• The Tinsley Group Limited

Air Bearings, Hovair B-Type

Selecting the right air bearing for the job is probably the most important feature one needs to consider when ordering an air bearing system to move heavy loads. Al air bearings are designed to float loads across floor surfaces, and some bearings wil lift the load vertically off its base before floating it to its destination. Hovair Systems offers the option of A-type or B-type bearings to suit the requirements of the application, so it is important to select the right bearing for the job. Hovair B-type air bearings are designed to lift loads vertically off their base, then move laterally across floor surfaces to their destination, then dropped into position. They function the same as A-type bearings, but lift two to three times as much when pressurised. These consist of a two-piece vulcanised body that is glued to an aluminum backing plate. This rubber diaphragm can give a relatively high lift and operates at higher air pressure. B-type bearings are preferred where low collapsed height, high lift, and capacity per square inch are more important than wear, stability, and air consumption efficiency. Glued assemblies are repairable when compared to other air bearings that are vulcanised or riveted to the backing plate. The B-type bearing is able to lift a load up to three times the lift height of the A-type bearing, thus making it possible to engage a load using a "lift & pick" movement similar to a regular pallet truck. B-type bearings stabilize at 2.07 bar instead of 1.03 bar. This enables load capacities of double the A-type bearing for the same size air bearing, but requires three times the air consumption. B-type air bearings are also available for air pallets, platform transporters, and air beams. These products offer a broad selection when choosing the right bearing for the job.