Air casters use compressed air to lift heavy loads on smooth surfaces, creating a thin cushion of air that reduces friction. They can be integrated into lifting devices or placed under existing platforms, and are ideal for use in warehouses and industrial environments. Air casters also have a lower chance of sparking than other types of casters and can be used outside with the help of a sheet of metal or heavy plastic.
An air caster is a device that can be used to lift heavy loads similar to a hovercraft, though usually only on smooth, flat surfaces. Typical compressed air systems consist of several toroidal airbags and a compressor to inflate them. While inflated, airbags can create a positive hold on the ground if it is smooth enough. Finally a thin cushion of air is created between the incidence device and the ground. This results in very little friction, which can allow heavy loads to be moved without much effort.
Air casters can be integrated into various lifting devices or can exist separately. Platforms can be built to lift virtually any amount of weight if sufficient compressed air is available. Individual wheels can also be placed under existing platforms, usually in sets of at least four. Additional casters can be used to lift heavier loads, although typically four are required for stability.
The main benefit associated with air wheels is the reduction of friction. Since the load travels on a very thin cushion of air, a substantial reduction in friction can be achieved compared to traditional castor wheels. In many circumstances, a single individual can safely move a load relative to the many workers that would otherwise be required. Moment can become an issue due to lack of friction, so care is usually needed when stopping very large loads.
Unlike platforms that use traditional castor wheels or other suspension methods, air wheels don’t make any physical contact with the ground while in motion. This can result in a lower chance of sparks than with other types of casters, which can be beneficial when working in hazardous environments. The only part of the air caster that touches the ground is typically the polyurethane airbag, which is usually lifted off the ground during operation.
Hovercrafts use skirts to hold their air cushions, so they can be used on any surface, but air wheels typically can’t operate on anything resembling rough terrain. They are mainly used in warehouses and industrial environments with smooth concrete floors. Sometimes a sheet of metal or heavy plastic can be used to move an air roller over uneven pavement, which can allow a load to be carried outside over rough, brushed concrete. If sheets of plastic are used for this purpose, they typically need to be very thick.
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