Caster wheels have done a lot to improve the way we move large objects from one place to the other. That alone makes them very important for any setup where a lot of moving is required.
Like any other important object, though, choosing the right one for your needs does not come down to luck only. Below, we explore some of the materials which caster wheels are made of – and how they stand out from one another functionally.
1 Cast iron
Caster wheels made from cast iron are as sturdy as can be, and that is evident in their build. Their strength lies in their ability to withstand abrasion and roll with just the least amount of effort. If you are looking for wheels that would last long, these are the ideal picks for you too.
However, they have a tendency to destroy floors made of materials other than concrete.
2 Flanged
If you are moving stuff on steel tracking, the flanged wheel is made for just that kind of operation. A bigger advantage of the working model of this wheel is that it can take larger capacities without damaging floors since they will be rolling on tracks.
Most flanged caster wheels are made from cast iron to ensure better strength and longer wear. For all their functionality on tracks, though, they are highly limited in not being applicable elsewhere.
3 Glass-Filled Nylon
For those who would like to work their caster wheels on all of carpeted, concrete, wood, terrazzo, smooth and ribbed steel, asphalt and other related surfaces, you will find a nice pick in the glass-filled nylon material.
As the name implies, a blend of nylon and glass makes it possible to work the wheels under high temperature without failing. They are also known to have high resistance to grease, cleaning agents and oils. Beyond other things, though, the way they handle hard impacts is laudable.
4 Polyurethane (PU)
One thing we love about PU, out of the box, is how it combines the best of both worlds to work. In this case, this material pairs itself with either of aluminum, polyolefin or cast-iron material to make a statement.
First things first, its wide application on just about any kind of floor type makes it an ideal pick for a dynamic workspace. Riding the carriage over rough surfaces is easier with PU since it is engineered against permanent flat spots. Besides, we also have the added advantage of resistance to chemicals, oils and floor debris, among other things.
As a bonus, the rollability of PU makes it fatigue free for the carriage operator.
Which Should You Pick?
The choice of caster wheel to use should be based on the unique needs of your workspace. However, due to changing conditions, you would need something that can adapt to just about any condition without putting a lag into your workflow/ transportation.
For that reason, we are inclined to go with the PU material-based caster wheels. Of these, we have a brilliant pick in the SUPO furniture caster wheels.
Thoroughly designed with sustainable materials and environmentally-friendly focus in mind too, they are in line with EU criteria. They can be used under various circumstances and for different surfaces because of the superior quality. You just cannot go wrong with them!
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