An air skate is a device that helps move heavy machinery or goods easily. In industries and warehouses, equipment is needed to reduce the fatigue of moving heavy loads and machinery. An air skate is designed while considering the basic principles of ergonomics that help the labor and reduce the number of people required to move the object. Many of the musculoskeletal disorders can be reduced by using air skates. Friction affects the process of moving heavy objects by increasing costs and causing a loss of productivity. Here is the comprehensive guide to air skate.
1. Advantages of Air Skate
The advantages of an air skate system are quite impressive. The object is moved from one location to another using compressed air. The film between the air skate and the floor virtually nullifies the friction, allowing the heavy object to glide effortlessly. The advantages of using an air skate system for moving are stated here.
- By using the air skates, the effort required to move a heavy object (2-60 tons at low pressure and 240 tons at high pressure) is reduced to a minimum. You can move a multi-ton machine with just a single worker. The air surface between the skate and the floor has reduced friction to zero, making the movement flawless and easy.
- Only a few people are required to move the heavy material, which reduces the cost and increases the output.
- The faster movement of objects in the industry reduces delivery time, increasing the number of project completions.
- The advanced ergonomic design reduces the strain that may cause certain MSDs in industries. This reduced effort requirement will enhance labor satisfaction and help them maintain good health.
- Conventional ways of moving objects can cause noise pollution, while air skates can move objects quietly.
- The movement of the objects is optimized, reducing the chance of injury or accident, such as tripping and slipping with heavy objects.
- Air skates are confined to a very precise space, so these machines are suitable for any kind of location, like compact or constricted places.
- Air skates are easy to use because they provide even weight distribution of the load, which makes the operation more efficient.
- The air cushion that the air skates form during load lifting is safer for the floor surfaces.
- Different air skates with different load-bearing capacities are available on the market. So, you can handle delicate and massive products using these air skates.
- Air casters can be modified according to operational needs. So, these air skate transport systems are the most suitable purchase for industries.
- It has been observed that air skates are environmentally friendly, which means no fumes or extra pollutants are produced during the process.
Air skates have diverse roles in industries because of their enormous advantages in the field. After learning about the advantages of air skate systems, let’s get familiar with how they work and make tiring tasks effortless.
2. How Air Skate works
The basic principle on which an air skate works is very important to understand to get an idea of the effectiveness of the machine. Different parts of the machine work in coordination for proper functioning. The air bearing is the primary component of the air skate. This arrangement forms a thin layer between the air skate and the floor. The air film is the key component in the movement of heavy loads. A porous plate is available to allow airflow from the air bearing and the floor. As a result, an air film of about 2 or 3 microns is formed between the floor and the air skate. The air bearing is commonly covered with a rubber layer that will maintain the smooth air film thickness under heavy loads.
The other most important component of the air skate is the constant air supply source. The system’s air compressor supplies the air bearing with compressed air. The heavier the load, the more pressurized air is required to move it. With the aid of the pressure regulator, the air pressure is controlled between 5 and 8 bars. An air compressor in the skid or skate helps maintain a consistent air supply to move heavy loads. You can get an air compressor that fits your needs for lifting heavy objects.
It is obvious that the air skates are very efficient, but most of the machine’s efficiency depends on the condition of the floor on which the air skates are operating. To get the optimal performance of the air skate, smoothing out the floor’s surface is required. The surface can be made smooth by polishing or grinding so that the object can move smoothly.
Different floor materials like concrete, epoxy, or wooden flooring are ideal for moving heavy loads from one industry end to another.
3. Applications of Air Skate
There are countless practical uses of air-bearing systems. Some of them are listed as follows:
- Air skates are the best option for moving heavy objects and loads in any industry with assembly lines for producing a product. Air skates are special tools that help move heavy items easily. Think of them like magic shoes for heavy boxes. Air skates make the movement of parts faster and smoother. When items move quickly, workers can assemble products more efficiently.
- The main application of the air skate is moving objects. Warehouses are places where manufactured products are stored for faster delivery and order fulfillment. Workers can move the goods efficiently to these places and provide greater output.
- In an industry where different products are manufactured, heavy loads like pallets must be displaced. The method is more perfect and efficient when the air skates are used.
- The air bearing systems have applications in the aerospace industry, so the heavy parts of the aircraft can be moved from one place to another. The precise placement of the different parts is achieved by using air skates.
- Similarly, in the automotive industry, the structure of the cars or automobiles can be moved and placed seamlessly by using air skates.
- Different sheets and parts manufactured from metals are transported within the industry bus using the air skates.
4. Factors to Consider While Selecting an Air Skate
The business’s particular requirements determine which air skate is best for every given industry. Using air skates has made moving material from one place to another considerably easier. Every company has different demands regarding the use of air skates. These are the main factors to consider while choosing an air skate.
- The air skates you select for your industry must have enough load-bearing capacity according to the industry’s needs. Customization options are available according to the air skates’ size, weight, and space.
- It is very important to assess the industry’s floor surface; it must be smooth and clean. The air skate must be able to move the heavy load on that surface.
- The major factor that may affect the performance of an air skate is the space or the area available for its movement. So, it is advised to consider the constraints in the area of use.
- The angle of movement for the air skates is a crucial factor in the movement of the heavy loads. To a certain degree, the movement affects the overall situation, which may cause injuries, slips, or trips for workers and engineers in that setup. So, assessing the inclined planes or angles on the surface is advised before using air stakes.
- The floor’s emptiness and gaps can be somewhat filled, and these imperfections can be addressed with a high-pressure air cushion. However, it’s crucial to look before obtaining an air skate.
- All safety measures should be taken before using the air skates. So, the chance of injury, fall, and trip is reduced.
5. Finer Air Skate Transport System – Move Heavy Objects Easily
Finer brand air skates offer a safe and effective way to move heavy machinery in industrial environments. They use advanced air cushion technology, which creates a thin layer of compressed air between the equipment and the ground. This technology reduces friction and lets the skates move smoothly in any direction. This smooth movement allows one or two people to handle heavy cargo, up to 60 tons, and even more easily. This improves productivity while needing less manpower.
One of the main advantages of the Finer air skates is even load weight distribution. This improves safety when moving while also safeguarding the flooring. The low-profile model is just 50mm high. This design eliminates the need for extra reel-up equipment. It keeps loads stable and close to the ground. These skates are great for tight spaces. You can use them in cleanrooms, electronics factories, and hospitals. They work quietly without any emissions.
Finer air skates have made the load-bearing tasks effortless. You can customize the air skate capacities according to your company’s needs. Various air skates are available at our site that are efficient and effective in performing tasks and making the job easy.