Air Bearing Platform with Turntable Simplifies Load Positioning

Summary

A heavy equipment manufacturer required a specialized solution for moving heavy welded and machined parts into an X-ray booth for scanning in their new facility. Align Production Systems designed a unique combination of a utility platform, pneumatic tugger, and low-profile turntable to meet their needs.

IMAGE & DETAIL GALLERY

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“This was the first time we combined three of our core technologies – a utility platform, a tugger, and a turntable. It was a very custom project, but the customer was happy with the results.”
– Colton Phillips, Engineer

The Problem

The manufacturer needed a reliable way to move 40,000 lb components into a confined X-ray booth for precise imaging. The equipment had to operate without electrical interference, function within height restrictions, and allow for easy repositioning of parts.

The Solution

Align developed an air-powered air bearing platform with turntable. This combined three of our products: a utility platform, a built-in pneumatic tugger and a low-profile turntable (14 inches total height). This solution uses Airfloat’s Air Caster technology to float heavy loads on a film of air. Using a single operator, the system eliminates electrical risks in the X-ray environment while providing maneuverability and turning capability inside tight spaces.

Key features include:

Omni-directional movement to easily position loads.

Slide-out trays and removable panels for easy service access.

Low-profile turntable design to rotate parts on top of the platform.

Implementation & Results

The equipment allows operators to safely and efficiently transport parts 30 feet between crane placement and the X-ray booth. Its heavy-duty pneumatic design minimizes downtime risks and ensures long-term reliability. This solution solves multiple challenges by combining the push-and-pull abilities of a utility platform and rotating parts with an air-caster turntable on top.

Conclusion

This manufacturer benefited from a first-of-its-kind combination system that merged multiple Align technologies into one compact solution. The project highlighted Align’s ability to customize equipment for highly specific manufacturing processes while keeping maintenance simple.

Case Study

“This was the first time we combined three of our core technologies – a utility platform, a tugger, and a turntable. It was a very custom project, but the customer was happy with the results.”
– Colton Phillips, Engineer

Conclusion

This manufacturer benefited from a first-of-its-kind combination system that merged multiple Align technologies into one compact solution. The project highlighted Align’s ability to customize equipment for highly specific manufacturing processes while keeping maintenance simple.

Looking for Heavy Load Transport Solutions That You Don't See Here?

Airfloat

Hedin USA

“This was the first time we combined three of our core technologies – a utility platform, a tugger, and a turntable. It was a very custom project, but the customer was happy with the results.” – Colton Phillips, Engineer

Conclusion

This manufacturer benefited from a first-of-its-kind combination system that merged multiple Align technologies into one compact solution. The project highlighted Align’s ability to customize equipment for highly specific manufacturing processes while keeping maintenance simple.

Looking for Heavy Load Transport Solutions That You Don't See Here?

Airfloat

Hedin USA

“This was the first time we combined three of our core technologies – a utility platform, a tugger, and a turntable. It was a very custom project, but the customer was happy with the results.”
– Colton Phillips, Engineer