Headquartered in The Netherlands, Aerofilm is a specialist in air caster transport. In its systems, for moving heavier loads, Aerofilm recommends using a drive unit to fully control the load. For this reason, the company began looking for a reliable partner offering easy-to-install air motors. Aerofilm found this partner in Atlas Copco, with its LZB range of vane air motors.
Aerofilm Systems has developed and manufactured air casters and air caster transport systems since 1981. The company now uses Atlas Copco LZB air motors for starting and stopping movement of heavy loads on its air casters. The motors’ unmatched starting and stall torque characteristics provide a simple solution for controlling the loads.
‘Simplicity of installation and operation important’
In Aerofilm’s Air Tuggers, LZB air motors have proved ideal for controlling the heavy load once it’s floating. Commenting on the motors, Dennis Smolders, Project Leader, Product Development & Manufacturing, Aerofilm says: “Simplicity of installation and operation is important. As we need compressed air for our air casters, by using air motors we only need one type of energy in our systems.” Aerofilm drive systems typically have a low profile and a small footprint that maximize floor space for customers. “Atlas Copco air motors have a clean design which is compact yet offering multiple torque options within the same power range”, explains Dennis Smolders.
Air caster technology, ergonomic and cost-effective
Air casters and air caster transport systems are the optimal solution for moving and positioning objects of various weights in a safe, ergonomic and cost-effective way.
Floating on a thin layer of air created by the air casters reduces the friction between the floor and the object to almost zero. This gives the operator the capability to move even the heaviest objects with ease. The technology is comparable to a hovercraft, or air-hockey, and makes horizontal movement in every direction easy. Since air casters do not cause vibration during movement, they are also ideal for moving sensitive and therefore often expensive objects.
LZB vane air motors – high power-to-size ratio
LZB vane air motors are compact and light in weight, occupying only one-sixth of the space of an electric motor of the same power. Their compact design ensures easy installation and high power-to-size ratio. LZB air motors incorporate slim, multi-step planetary gears that are robust and known for their excellent durability. Available in steel and stainless steel, the drives are tough and virtually unaffected by harsh environments.
Atlas Copco air motors are ATEX certified for equipment used in potentially explosive environments in compliance with the ATEX directive.