MAXSON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY COMPANY (Westerly RI USA) has incorporated an air floatation system into inline sheeting applications that permit the entire sheeter to be moved off line for maintenance access to extruder screws or to reposition the machine to another line that requires a sheeting operation.
 
The floatation system uses up to six casters that incorporate a tough donut shaped bag fastened to a rigid plate.  When compressed air is pumped into the caster (via Operator controlled valves), the bag inflates, creating a seal against the floor.  When air pressure within the caster is sufficient to offset the load’s weight, air slowly and evenly escapes between the bag and the floor.  The load floats on a thin, frictionless cushion of air.
 
With a steady supply of compressed air being fed to six casters, strategically mounted under the sheeter, the entire machine can be lifted 0.003” off the floor and glided to a desired location.  When properly positioned, the air supply is shut off, the donut shape bag deflates and the sheeter sets on its steel base and legs.
 
Please contact Brent H. Burdick, Director of Sales & Marketing, for further information by telephone at (401) 596-0162 or by e-mail at [email protected].