Introduction
Our product offering at Finer is unique air-bearing solutions that enable easier movement of bulky goods. Our air film transporters help to decrease friction and increase accuracy besides easy handling in hi-tech segments. Today, we compare two major types of transport systems: There are two types that are Air Film Movers and Wheeled Movers. Each has been developed with specific benefits, but are they suited to your operations?
The basic function of air film movers and wheeled movers is to transport heavy weights from one place to another, but the working principle of these two systems is quite different. In this article, we’ll focus on the core aspects of each and the advantages and disadvantages they come with to help you choose the best system for your business.
Understanding Air Film Movers
Air Film Movers relocate loads on a film of air, minimizing contact with the surface and resulting in easy and smooth movement. This innovative technology is suitable for easily broken or large items that must be safely transferred from one place to another.
How Air Film Movers Work
These movers rely on a layer of air to lift objects that are heavy enough to make transport easier since the surface is nearly frictionless. The air cushion further enables delicate and accurate movement and good positioning.
Key Features and Benefits
- Low Friction: Air Film Movers are economical for they prevent the load, as well as the floor, from being scratched
- Precision: We can achieve tiny movements and positioning due to air film technology.
- Reduced Noise and Vibration: The mover’s minimal physical interaction with the floor makes the entire process more silent and seamless.
- Flexible Pathways: The system is highly adaptable and can navigate complex routes.
Suitable Applications for Air Film Movers
Some of these movers are designed for applications where delicate items need to be moved with accuracy that is not likely to wear out the floor.
Industries utilizing air film transporters may include semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries.
Understanding Wheeled Movers
Wheeled Movers utilize standard wheels or casters to transport large loads on a smooth surface. Although not as complex as air-filled technology, they exist in many industries and are available in many forms depending on the container’s load type.
How Wheeled Movers Work
Wheeled movers work on the principle of being moved along the floor. They have big and rough wheels that can support loads of weight. These systems tend to be easy to set up and can be operated in any type of environment.
Key Features and Benefits
- Durability: Wheeled movers are robust in construction and suitable for large and heavy loads.
- Lower Initial Cost: Typically, these systems are less expensive than air film technology.
- Versatility: They can be installed in many places, such as storage facilities and production floors.
Suitable Applications for Wheeled Movers
They can be installed in many places, such as storage facilities and production floors.
Comparing Air Film Movers and Wheeled Movers
Load Capacity
Air Film Movers offer the potential to move enormous volumes because the air cushion is not under pressure from large and heavy items. In contrast, Wheeled Movers are not as capable as other types of moving equipment due to size restrictions regarding the weight and the smaller wheel or caster sizes.
Precise Positioning
It is also easy to see that Air Film Movers are superior in positioning. This means control can be exerted more effectively and is better suited to finer or more precise conditions. Wheeled Movers can be readjusted manually and are not as specific with their orientation.
Point Loads and Floor Wear
Air film technology reduces floor wear to a minimum because the load does not directly contact the surface at any point. By contrast, Wheeled Movers are heavier on floor damages since point loads tend to bear on small contact spots in wheels.
Equipment Size
Air Film Movers normally have larger setups than the others: air bearings and compressors are mandatory. This occupies more space but often facilitates effective work with large or complex objects. Wheeled Movers are generally smaller and lighter owing to the no-frill approach for maneuvering and are less encumbered by obstacles in the surroundings.
Flexibility in Transport Routes
Air Film Movers also have the advantage of flexibility as operations on low heights or in areas with irregular floors are not difficult. This layout flexibility comes with hoverboards’ ability to float on surfaces, which could also work for other layouts. Although wheeled movers are also highly mobile, the routing path is somewhat constrained compared to tracked movers, particularly in areas where the ground is rough or irregular.
Easily Move Large Loads
Both systems can transport heavy cargo, but Air Film Movers are smoother, faster, and have fewer barriers. Wheeled Movers are as strong as manual Movers but require more muscle work and extra precautions, such as the state of the floors.
Frequency and Distance of Transport
Frequent movement and when the distance between locations is quite a distance make Air Film Movers advisable since the air cushion bears the load and any force against the equipment. Wheeled Movers are even less appropriate in many ways for the more frequent, short-distance moves in tightly managed environments.
Noise and Vibration
Air Film Movers are comparatively quieter and free from vibration. This makes them suitable in laboratories or clean rooms where noise and vibrations must be avoided. On the other hand, Wheeled Movers are noisy, especially on hard surfaces, and subject to more vibration.
Indoor/Outdoor Use
Wheeled Movers are generally more versatile for indoor and outdoor environments if the ground is flat. Air Film Movers are ideal for indoor use since the working condition of the air bearing can be well-regulated in terms of temperature and humidity.
Cost
It is suggested that Wheeled Movers are comparatively cheaper than Air Film Movers. Nevertheless, it remains unproven whether the advantages of air film technology, such as lowering wear, boosting accuracy, and improving productivity, would make the additional initial cost for an air film worthwhile for specific applications.
Conclusion
Choosing between Air Film Movers and Wheeled Movers will entirely depend on the needs of the business.
Hence, Air Film Movers are the best for high accuracy, speed, and little floor abrasion. However, for less complicated or for businesses that cannot invest too much in pieces of equipment, Wheeled Movers may be more suitable.
Tell us about your needs at Finer. We offer specifically shipped air-bearing solutions that will take your work to the next level while offering better transport for your highly sensitive or massive loads.