Air Cushion
Trelleborg’s Coated Systems business - Trelleborg Engineered Fabrics - has been awarded a contract to supply an engineered fabric, for use in Solving’s air bearings. This virtually eliminates malfunction and improves air bearing performance, whilst meeting stringent customer specifications.
Trelleborg, and designer and manufacturer of heavy load handling systems, Solving, have worked closely for many years. Previously, Trelleborg supplied the coating alone, but in recent years has become responsible for the entire process. Trelleborg’s engineered fabric is used within the air bearings that are under the transporter, Solving Mover, replacing the need for wheels. Providing superior strength and tensile properties, as well as an ability to withstand high air pressure, the advanced fabric lowers the air bearings’ consumption of air to optimize performance.
Anders Heikius, R&D Manager of Mechanical Design for Solving, said: “Our air bearings work using air film technology, meaning that a thin film of air is created between the floor surface and the air bearing. This virtually eliminates friction and allows heavy loads to be moved with very little force. This technology provides many benefits and is typically used in factories, with smooth porous-free floors.
“Given the nature and output demands of factory environments, it is imperative that the air bearings do not malfunction or fail, as this could result in costly downtime. Trelleborg’s latest product developments will ensure that these issues are reduced, if not eliminated altogether, and allow the air bearings to perform better than they ever have done before.”
Johan Frithiof, Commercial Director within Trelleborg Coated Systems, commented: “Working with Solving, we became aware of the increased design requirements of air bearings and our engineers have produced an advanced solution which will both improve the capacity of the air bearings and lower the air consumption.”
The role of an air bearing is to enable the transportation of heavy loads, without causing friction, and a large parameter of its performance depends on the type of engineered fabric used. A world leading producer of specialty polymer-coated and calendered materials, Trelleborg’s substantial staff of chemists operated with manufacturing excellence in order to produce the tailor-made solution for Solving.