How to choose the right caster wheels

Time：May 20,2019

1. Choose according to the usage environment:

a. When selecting suitable wheel frames, the first consideration is the weight that the caster wheels will bear. In places like supermarkets, schools, hospitals, office buildings, and hotels, where the floors are good, smooth, and the goods being transported are relatively light (each caster can bear 10-140kg), it is suitable to choose electroplated wheel frames made from thin steel plates (2-4mm) that are stamped. These wheel frames are lightweight, flexible in operation, silent, and aesthetically pleasing. The electroplated wheel frames are divided into double-row and single-row balls based on the arrangement of the balls. If frequent movement or transportation is required, double-row balls should be used.

b. In factories and warehouses, where goods are frequently moved and the loads are heavier (each caster can bear 280-420kg), it is suitable to use wheel frames made from thick steel plates (5-6mm) that are stamped and welded with double-row balls.

c. For transporting heavy items in places like textile factories, automotive factories, and machinery factories, where the loads are heavy and the walking distances within the factory are long (each caster can bear 350-1200kg), it is advisable to choose wheel frames made from thick steel plates (8-12mm) that are cut and welded. The active wheel frames use flat ball bearings and ball bearings on the base plate, allowing the casters to bear heavy loads, rotate flexibly, and resist impacts. Industrial casters can be made from high-grade imported reinforced nylon (PA6), super polyurethane, or rubber, providing high impact resistance and strength. The metal components of the brackets are made from high-quality steel plates that have been galvanized or spray-coated for corrosion resistance, with precision ball bearings installed inside the casters. Medical casters should be selected for their lightweight operation, flexible steering, high elasticity, special ultra-quiet features, wear resistance, anti-tangling, and chemical corrosion resistance, meeting hospital requirements.

2. Choose according to load capacity:

The load capacity of the caster wheels is the most basic and critical requirement, and the actual usage scenarios can vary greatly. Therefore, when selecting the load capacity of the caster wheels, a certain safety margin should be left. Taking the commonly used four-wheel installation as an example, the following two methods can usually be used for selection:

a. Choose based on three casters bearing the total weight. One caster is suspended. This method is suitable for situations where the casters bear significant impact during the loading or moving of goods, especially when the total weight is large and the ground conditions are poor.

b. Choose based on four casters bearing 120% of the total weight. This method is suitable for situations where the ground conditions are good and the impact on the casters during the loading or moving of goods is minimal.

c. Calculate the required load capacity: To calculate the load capacity needed for the casters, it is necessary to know the self-weight of the transport equipment, the maximum load, and the number of single wheels and casters used. The required load capacity for a single wheel or caster is calculated as follows:

T=(E+Z)/M×N

---T = required load capacity of a single wheel or caster;

---E = self-weight of the transport equipment;

---Z = maximum load;

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

---N = safety factor (approximately 1.3-1.5).

It should be particularly noted that for those casters that will experience significant impacts, not only should casters with high load capacity be selected, but also those with specially designed impact-resistant structures. If brakes are necessary, casters with single or double brakes should be chosen.

3. Flexibility of rotation: The larger the single wheel, the easier it is to rotate. Roller bearings can carry heavier loads, but the resistance during rotation is greater. Installing high-quality (bearing steel) ball bearings on single wheels allows them to bear heavier loads and rotate more easily, flexibly, and quietly.

4. Temperature conditions: Extreme cold and high temperatures have a significant impact on casters. Polyurethane wheels can rotate flexibly at low temperatures of -45°C, while high-temperature wheels can rotate easily at high temperatures of 230°C.

Single round selection

Single wheel material

Single round selection

Single wheel material

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