Pneumatic Valves: What is an Air Suspension System?
Historically, the United States developed the first practical air suspension system during World War II, specifically for heavy bombers and transport aircraft. Initially, suspension systems for vehicles and aircraft either used springs or were non-existent. The invention of air suspension meant that weight could be saved through a self-levelling system while achieving an axle height independent of the vehicle’s cargo weight by using pneumatic valves.
What is an air suspension system?
An air suspension system, whether for vehicles or aircraft, is powered by an electric pump, compressor, or pneumatic valve that pumps air into flexible bellows that are usually made out of textile-reinforced airbags composed of polyurethane and rubber. Air suspension systems slowly replaced the leaf or coil spring suspension system. The pneumatic valve or compressor inflates the bags to a certain pressure to act as springs.
Air suspension proved to be superior to the hydro-pneumatic suspension system that some vehicles and aircraft were using. This is because the former used pressurised air while the latter had to use pressurised liquid.
The benefits of using an air suspension system
1. Using an air suspension system means having a soft, smooth, and consistent driving experience. For aircraft, it means a smooth and safe landing. In fact, the replacement of conventional steel spring suspensions in heavier applications in trucks, tractor-trailers, large buses, trains, and aircraft increased the safety level of these machines.
2. The use of air suspensions meant that drivers and passengers travelled in better comfort because of a reduction in noise and harsh road vibration that causes fatigue and discomfort.
3. There is less wear and tear on the suspension system because of the reduced road harshness and vibration with heavy-duty driving, especially with trucks and trains. Trailers lasted longer because air suspension components do not absorb much vibration.
4. The system reduces the tendency of trucks and other heavier vehicles to bounce uncontrollably over rougher roads and terrain, whether the vehicle is full or empty. This also shows that the air suspension system improves the ride height based on the vehicle’s speed and load weight. The system also adjusts the ride height that suits the surface of the road.
5. In the case of trailer trucks and hauliers with cumbersome loads, the air suspension offers more consistency by keeping all wheels even no matter what the road or terrain. This results in reduced body roll when turning on curves and corners.
Master Mac 2000
When you’re in the market for pneumatic valves, you can rely on Master Mac 2000. We are the exclusive and top distributor of quality brands like Univer, Mack, Bimba, Tolomatic, Piab, and much more. Our main office and warehouse in Brisbane is ready to serve you and offer solutions for your industry. Visit us at https://mastermac2000.com.au/ or call 07 3344 4711 for your enquiries.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.