The AirStar bearing is also known as a hydrostatic bearing because the rotating roll and stationary shaft are separated by a thin film of pressurized air, which is supplied through the hollow shaft.
This thin film of air prevents friction and supports both radial and thrust loads. The pressurized flow of air exhausts at the ends of the roll and aids in protecting the bearing against external solid, liquid, and gaseous contaminants.
The carbon-against-carbon construction typically used within the AirStar bearing tolerates intermittent overloads from excessive wraps, tension, vibration, or transient loss of air supply.
AirStar also manufactures a self-rotating bearing. This bearing uses the air supply to rotate the roll. On the larger size bearing, the rotational feature can be turned off to reduce air consumption.
