece and includes pressure ports and vacuum ports that are interspersed on a top surface of a table. The ports are arranged along columns such that a pressure port alternates with a vacuum port along each column. The columns include at least one longitudinal column that is oriented substantially parallel to a direction of motion of the workpiece. Mutually parallel rotated columns are each oriented at an oblique angle to the direction of motion. At least one transition column is located between a longitudinal column and its proximal rotated column and has an orientation that is intermediate between the two columns that are adjacent to that transition column. Each vacuum port and pressure port is located at an intersection of a column with a row that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion.