Air Springs
Air springs utilize a contained column of air inside an elastomeric bellows or
sleeve to buffer cyclic motion, provide vibration isolation or serve as a linear
actuator. Air springs may also be used as a primary suspension spring or a
component inside a coil spring for load lifters, automotive and other transportation
applications.
Load capacity of an air spring can vary between 88 and over 88,000 pounds.
Spring load is the amount of weight required to compress the spring to a give
height, and is determined by the spring's physical configuration and
manipulated by air pressure.
Air springs offer many advantages over other spring types-they are extremely
durable. The cost of air springs is generally much lower than that of other
springs, they are more compact and do not require lubrication to function.
Care should be taken to ensure that an air spring does not come into contact
with petroleum-based substances which attack rubber.