Air Bearing Information

An air bearing is a device that is designed to be inflated with compressed air to initially form a seal with the floor surface and, with further inflation, to create a thin film of air between the bearing and the floor surface causing the air bearing to float in a similar way to a hovercraft.

What is an air bearing?

An air bearing is a device that is designed to be inflated with compressed air to initially form a seal with the floor surface and, with further inflation, to create a thin film of air between the bearing and the floor surface causing the air bearing to float in a similar way to a hovercraft.

How does an air bearing work?

An air bearing cannot work on its own. It is designed to be fitted into a load module that is strong enough to withstand heavy loads being placed upon it. An air bearing also needs to have some sort of air flow control. This is usually done by way of a air flow control valve fitted into the load module or via a remote control system.

What is a load module?

A load module is a device that houses an air bearing and an air flow control valve, and allows the passage of compressed air to enter the air bearing and causes it to inflate and float on a floor surface. Load modules are available in round steel or lightweight square aluminum. A typical round steel module is pictured above. The bottom shows the four air bearing exhaust holes and a center hole through which a load pad is attached securing the air bearing to the load module. The top shows the load module area where loads can be placed or attached directly to an application.

Hovair Systems main air bearings web site has lots more info regarding load modules.

Click the link to go to Hovair Systems air bearing web site to learn about a variety of air bearing products.

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