Air
Bearing Systems are assembled by using three or more air caster load modules to suit
the size and shape of the loads that need to be moved. The flexibility of
these air bearing systems means that load modules can be used at various
points under a load, not necessarily at the corner points. This is
particularly important for odd shaped loads that might have various areas
that need support, or that have disproportionate weight distribution.
We have air bearing and air caster systems that can lift loads as light
as 500 pounds and range through to 100 tons and beyond.
A standard single 12-inch air
bearing is capable of lifting around 1000 pounds (½ ton) on its
own. When used in a normal system of four linked caster modules this capacity is
raised to 4000 pounds (2 tons).
A heavy duty 48-inch air bearing
can easily lift 30 tons on its own, so when coupled with a system of four,
it will increase to a lifting capacity of over 120 tons.
By using sets of different air bearing sizes and air
pressures, we are able to supply systems than can easily lift over 200
tons and more.
repetitive movements of a single load – perhaps large heavy machine
moving –
the modules can be permanently housed beneath the load until it needs to
be moved again. For this, we recommend the round steel modules with
A-type bearings on board. This is achieved by attaching the modules, via a mounting
plate, to the load. The fundamentals of this type of attachment are: move
it, drop it and forget it. Thereafter it is a simple case of snapping on
an air line hose and it’s instant load movement again. To the right is a
typical 4-station round steel air bearing system fitted with A-type air
bearings.
The square aluminum systems are considerably lighter
than the round steel systems, and are usually used in conjunction with a
remote control unit. The round steel systems are more inclined to be used
in the “move it and forget it” mode, whereby they are permanently fixed
to the load by way of a mounting plate and are instantly available when
the load needs to be moved. The square aluminum type is ideal for when
loads can be placed directly onto the modules, or when areas of the load
can be lifted to allow a module to be placed underneath it. To the left
is a typical square aluminum system with remote control, and fitted with
A-type air bearings.
Low
profile air bearing systems are especially suitable for loads that need
to be lifted vertically away from their base, or floor, before floating
them off to their destination. Depending on the type of air bearings
used, a low profile system can lift the load vertically as much as 3
inches. Low profile air bearing systems consist of thin aluminum caster
modules with B-type high-lift bearings on board. Clearance for these
modules can be as low as 1½ inches making them suitable for sliding
under loads and machinery that have low clearance heights. All low
profile systems come complete with remote control. To the right is a
typical aluminum low profile kit system complete with all hoses and
fittings.
VL-type
air bearing systems are especially suited to more lightweight loads
ranging from around 500 to 2000 pounds. They provide the ideal solution
for clean room applications and for moving around delicate machinery in
a safe and efficient manner. Loads can be placed directly onto these
systems, although we do recommend using a mounting bolt (discussed at
time of order) to attach them permanently to the machine. Once attached,
these stainless steel caster modules can move the same load any amount
of times with comparative ease. To the left is a typical VL-type air
bearing system complete with all valves, hoses and components to enable
you to be up and running in not time at all.
