Air Casters: What They And How They Are Used

The practice of hoisting heavy objects dates back to the construction of Egyptian pyramids when men painstakingly carried large slabs and stones. Throughout that time, the death rate was alarmingly high, and workers were at risk of developing physical disabilities. Even in this day of innovation and automation, manual handling still puts people at the risk of fatalities.

As per the HSA research, roughly 1400 occupational accidents happen annually, with manual handling accounting for the majority of them. Around 25% of European laborers claimed that their job had a detrimental influence on their well-being in the form of spinal discomfort. Agribusiness, transportation, and telecommunication had the largest rate of such personnel.

OSHA has established a hoisting technique that can be used to calculate the maximum load capacity for a single person under various scenarios. The algorithm determines a gross weight of 51 pounds, which is changed based on spine bending, transverse and longitudinal distance traveled during hoisting, and the frequency with which you raise an item. When these restrictions are exceeded, air casters must be used.

Take a look at this guide to understand the importance of air casters.

Understanding the Working of Air Casters

An air caster is a mechanical instrument that creates an air film between the ground and the weight to be hoisted. This thin layer of air reduces friction, making it easier to carry heavy tools and materials. A rough estimate implies that 1 pound of power can lift approximately 1000 pounds of weight.

It’s made up of a wear-resistant piston that’s expanded with pressurized air to permit the weight to float. Before inflation, the weight is sustained on landing sheets to avoid fracturing the piston. The pneumatic system pumps up when air is delivered, forming a vacuum between the ground and the weight.

The air is equitably distributed when the pressure is high enough to balance the load. The virtually seamless absorbent pad is around 0.003 to 0.005 inches wide and permits the weight to float.

Thanks to their circumferential mobility properties, air casters hauling heavy cargo don’t demand regular reconfiguration to operate. Air casters may also glide easily over ceramic substrates like raised tiles, polished pavement, PVC, and hardwood.

Why Are Air Casters Used?

Air casters are used in various sectors because:

1. They lower the risk of spinal damage and offer low-cost hoisting assistance.
2. Space stipulation is marginal around and under the weight.
3. They maintain a smooth and static-free environment.
4. The “cushioning action” permits fragile objects to be moved.
5. They reduce floor tension to avoid fractures and breakage.
6. Moving machinery requires more upkeep than stationary equipment. Air casters necessitate little upkeep as they have no mechanical components.

Get In Touch With One of the Most Reliable Air Caster Equipment Service Providers in Seattle

Are you searching for Air caster equipment? Hovair is here to help. We are known for providing air bearings, material handling equipment, rigging equipment, air casters, etc. Our company is licensed to work in the field, and our experts have a deep understanding of how large weights function and move. Our equipment is precision-engineered to provide maximum accuracy and productivity.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to our web page today.