From Airfloat, LLC.
Airbearings or air casters support loads on a cushion of air like an air hockey puck on an air hockey table. It is a unique air support device, but may be compared with two other forms of air supported devices: the classical air bearing, and air cushion or “Hovercraft”.
Airfloat uses a flexible diaphragm beneath the load support surface. Air is pumped into the diaphragm and passes freely through the diaphragm holes and into the plenum beneath, raising the platform off the ground.
The air that is forced out between the diaphragm and the ground forms a thin lubricating air film. Since the diaphragm is flexible, it can deflect as it encounters obstacles, or fill out as it passes over depressions in the surface. Unlike conventional ball bearings, air bearings do not generate heat due to friction.
In an operating bearing, air flows into the space above the diaphragm and flows freely through the communicating holes. Air under the diaphragm tries to escape outward, under the footprint area where the clearance gap is small.
Products & Services
Air Bearings
Air bearings use a thin film of pressurized air to support a load. They do not generate friction.
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