Whether your furniture’s wheels need replacement or you’re installing casters for the first time, there are several factors to consider. The type of material, load capacity, and brake options are crucial.

Considering environmental conditions is also vital. For example, hospitals need casters that promote patient safety and provide smooth mobility.

Material

The materials that go into the production of caster wheels are necessary because they determine their ability to withstand heavy loads and harsh environments. These factors include material strength, chemical and temperature resistance, and durability.

The proper caster wheels are resilient and will not crack or break under stress. They also can withstand harsh chemicals and caustic solutions. They can be sterilized with ease. Additionally, they are resistant to rust and will not absorb organic contaminants.

These caster wheels are ideal for metal fabrication shops, where the environment can be extremely toxic. These wheels are highly durable and will not break under load, even when casters travel over rough floors.

The proper caster wheels allow equipment to be moved quickly and smoothly while eliminating the need for multiple people to maneuver it. In addition, the suitable casters eliminate, to a large extent, the frustration and stress caused by poorly designed hardware fittings.

Load Capacity

The caster wheel material can have an impact on how the caster functions as well as how it interacts with different floor surfaces. It also affects operational comfort, rolling and swiveling resistance, and starting, rolling, and braking capabilities.

Your application will determine the type of caster you select. Rigid casters are best used in applications that require movement along a straight-line path. In contrast, swivel casters can rotate 360 degrees to allow equipment and inventory to move quickly throughout the plant.

Caster wheels are available in various load capacities, from low capacity to extra heavy duty. When choosing a wheel for your application, the first step is determining how much weight it will need to support. To do this, divide the total equipment weight by the number of casters. Then, you can choose the caster with the correct load limit for your application. For example, if you’re using casters to haul large airframes or engine parts through manufacturing plants, you’ll need high-capacity wheels with a load limit of up to several tons per caster.

Design

Industrial steel caster wheels are designed to make moving heavy equipment safer and more accessible. This includes helping prevent injuries for employees manually moving the equipment and improving productivity and efficiency in industrial settings.

Choosing the right caster wheels also depends on the environment where the equipment will be used. For example, if the equipment is exposed to moisture and chemicals, stainless steel caster wheels may be better suited for these environments than other caster wheels.

Stainless steel casters are also corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for environments where the equipment will be subjected to corrosive substances. For example, a plant that uses cutting fluids and oils could benefit from using stainless steel caster wheels to withstand these corrosive substances. Additionally, stainless steel casters can withstand high temperatures.

Installation

Industrial caster wheels are designed to support equipment in industries, and as such, they have higher load capacities than office or home caster wheels. They come in a range of sizes and materials depending on the type of loads that you have to haul.

Medical equipment such as patient beds and other trolleys require incredibly high load capacity. In addition, they need to move quickly from one section of the hospital to another. This is why the healthcare industry needs to use medium caster wheels in their equipment.

The choice of wheel bearing is also an important consideration when purchasing a new caster. These wheels have various bearing types, including industrial (not precision), precision with top hats, and precision pedestal. Each option has pros and cons, so consider your application and environment—a ball bearing usually results in easier rollability, quiet operation, and reduced lubrication maintenance.