Introduction
The name air caster or air skates is usually heard at a place where a lot of heavy-duty objects must move from one place to another. A caster is a wheel that uses the compressed air between the wheel and the floor. With the help of these air casters, the load from hundreds to thousands of tons can be moved easily. So, using an air caster in a heavy-load-bearing industry is a blessing for the labor working in that setup.
What is an Air Caster?
An air caster is a device that is used to move large machinery within an industry. These air casters or air bearings use technology that is known as pneumatic, a rubber balloon that can be inflated with compressed air is the basic working unit of an air caster. The pressure within the balloon is around 15-60 psi. A controlled flow of the air creates a film between the floor and the caster that is used to move the material.
History of Air Casters
Although the industry uses air casters widely today, the real mystery lies in the invention’s history.
· Inventors
The crown of invention is set on the head of a Finnish engineer, Toivo Kaario, who discovered it in 1930. In 1950, these casters were used in hovercrafts in England. Harry A Mackie further advanced the field of aircasters in 1961.
· Development
The development of air casters or air bearings can be tracked from 1930 to 1960. Advancement in this field continues to this day. Every industry, such as aerospace, heavy-load transport businesses, or manufacturing, uses these air casters.
· Early Applications vs. Modern Applications
Air casters were first used for weightlifting in the heavy-load-bearing industries. Nowadays, air bearings have vast applications in almost every industry. The workforce and cost of working have reduced over time.
Critical Components of Air Casters
The key components of an air caster are as follows
· Air Bearing
The air film created between the smooth surface and the rubber balloon is used to move heavy machinery.
· Rubber Membrane
The compressed air-filled balloon discharges a standard amount of air to move the object easily.
· Air Pads
The landing air pads are used to support the weight before lifting it.
· Compressed Air
Pneumatic technology uses compressed air filled in a rubber airbag. These components, along with the floor seal, work to lift heavy loads within an industry. The floor should be very smooth and free from any kind of friction for easy transport.
What Requirements must be met to use Air Casters?
Certain requirements must be fulfilled before any equipment can be operated correctly. Similarly, an air caster needs a smooth surface without any inclination so that moving an object wouldn’t be hindered.
Another important factor in the air caster’s proper functioning is the constant air supply while lifting heavy machinery.
Shandong Finer Lifting Tools Co., LTD produce Air Casters since 1998, with SGS/ CE/ ISO9001 Certiifcates, Finer brand Air casters are safe to use, reduce the chance of injury, and efficiently maintain ergonomics. Therefore, they must be maintained regularly to be used without inconvenience.
How do Air Casters Work?
An air caster’s workings are based on the principle of pneumatics, which means that compressed air is used to make the object float.
- The compressed air creates an air-tight seal with a smooth floor surface.
- After that, the air lifts the object.
- The air within the airbag creates pressure that makes the object float.
With the help of this technology, heavy objects can be moved without causing any injury or reducing the cost of labor.
FAQs
Many questions concern an air caster’s history, key components, requirements, and workings.
· What types of surfaces are air casters suitable for?
Finer brand air casters used in air casters are very important for lifting heavy-load objects. For such a caster to work properly requires a frictionless, smooth surface. The surface shouldn’t be inclined so that the object can be moved easily. An air caster also requires a constant and nonstop supply of air.
· The usage of an air caster requires certain precautions. What are these?
Any equipment must be used properly after fulfilling the prerequisites for its use. The same is the case with air casters. Experts advise using PPE while using air casters. The nozzle for the compressed air should be cleaned and replaced regularly to avoid accidents. The person using the air casters must be properly educated before working with such sensitive equipment.
· Does an air caster require proper inspection and maintenance?
The air caster uses air film technology that requires proper inspection before operating. It should be maintained or monitored regularly. Workers should look for any wear and adjust it accordingly. Care should be given to the caster’s alignment. Also, try to lubricate and clean the caster and caster parts regularly.
· How heavy objects can air casters carry?
Air casters use air film technology created between the air caster and the floor. This air film makes the object, which weighs thousands of kg or tons, float. In this way, the object can be moved with the help of an air caster.
· What is the service life of air casters?
The life expectancy of an air caster is around 8-10 years, but it depends on how the worker uses it. If workers in organizations use air casters with care, the service life can be increased.
· How do you select the right air caster for your purpose?
The right of air caster selection depends on the industry’s use, the caster’s efficiency, and the workload it can bear.
· Are air casters suitable for outdoor use?
The air casters work very efficiently on smooth surfaces. However, outdoor surfaces are full of inclines and bumps, so they won’t be suitable for outdoor use.