There are several advantages and disadvantages of casters and wheels, so one must understand these features before buying one. This article will discuss the features that are necessary for a variety of applications. Whether looking for a sturdy base for your desk or a sleek and modern trolley, casters and wheels can help you get the job done.
Disadvantages
Choosing the correct type of casters and wheels can be crucial. The best classes will allow you to steer a vehicle or truck the way you want. There are advantages to both types of casters. They can help to reduce the risk of workplace injuries, such as overexertion and overburdening joints. Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages to choosing casters over wheels.
Casters made of phenolic material are less efficient than polyurethane wheels. As a result, this material retains debris, causing damage to floors. Additionally, a wrong caster tread can wear down a groove in a base, which can put an automated guided vehicle offline and prevent production.
Applications
The various types of casters and wheels have varying applications. Some casters are fixed, and those that are not. Fixed casters are usually secured into place and do not rotate. They provide optimal protection for floors and are well-suited for sensitive loads and are suitable for aerospace applications. They are non-conductive, have a robust tread, and are highly resistant to abrasion. They are also ideal for the food processing industry.
Fixed and heavy-duty swivel casters both have different uses. A fixed caster is used in a stationary position, while a swivel caster is used to move a load. Both casters can have braking mechanisms so that the device remains fixed even when it is not in motion. The central lock caster is ideal for applications in which a vehicle or load must move in a straight line.
Durability
Generally, durability ratings refer to how long a caster or wheel will work under normal circumstances. This includes temperatures ranging from freezing to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, significant shock loading, floor debris, and excessive speeds. The higher the durability rating, the more rugged the caster or wheel is likely to be. When choosing the right wheels and casters for your application having suitable materials and the right design, size, and type of wheel are essential.
Various materials are used to manufacture caster wheels. For example, polyurethane casters are highly durable and have excellent abrasion resistance. When selecting the wheels and casters, please consider whether the floor’s surface is smooth, rough, or irregular. Larger wheels are typically best for a slippery floor, while softer wheels will prevent scuffing or scratching the floor.
Noise reduction
Casters and wheels have become a critical part of workplace ergonomics, an important initiative for many companies. They are essential for the comfort of employees and can also reduce noise pollution on manufacturing plant floors. Many occupational health and safety associations have taken steps to regulate workplace noise, and regulations limiting workplace noise to 85-90 decibels for eight hours per day. In addition to increasing workplace safety, these casters and wheels reduce injuries-related costs.
Casters and wheels are essential for reducing noise. The friction that occurs between the wheels and casters causes high noise emissions. Moreover, film remnants around the axle of the wheel can cause damage to the product. Noise reduction benefits of casters and wheels are a must-have for the environment-conscious workplace. You can use a decibel reader to determine whether your casters and wheels are causing any noise pollution.
Cost
When buying casters and wheels for your furniture, consider the price and material of the casters. Most caster companies have standard wheel castings that can be used to create swirls of all sizes and types. Castings are the most economical option, and casters that don’t have one are usually made from metal or tube and plate billets. Castings are also more durable and tend to last longer than other designs.
Casters are commonly used on office chairs and shopping carts and can also be found on material handling equipment like platform trucks. Heavy-duty casters are used in industrial settings, such as tow lines in plants. Casters work best on flat, smooth surfaces, which makes them the most flexible option for moving heavy objects. There are two basic types of casters: rigid and swivel casters. Rigid casters only allow the wheel to move forward or backward. Rigid casters are generally more expensive but are ideal for heavy-duty applications.
