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Air Casters - Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)

• [1] Advantages using Air Casters / Air Bearings.
• [2] How do Air Casters / Air Bearings work?
• [3] Example application of Air Casters / Air Bearings.

[1] Advantages using Air Casters / Air Bearings


 Air casters / Air Bearings are generally used in lieu of wheels and have many advantages. All that’s needed is a source of compressed air; a smooth sealed surface such as concrete, epoxy coated, or steel floor and a load ranging in weight from 200 pounds to 5000 tons. Some of the technical features that make air casters the preferred choice for moving heavy, bulky or sensitive loads are as follows:

Low friction force Omni or 4 directional motions Precise positioning Protects floor finish Eliminates need for fork trucks or overhead cranes

Operates on plant air Clean and quiet operation Low surface loading Gently move sensitive loads Safely move and control heavy loads

[2] How do Air Casters / Air Bearings work?



Step 1

Compressed air enters the load module chamber and fills the flexible torus bag and center chamber. At this point the air caster or air bearing will inflate and seal off against the floor.

Step 2

As the pressure is increased a state of equilibrium is achieved where the force up equals the force down.

Note the downward force is the load or equipment to be moved and the upward force is the internal air pressure times the effective torus bag area.

Step 3

Next the compressed air will take the path of least resistance which is underneath the torus bag. This film of air created is 3 to 5 thousandths thick and flows uniformly between the torus bag and the seal floor surface around the entire circumference.

[3] Example application of Air Casters / Air Bearings

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