Air Caster Technology Makes Loads As

Light As AirTerry Pitsch, Engineering Manager

How It Works• Captures air inside a bag (air caster) to lift and move objects, like a puck moves on an air hockey table

How It Works

• Supports up to 5000 tons of weight by moving pressurized air under an object – The air is inside a thin ‘fluid film’ air caster

• The fluid film (caster) bends and flows over the surface like a Hovercraft

• Increased air pressure over a larger area makes it possible to lift a heavier load

History of Fluid Film Technology

1950 - General Motors– “GM Style Bearing”

1960 - Boeing Aircraft “AeroGo Torus Style Bearing”

1967 - AeroGo founded

Prior to inflation, the load is solidly supported on landing pads

When air is applied to the Aero-Caster, the torus bag inflates, creating a seal

against the floor surface and raising the load.

When the pressure within the chamber is sufficient to offset the load’s weight, air

evenly escapes between the flexible torus bag and the floor. The load is literally

floated on a thin, nearly frictionless cushion of air,

.003 to .005 inches (.08 to .13mm) thick.

Why Use Fluid Film Technology?

Extremely low friction Typical friction factor 0.001-

0.003 vs. 0.06 for typical wheel Allows medium weights (500-

5000 pounds) to be moved by a single person

Allows heavy weights (10,000 – 6,600,000 pounds) to be moved with greatly reduced drive systems

Why Use Fluid Film Technology?

Omni-directional movement Unlike wheels, movement in all directions is easy Provides means to precisely align equipment - whether

500 or 5,000,000 pounds - without constant repositioning 360° rotation

Why Use Fluid Film Technology?

Low surface loading Typical maximum surface loading of 50 psi Allows extremely heavy loads to be transported over

standard floors Will not damage floors or coatings

Built-in lift feature Can be used with or without other lift mechanisms Greatly reduces cost and complexity

Air Caster Benefits

• Low surface loading• Built-in lift• Low profile • Low friction; no floor damage • Economical and reliable • Flexible for a variety of applications • Easy omnidirectional multi-positioning • Precise positioning without floor damage compared to

traditional material handling equipment methods • Ergonomic - reduces lift hazards • Utilizes existing compressed air• Aero-Casters meet ASME specifications

Variety of Configurations

Used in Combination

Used by Many Industries

Usage by Industry

Aero-space20%

Heavy Industry5%

Semiconductor 10%

Electrical15%

Power Genera-tion15%

Paper5%

Transport services

25%

Marine5%

ASME B30.1-2009 Applies to Jacks, Industrial Rollers, Air Casters and

Hydraulic Gantries 1-3 Air Lifting Bags 1-5 Air Casters

Design: Design and Proof Tested 2X Rated Load. Air Pressure Regulation.

Periodic Inspection: Inspect Prior to Each Move Do Not Attempt to Repair Torus Bags

Operating Practices: Safety First – Have a Plan Maintain Control of the Load Maintain Visibility and Communication

Operating SurfacesOptimum: Smooth, flat and nonporous

* Don’t worry! It is possible to put a temporary overlay over ‘bad’ surfaces, so you can still use air casters to move heavy loads.

Good Surfaces Unacceptable Surfaces*

Typical concrete factory floor with penetrating sealer

Asphalt

Epoxy coated Broom finish concrete

Tile Carpet

Vinyl Gravel

Metal Dirt

Surface SpecificationsWhat can I do if my surface is bad?

Parameter Allowance

Acceptable Floor Slope 0.25 inch for 10-ft (6.6mm in 3.0m)

Allowable floor undulations 1/4 of total air caster lift height

Allowable overlay thickness 0.020in / 0.51mm Approx. 25 gauge sheet

metal

Beveling overlays or sloping ramps

1:20 slope or ramp

Application: Power Generation

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Application: Power Generation

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Application: Lean Manufacturing

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Application: Lean Manufacturing

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Application: Nuclear

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Application: Nuclear

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Application: Roll/Reel Handling

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Application: Clean Room

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Application: Clean Room

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Application: Marine/Shipbuilding

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Application: Marine/Shipbuilding

Application: Aircraft/Aerospace

Issue: High Center of Gravity

Recommended 2:1 or less.

Issue: Overhanging Load

Recommended 4:1 or less.

Issue: Poorly Constructed Floors

Prep and prime.

Issue: Rough Seams or TransitionsSmooth and seamless transitions.

Issue: Unevenly Distributed Load

Air bearings require a minimum load.

Issue: Small Load Footprint

Air bearings require a rigid support structure..

Issue: Ramps and SlopesAir bearings require a smooth transition.

Issue: Changing Loads

Pressure and flow must change with the load.

Issue: Insufficient Air Flow or Pressure Look for leaks, pressure drops,

poor floors.

Questions?