AMERICAN SOLVING INC ●  6519 EASTLAND PLAZA, BROOK PARK OHIO (USA) ●  PH. 800.822.2285 PH. 440.234.7373

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AIR BEARINGS and AIR CASTERS

How Air Film Technology Works!


What is an Air Bearing or Air Caster?

Air Bearings are also known as Air Casters, they are one in the same. An air caster / air bearing is made of reinforced rubber. The circular rubber torus (bellow, item #1) is vulcanized to an anodized aluminum back plate (item #2). When the air bearing is deflated, the load rests on the landing pad in the center of the module (item #3). On larger capacity models the air caster also includes landing pads in the the corners (Item #4) for added support.  The aluminum back plate is bolted to a rigid load platform (item #5). The load module top plate is an aluminum extrusion, with a very high strength to weight ratio.  The supply of compressed air enters through a port in the end of the module (item #6), then through the torus (bellows) forcing a thin air film on which the load floats with a minimum of friction.  A seal is formed between the floor surface and the torus. 

Air Film Technology is used to float Heavy loads on thin film of air

How Air Bearings Work?

Modules are fitted to a special load platform or individually positioned directly under the load. In order to achieve stability, at least three, but most often four, modules are placed under the load. (The “three-legged stool” principle.) These are connected through a pneumatic control unit, to a compressed air supply. Modules should be positioned as far apart as possible in order to optimize the weight distribution and load stability. Once the modules have been positioned, the valves can be opened individually. The pressure in the air bearings can be increased slowly until they lift the load and it starts to float. The load can then be moved and be positioned exactly as required.

 

Operation of Air Bearings / Casters

WHEN ENERGIZED WITH A COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY, THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE OF EVENTS TAKES PLACE

1.) The circular reinforced rubber bellows inflates and fills the gap between the mounting plate and the floor.

The Air Caster is filled with air creating a bearing of air under the load.

2.) As the pressure increases, the mounting plate and its landing pads, lifts off the floor.

The Air Caster inflates creating a bearing of air

3.) When the pressure in the bellows is higher than the counter pressure of the load, the air flows out from the bellows forming a thin air film on which the load floats practically friction-free.

Once inflated, the Air Caster floats on a thin film of air

 

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Air Bearings and Air Casters come in many different sizes and capacities

Load Air Bearing Capacity Air Air Lifting Lift Support          
Module Element (lbs) Press. Cons. Height Area Area A B C D E
Type Type   (psi) (SCFM) in (sq in) (sq. in) (in) (in) (in) (in) (in)
      (1) (2) (3)   (4)   (5)     (5)
ML  8L ME  8L-0.3-LP 500 13 8-24 3/8 38 5 8 0.83 / 1.6 0.39 1.22 / 2.00 0.25 / 0.75
ML 12L ME 12L-0.5-LP 1,200 14 10-34 3/4 85 14 12 0.83 / 1.6 0.39 1.22 / 2.00 0.25 / 0.75
ML  8S ME  8S-0.6-LP 1,000 26 11-32 3/8 38 5 8 0.83 / 1.6 0.39 1.22 / 2.00 0.25 / 0.75
ML 12S SE 12S-1.8-LP 3,850 43 15-52 3/4 85 14 12 0.83 / 1.6 0.39 1.22 / 2.00 0.25 / 0.75
ML 15S SE 15S-2.5-LP 5,500 43 15-61 7/8 133 20 15 0.83 / 1.6 0.39 1.22 / 2.00 0.25 / 0.75
ML  21S ME 21S-3.5-LP 8,500 32 15-91 1 262 40 21 1.6 0.67 2.28 0.75
ML  27S ME 27S-6.0-LP 14,000 32 15-122 1-1/4 433 155 27 1.6 0.94 2.56 0.75
ML 36S ME 36S-11-LP 25,000 32 24-152 2 770 294 36 1.6 1.18 2.80 0.75
ML 48S ME 48S-20-LP 45,000 32 30-182 3 1369 558 48 1.6 1.18 2.80 0.75
ML 60S ME 60S-30-LP 70,000 32 46-228 3 2409 1042 60 1.6 1.22 2.83 0.75
ML 15H ME-15H-3.5-LP 8,000 58 25-102 7/8 133 20 15 1.6 0.39 2.00 0.75
ML 21H ME 21H-70-LP 17,000 63 27-163 1 262 93 21 1.6 0.67 2.28 0.75
ML 27H ME 27H-12-LP 28,000 65 27-217 1-1/4 433 155 27 1.6 0.94 2.56 0.75
ML 36H ME 36H-20-LP 50,000 63 43-271 2 770 294 36 1.6 1.18 2.80 0.75
ML 42H ME 42H-30-LP 66,000 63 42-270 2-1/2 1200 409 42 1.6 1.18 2.80 0.75
ML 48H ME 48H-40-LP 90,000 64 54-325 3 or 2 1369 1042 48 1.6 1.18 2.80 0.75
ML 60H ME 60H-60-LP 140,000 64 81-407 3 2409 1042 60 1.6 1.22 2.83 0.75

1.) Air pressure in air air bearing element at capacity.

2.) Actual air consumption depends on the effective load and the floor quality.

3.) Nominal lifting height ± .2 inches at max load

4.) Support area with deflated air bearing module

5.) Cast aluminum load module / Extruded aluminum load module

AIR CASTERS

Air Film Technology

Air Bearings for Heavy Load Handling. The latest on Air Film Technology in the Material Handling Industry. Replacement Air Casters, Rentals, rigging equipment and Air Film Systems. Also Wheeled vehicles with omni-directional steering for handling heavy loads.

 

"Float Heavy Loads on Air"

       

"Float Heavy Loads on Air"


AMERICAN SOLVING INC

6519 EASTLAND PLAZABROOK PARK, OHIO (USA) 44142

PH. 440-234-7373 PH. 800-822-2285 FAX 440-234-9112

e-mail: sales@solvinginc.com