1. Basic Concepts and Classification of Casters

(1) Definition and Function of Casters

A caster is a device installed at the bottom of a mobile device, which enables movement and positioning of the device through its own rotation. The use of casters greatly enhances the flexibility and convenience of devices, and they are widely used in various fields such as industry, commerce, healthcare, and home.

(2) Classification of Casters

According to the structure and functional characteristics of casters, they can be divided into two main categories:

1. Swivel Casters: Capable of 360-degree rotation, allowing the device to move flexibly in any direction. Their rotating structure is designed intricately, usually using precision bearings and other components to ensure smooth and stable rotation.

2. Fixed Casters: Can only move in one fixed direction and do not have full rotation capabilities. Their structure is relatively simple, mainly relying on the fixed connection between the wheel axle and the device base to achieve directional movement, suitable for scenarios requiring stable linear motion.

2. Key Performance Indicators and Material Selection of Casters

(1) Analysis of Performance Indicators

1. Load Capacity: Refers to the maximum weight that a caster can bear, which is one of the core indicators during selection. Insufficient load capacity can lead to deformation, damage of the caster, and even safety accidents such as tipping of the device.

2. Wear Resistance: Relates to the service life of the caster. Casters with good wear resistance experience slower surface wear during long-term use, maintaining better mobility performance and appearance.

3. Noise Reduction: In some noise-sensitive environments, such as hospitals and libraries, noise reduction performance is particularly important. Silent casters can effectively reduce noise generated during movement, creating a quiet and comfortable environment.

4. Floor Protection: Different materials of casters provide varying levels of floor protection. Good floor protection can prevent casters from causing scratches, dents, and other damage to the floor during movement, extending the floor's service life.

(2) Material Characteristics and Applicable Scenarios

1. Nylon Casters: Have high load capacity and wear resistance, but relatively poor noise reduction performance, suitable for industrial equipment, logistics transport vehicles, and other scenarios with high load requirements.

2. Polyurethane Casters: Excellent noise reduction performance and good floor protection, but slightly lower load capacity compared to nylon casters, suitable for hospital beds, office furniture, and other situations requiring quietness and floor protection.

3. Rubber Casters: Have good elasticity and impact resistance, effectively absorbing vibrations, but relatively poor wear resistance, suitable for scenarios requiring shock absorption, such as shopping carts in supermarkets.

4. Polypropylene Casters: Lightweight and cost-effective, but with relatively weak load capacity and wear resistance, suitable for lightweight devices or temporary use scenarios.

3. Load Calculation and Selection Points for Casters

(1) Load Calculation Formula

The load calculation formula for casters is:$\mathrm{<br\; class="Apple-interchange-newline">T}=\frac{(E+Z)}{N}\times S$T=N(E+Z)​×S

(T) represents the load capacity required for each caster (unit: kilograms or Newtons);

(E) is the weight of the device (unit: kilograms or Newtons);

(Z) is the maximum load of the device (unit: kilograms or Newtons);

(N) is the number of casters required for the device;

(S) is the safety factor, generally taken between 1.3 and 1.5, to account for additional loads caused by uneven weight distribution and uneven ground.

(2) Detailed Steps for Selection

1. Clarify the usage scenario: First, understand the operating environment and functional requirements of the device, such as whether it needs to move flexibly in a confined space or maintain stable load for a long time, to determine the type and performance requirements of the casters.

2. Calculate the load weight: Based on the weight of the device and the maximum load, combined with the safety factor, calculate the load capacity required for each caster to ensure that the selected casters can meet actual usage needs.

3. Determine installation parameters: Including the installation hole spacing and hole diameter of the caster base, as well as the diameter and safety height of the caster wheel, these parameters need to match the structure and installation space of the device.

4. Choose material and brake type: Based on the operating environment and functional requirements of the device, select the appropriate caster material and brake type. For example, in situations requiring frequent movement and stable positioning, casters with brake functions can be chosen.

4. Installation Methods and Application Examples of Casters

(1) Common Installation Methods

1. Four-Wheel Movable Installation: All four wheels are swivel casters, suitable for devices that need to move flexibly in confined spaces, such as small carts and mobile toolboxes. This installation method allows the device to easily change direction, improving work efficiency.

2. Two Movable Wheels and Two Fixed Wheels Installation: The rear two wheels are swivel casters, and the front two wheels are fixed casters, suitable for devices that require stable linear movement and occasional turning, such as some industrial transport vehicles. This installation method ensures stability in linear movement while allowing for relatively flexible steering.

3. Four Movable Wheels and Two Fixed Wheels Installation: Suitable for long-distance transport devices that require a certain level of stability, such as large shelf transport vehicles. The configuration of six casters can maintain the stability of the device during long-distance movement while providing a certain degree of flexibility.

(2) Application Examples

Industrial Automation Production Line: In the movement and positioning of equipment on an automated production line, high-load, wear-resistant casters are usually used to ensure the stability and durability of the equipment during long-term operation. At the same time, based on the specific layout and functional requirements of the production line, a reasonable combination of swivel and fixed wheels should be selected to achieve efficient movement and precise positioning of the equipment.

Hospital Bed Movement: Hospital beds need to move between different areas such as wards, operating rooms, and examination rooms, while requiring the movement process to be quiet and not damage the floor. Therefore, polyurethane casters with good noise reduction and strong floor protection are usually chosen, equipped with a braking function to ensure the safety and stability of the bed during movement and positioning.

Office Furniture Movement: Office furniture such as desks and chairs need to be moved when adjustments or cleaning are required. Choosing lightweight and easy-to-install casters, such as polypropylene casters, can meet the mobility needs of office furniture while being cost-effective and meeting the economic requirements of the office environment.

5. Maintenance and Care of Casters

(1) Regular Inspection

1. Check the wear condition of the wheel surface: Observe whether there are obvious wear marks or unevenness on the wheel surface. If wear is severe, it should be replaced in time to avoid affecting the mobility and safety of the equipment.

2. Check the lubrication condition of the bearings: For casters with bearings, regularly check the lubrication status of the bearings to ensure there is enough lubricant inside to maintain smooth rotation and reduce wear.

3. Check the braking function: For casters with braking functions, regularly check the sensitivity and reliability of the brakes to ensure that they can stop the casters quickly and accurately when positioning is needed.

(2) Cleaning and Lubrication

1. Clean the surface of the casters: Use a clean cloth or brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the casters, avoiding impurities from entering the interior of the casters, which could affect their normal operation.

2. Lubricate the bearings: For casters that require lubrication, add lubricant or grease regularly according to the product manual to maintain good lubrication of the bearings and extend the service life of the casters.

(3) Precautions

1. Avoid Overloading: During use, strictly adhere to the load capacity of the casters to prevent overloading, which could damage the casters or cause equipment tipping.

2. Pay Attention to Floor Conditions: When moving equipment, pay attention to the flatness and cleanliness of the floor, avoiding movement on uneven surfaces or surfaces with sharp objects to prevent damage to the casters.

3. Proper Storage: When not in use, casters should be stored in a dry, ventilated environment free from corrosive gases, avoiding prolonged exposure to damp or high-temperature environments to prevent affecting the performance and service life of the casters.