What are Caster Wheels?

Casters are collectively referred to as movable casters, fixed casters and casters with brakes. The movable caster is also what we call a universal wheel. Its structure allows 360-degree rotation. The fixed caster is also called a directional caster. It has no rotating structure and cannot rotate. Usually, the two casters are usually used together. For example, the structure of the trolley is two directional wheels at the front, and two universal wheels at the rear near the push armrest. Casters are casters of various materials, such as pp casters, PVC casters, PU casters, cast iron casters, nylon casters, TPR casters, iron-core nylon casters, iron-core PU casters, etc.

Caster wheel selection

1. Select the material of the wheel: first consider the size of the road surface, obstacles, residual materials on the site (such as iron filings, grease), the environmental conditions (such as high temperature, normal temperature or low temperature), and the weight of the wheel. Conditions to determine the choice of suitable wheel material. For example: rubber wheels can not be resistant to acids, grease and chemicals, super polyurethane wheels, high-strength polyurethane wheels, nylon wheels, steel wheels and high temperature wheels can be suitable for different special environments.

2. Calculate the load capacity: In order to be able to calculate the load capacity required for various casters, it is necessary to know the weight of the transport equipment, the maximum load and the number of single wheels and casters used. The load capacity required for a single wheel or caster is calculated as follows:

T = (E + Z) / M × N:

--- T = bearing weight required by single wheel or caster;

--- E = deadweight of transportation equipment;

--- Z = maximum load;

--- M = number of wheels and casters used;

--- N = Safety factor (about 1.3-1.5).

3. Determine the size of the wheel diameter: Generally, the larger the wheel diameter, the easier it is to push, the larger the load capacity is, and the more it can protect the ground from damage. The choice of the wheel diameter should first consider the weight and the starting thrust of the truck To decide.

4. The choice of soft and hard wheel materials: usually wheels are nylon wheels, super polyurethane wheels, high-strength polyurethane wheels, high-strength synthetic rubber wheels, iron wheels, and air pump wheels. Super polyurethane wheels and high-strength polyurethane wheels can meet your handling requirements regardless of indoor and outdoor ground driving; high-strength synthetic rubber wheels can be applied to hotels, medical equipment, floors, wooden floors, tile floors, etc. It is required to travel on the ground with low noise when walking; nylon wheels and iron wheels are suitable for places with uneven ground or iron debris on the ground; and air pumps are suitable for light loads and soft and uneven roads.

5. Rotational flexibility: The larger the single wheel, the more labor-saving it is. The roller bearing can carry a heavier load, and the resistance is greater during rotation: a high-quality (bearing steel) ball bearing is installed on a single wheel, which can carry a heavier load. , Lighter rotation, flexible and quiet.

6, the temperature conditions: severe cold and high-temperature occasions have a great impact on the casters, polyurethane wheels at low temperatures of minus 45 , flexible rotation, high temperature resistant wheels at 275 high temperature rotation and light.

Special Note: Because 3 points define a plane, when the number of casters used is 4, the load capacity should be calculated as 3.

Caster wheel frame selection

1. Generally, when selecting a suitable wheel frame, first consider the weight of the casters, such as supermarkets, schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, etc., because the floor is good, the cargo is smooth and light, (each caster carries 10-140kg) It is suitable to choose the electroplated wheel frame stamped and formed from thin steel plate (2-4mm). The wheel frame is light, flexible, quiet and beautiful. This electroplated wheel frame is divided into double rows and single rows according to the ball arrangement. Use double-row beads when moving or handling frequently.

2. In factories, warehouses, and other places, where the cargo is frequently moved and the load is heavy (280-420kg per caster), it is suitable to use double-row ball wheels stamped, hot-forged and welded with thick steel plates (5-6 mm). frame.

3. If it is used to transport heavy objects such as textile factories, automobile factories, machinery factories, etc., due to the heavy load and long walking distance in the factory (each caster carries 350-1200kg), it should choose thick steel plates (8-12mm ) Welded wheel frame after cutting. The movable wheel frame uses flat ball bearings and ball bearings on the bottom plate, so that the casters can withstand heavy loads, rotate flexibly, and resist impact.

Caster bearing selection

1. Terling bearing: Terling is a special engineering plastic, suitable for wet and corrosive places, with general flexibility and high resistance.

2. Roller bearings: Heat-treated roller bearings can carry heavier loads, and the rotation flexibility is average.

3. Ball bearings: Ball bearings made of high-quality bearing steel can bear heavier loads and are suitable for occasions that require flexible and quiet rotation.

4, plane bearing: suitable for high and extra high load and high speed occasions.