News & Events

World renowned race team, Andretti Autosport (AA) has selected Specialty Components as an air bearing supplier.  Through this sponsorship, Specialty Components delivered a model SRA350 precision frictionless spherical air bearing to Andretti Autosport's manufacturing and test facility.  The bearing provides a frictionless ball-joint pivot in their dynomometer used for precision horsepower measurement.  During operation, the bearing carries up to 2000 pounds load with zero friction.  The frictionless nature of this high capacity spherical bearing will greatly improve the level of accuracy of measurement when monitoring horsepower.  We look forward to the teams great success this race season.

Specialty Components, Inc. has developed a novel approach to inverted operation of spherical air bearings typically found in semiconductor processing machinery allowing for stable positioning and capture of the moving elements of the device. Patent Pending.  

Specialty Components is proud to announce our ISO 9001:2008 certification for the Design and Manufacture of Air Bearings and Metal Optics.  This achievement shows our continuing commitment to products and services of the highest quality.  This ISO standard, written by the International Organization for Standardization, is often referred to as a Quality Management System.  However, it encompasses more than just the quality control of our products; it prescribes our method of performing business operations throughout the organization- from customer service, to engineering, to the control of our suppliers and resources. This method creates a cycle whereby by all aspects within the system are measured for performance, reviewed and then improved upon with a focus on the customer in its center.

With independently conducted audits performed each year, customers are given confidence in doing business with a company that has this level of commitment.

To meet the increased demand of our diamond machining parts and services, we have purchased a new Taylor-Hobson Talysurf PGI 1240 measurement system.  With sub-nanometer resolution of surface form and finish, the Talysurf complements our existing Zygo Newview 5000 non-contact optical profilometer and expands the range of geometries and materials that we can now measure.  It proves as a valued addition to our metal optics manufacturing resources.

We proudly continue our support as a sustaining corporate sponsor for the American Society for Precision Engineering.  This non-profit organization promotes the advancement of high precision engineering through education and its publications.  Its collection of members lead the way in science and technology.  Please visit them at: http://www.aspe.net 

We have newly added two Nanoform 250 diamond point turning lathes to our manufacturing capabilities.  With nanometric form and finish output, these machines further complement our production resources in providing fast and highly accurate parts.

After ten years of displaying our products the old website is no longer.  By popular demand, we have replaced the antiquated interface in favor of one which better suits our image of a high precision air bearing and metal optics manufacturer.   Our popular diamond turned metal optic components are now displayed in easy to read charts.   

Select from our common forms of Aluminum flats, spherics and off-axis paraboloids for fast turn-around and low cost or contact us with your specific application requirement.  Our experienced engineering staff will helpfully provide you with a proper solution.

Only the very minimum of maintenance is required. A regular check of air supply and coolant systems is all that is necessary to ensure complete reliability. Normally only a regular check of the air supply is necessary to ensure complete bearing reliability.

The LRAP and SRAP series of air bearings are now a standard product. These bearings feature a porous wall inlet source and are somewhat more robust than discrete inlet sources.