Double Convoluted Air Spring Air Suspension 2B12-432 FD330-22 368 W01-358-7437

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DESCRIPTION

The usefulness of air springs or actuators didn’t go unnoticed in the industrial machine industry, and it was clear they could provide unique solutions for various applications. Air actuators have seen duty as shock absorbers, linear actuators, vibration isolators, and tensioners, to name a few examples. They can be used to absorb shock in material handling applications, such as a saw mill, when logs are dropped onto processing stations. Air springs make some of the best vibration isolators on the market, such as would be used on a vibrating hopper or commercial laundry machine. In summation, air springs are a high force, low cost actuator that can operate in a linear fashion or at an angle. They can be stacked to provide longer strokes or greater angular rotation.

Air springs contain a column of air in an elastomeric bellow or sleeve to provide suspension, isolation, or actuation. Commonly found in vehicle suspension systems, occasionally in conjunction with a coil spring, they are also used to insulate vibration in machinery and as linear or angular actuators.

Air springs are employed through the use of an air compressor which fills and empties the pliable air bladder. The load is not distributed to the rubber liner, which only serves to contain the gas; the weight is attached to a piston or bead plate, which is directly supported by the air with very little deflection. A self-leveling mechanism is common to keep the air spring's load stable, and occasionally a separate coil spring is incorporated into the design. Also available are electronic air spring systems that can monitor air pressure, filter compressor air (preventing damage to the rubber bellows), and a lock to keep air inside of the spring in case of compressor or air line failure.