Frequently asked questions of AeroGo are listed on this page.
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Can one person really move any weight load with nearly frictionless Air Casters?
For good control of a load, our general rule is that one person can move and control a load weighing up to 5,000 pounds ergonomically on AeroGo air casters.
What force is required to move a load on AeroGo air casters?
On a perfect surface, a force of 1 pound for each 1,000 pounds of load is required. Most factories do not have perfect surfaces, so a general rule is four to six pounds of force for each 1,000 pounds of load. For loads not manueverable by one user, AeroGo also supplies power traction drives for loads requiring extra steering and force.
Do my floors have to be perfect to use AeroGo air casters?
No, but to operate properly, a smooth, nonporous surface will provide the best performance and life for your Air Caster equipped products. Usually, a standard concrete warehouse or factory floors provide an adequate surface. Some large cracks and filling expansion joint repairs may be required. Please refer to our operating surface specifications for additional information. Overlay material can provide options for moving over rough surfaces. (Example: You can use an overlay material to move onto an area of broom finished concrete outside. The overlay material can be sheet metal or a heavy gauge plastic sheet material.)
What are the air caster air bearing system requirements for a compressed air system?
The requirements for compressed air are dependent on the weight of the load, the size and number of air casters and whether a standard or Heavy-Duty system is used. Generally, most plant air systems operate at sufficient pressure to operate an AeroGo air caster system. Our systems operate at 25 PSI, or 50 PSI for the Heavy-Duty System. Please consult an AeroGo representative to determine the air flow requirements for your system. Example: An AeroGo 28,000 lb Load Module System, on a normal smooth sealed concrete floor, uses up to 110 scfm at 25 psig.
Will an AeroGo air caster system lift a load, as well as provide omni-directional movement?
Yes, an added benefit of an AeroGo air caster system is that it will lift a load before the film of air is created under the air caster air bearing. The effective lift of an air caster is determined by the type and size of the air caster, but can range from 0.5 to 3.5 inches.
How much noise, air or dust will an Air Caster System make?
A properly adjusted AeroGo air caster system generates very little noise or airflow around the air caster/air bearing. If you place a business card next to a properly adjusted air caster, the business card will not be disturbed.
How do I calculate the force required to move my load weight?
Force required to move a load is calculated by multiplying the load weight by a surface factor (0.001 to 0.005). Surface factor is determined by evaluating surface levelness and smoothness. A perfect surface would use 0.001. Most surfaces require a factor of 0.005. LOAD WEIGHT X 0.005 = pounds of force to move the load.
Why is damage to an access floor such an important issue or concern?
Too much pressure on a raised floor can cause the floor to break. If a floor tile fails during movement of a machine, damage to the sensitive machine is costly to repair and delays the production of the cleanroom. In a worst case failure, utilities and cables beneath the floor can be damaged, causing additional shutdown of the cleanroom. Since cleanroom operation only makes money for it's owners when it is operating, shutdowns are very costly.
If AeroGo air casters are nearly frictionless, why do you limit the load to 5,000 pounds for one person to move manually?
All floors and small slopes, undulations in the surface and may have small cracks. As AeroGo air casters move over the uneven surface, the fabric of the air caster lightly contacts the floor, increasing friction slightly. The undulations, a series of small slopes, have the affect of moving the load up, or down these small slopes. Any slope, no matter how small, has a big impact on the force required to move a heavy load.
Are portable (self contained) AeroGo air caster systems available for my application?
Yes. Specialized self-contained systems are available. However, it may not be the most practical solution. Portable systems work best for very short distances and/or infrequent moves and typical employ high pressure nitrogen bottles. If your application requires more frequent moves or traveling longer distances, you will require a continuous supply of air (i.e. a compressor) which typically makes this option not cost effective.
Do air casters wear out?
Yes, eventually they wear-out as the air caster material occasionally comes in contact with the operating surface even if it is "floating" properly. Due to handcrafted manufacturing and high quality materials, on a proper operating surface an AeroGo air casters can last for years.
I have heard access floors called other names, what are they?
Access floors are also called raised floors or floating floors.
If I lose my compressed air supply will the air caster drop the load suddenly?
No, even of the air supply is suddenly shut off it takes awhile for all the air inside the air caster to bleed out. This assures that the load is not subject to shock from a sudden drop in pressure. Keep in mind that once the air has escaped the air caster and the load is resting on landing pads, that the load is no longer moveable.
How do I clean my AeroGo air casters?
It's easy. If you have a substance on the air caster fabric, wipe it off using a rag dabbed with acetone. Once cleaned, make sure that the air caster completely dries before any air or load pressure is applied. Use small amounts of liquid on the air caster fabrics. If the solvent soaks into the air caster materials this saturation will shorten the life of your air caster. Scuff marks do not effect the air caster's performance and do not need to be removed.
Are AeroGo's Cleanroom load moving systems certified for use in class 1 or better cleanrooms?
Our low vibration moving products are not certified for use in cleanrooms, but our customer's have tested our systems and found they do not introduce any contamination when used with a clean air source.
Are AeroGo air caster systems cleaned specifically for use in class 1 or better cleanrooms?
AeroGo takes special precautions during the manufacture and assembly of cleanroom systems, to prevent the introduction of contaminates and debris. Each system is tested and purged with pure nitrogen prior to shipment. Regulators are oil and grease free and cleanroom compatible fittings and hoses are used wherever possible.
Who will purchase a system for use in a cleanroom?
Some cleanroom operators will purchase a system, but most frequently, a rigger or specialized transportation company will purchase AeroGo's equipment. Cleanroom operators generally hire riggers for all large equipment moves in a facility. Equipment manufacturers often hire Transportation companies to move new machines from their factory to a customer's facility.
Why do you recommend Gapmaster air casters instead of Neoprene or Urethane air casters?
The Gapmaster allows greater flexibility when using overlays. Gapmaster air casters eliminate the need, in most cases, to tape overlay joints and greater capability to cross gaps and steps on overlays. Some riggers view the increased friction of the Gapmaster as an advantage by keeping the machine under better control during positioning. The lower 15PSI rating on the Gapmaster reduces the loading on raised floor panels and requires larger air casters to be used.
How do I determine the size and number of Air Caster air casters when I specify AeroGo load moving equipment for cleanrooms?
Access floor manufacturer specifications can be very confusing. The best and safest approach is to contact AeroGo and tell us the type and weight of the machine and the access floor specifications. You can also visit the Cleanroom page for additional information.