Which Type of Air Bearing Do I Need to Use

Choosing the correct air bearing for your particular needs will make a difference as to how your air bearing system will operate.

Differences in air pressure, height and weight of load, floor surface condition and expected life span can make all the difference when choosing the correct bearings to power your system.

The A-Type Air Bearing

A-type air bearings comprise a moulded urethane diaphragm attached to an aluminium backing plate by a series of stainless steel stitches. The round type air  bearing is usually bolted to the skate module. A square backing plate is used whenever a slide mounting configuration is required.

• This simple, one piece construction of the A-type air bearing is easy to mount and connect to an air supply. Quick change slide mount configurations are commonly used.

• Significantly longer life can be expected with the A-type bearings as they are more durable and less prone to wear than their counterparts. Stitching has the advantage of piercing the diaphragm with a 1mm hole every 12mm around the perimeter. This method reduces the stress area and is considerably stronger than riveted versions. For frequent, heavy and intensive use, then the A-type air bearing is the preferred choice.

• The normal operating pressure for an A-type bearing is 1 bar. Operating the bearings at 1 bar provides the best combination of air consumption and bearing stability. Whenever possible, size a set of bearings that will lift your load with air bearings rated at 1 bar. If the load will not easily balance or fit on standard 1 bar bearings then Heavy Duty bearings operating at 2 bar should be considered.

The B-Type Air Bearing

B-type air bearings consist of a vulcanised body that is glued to an aluminium backing plate. This rubber element can give a relatively high lift and hold a high pressure.

• These bearings are preferred where low collapsed height, high lift and a capacity per square centimetre are more important than wear and tear, friction, stability and air consumption.

• Glued assemblies are repairable when compared to other air bearings that are vulcanised or riveted to the backing plate.

• Superior lift over the A-type air bearing. The B-type bearing is able to lift a load up to three times the lift height of the A-type, thus making it possible to engage a load using a 'lift and pick' movement similar to a standard pallet truck.

• B-type bearings stabilise at 2 bar instead of 1 bar. This enables load capacities of double the A-type bearing for the same size bearing but at three times the air consumption.

• B-type bearing diaphragm material incorporates a fabric that cannot follow irregularities evenly thus requiring a greater volume of air and higher subsequent air bearing wear.

Which bearing should I use?

Proper air bearing selection suggests that A-type bearings should be used for applications for which price, efficient air consumption and long life are important. B-type bearings should be considered for 'lift and pick' applications, rigging kits and for very high weight requirements.

For either type of bearing there are two components that require attention - the air supply and the operating surface. Refer to our floor surface specifications.