Air Film Technology - How Air Bearings and Air Casters work

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

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