Powerful Retrofit Bearings for Precision Canon Stepper Machines

New Way^® Air Bearings offers a robust retrofitting service, utilizing our Porous Media Technology™ to extend the lifespan of existing systems. Retrofitting with New Way upgrades machine performance beyond the original specifications, and keeps machines in top condition for years to come.

Canon stands out as an industry leader in stereolithography stepper machines for semiconductor manufacturing. However, while these machines may move and manufacture on the nanometer scale, their dynamic components remain susceptible to wear and tear, even those built on orifice bearing technology. The air bearings that come stock in Canon machines are known to accumulate scratches on the stage surface over time. As these scratches multiply in number and severity, they cascade into a range of issues affecting machine performance, as well as quality control issues. For decades, the only solution was to purchase an entirely new or refurbished air bearing stage directly from Canon.

Now, you have the option to work with New Way and an authorized rebuilder, in concert with Canon themselves to retrofit your system with self cleaning Porous Media air bearings. Our custom flat air bearings are compatible with Canon FPA I4, IW or I5 models from 1995 through 1999, providing up to an 80% cost savings versus purchasing directly from Canon. All this while delivering the immense benefits of Porous Media, backed by New Way’s in-house expertise and support. New Way will work with your business and your rebuilder of choice to carry out a field retrofit, saving you time and lost productivity due to downtime. Please feel free to reach out and see whether your systems are a candidate for a Porous Media upgrade!