Category: Industrial

Caster and Wheel Bearings

A confusing term at times can be bearings in regards to their use in casters. Bearings are used in casters for both wheels and swivel heads, and here we will discuss both.

Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings sit between the wheel and the axle, and provide a way for the wheel to easily spin on the axle. These bearings come in a number of different types, each with its own advantages.

Delrin bearings are inexpensive, and need no maintenance. They are a simple bushing made of Delrin, a plastic material. Delrin bearings work well in wet applications since they have no moving or metal parts that could corrode.

Roller bearings are best suited to low speed, manual operation with intermittent use. The roller bearing consists of a series of rollers arranged to sit on an axle and easily roll around it. Roller bearings can be solid or split caged. Split cage roller bearings do not handle side thrust as well as their solid counterpart, which is inserted into the wheel with a press. Roller bearings require regular maintenance.

Precision Bearings are a high quality ball bearing. These are excellent for applications that require high speed, quiet, and/or continuous operation. Precision bearings do not require regular maintenance to function properly. Semi-Precision bearings offer a less expensive, low speed and light duty option for those that still want quiet, maintenance free operation.

Tapered bearings are used on the heaviest duty casters. These bearings can handle high speeds and power driven application. Tapered bearings also handle side thrust well, and excel at continuous operation. They do require regular maintenance for good performance.

Please visit our caster wheel bearings page for images and additional information.

Swivel Head Bearings for Casters

Swivel Head bearings are typically ball bearings inside of a raceway. The swivel head assembly and its bearings allow for the wheel to easily turn and add steerability to applications. This raceway can be sealed or exposed. A sealed raceway protects the bearing assembly from dirt and other debris that is harmful to the bearing. The raceway can also be precision made and hardened to increase the longevity and performance of the swivel head.

Factors in Choosing An Industrial Caster Wheel

It might seem to be a simple task, choosing the appropriate wheel for a caster to be used in an industrial setting. When in reality, the choice has many factors that should be considered for a lasting positive experience. Environment, workload, and capacity are just a few of the many considerations involved.

Polyurethane on cast iron caster wheelIndustrial caster wheels need to be fitted not only to the device, but to the surroundings. Will the caster be exposed to weather, or extreme temperatures, such as an oven. Are there chemicals , oils, or other liquids that could be potentially harmful to certain wheel substances.  Is the surface with which the wheel will  be in contact smooth, rough, cracked, or have debris.

Of course, a caster wheel that can handle expected workloads and handling is a necessity. Is there as chance of rough handling, or stress in a manner other than straight rolling. Perhaps the wheels are going to be static for long periods of time, and only receive occasional use. Not to be ignored is the power behind the wheeled device. Is that power to be supplied manually or by powered equipment.

Many times, the choice for wheels is made by weight capacity, alone. Consideration must be given to ergonomics. Will the wheel  begin to roll easily when engaged by a worker. Is the caster wheel going to give the least resistance when turning.

When choosing a caster wheel for industry, gather as many details as possible.  This data will be of great assistance when ordering casters. Service Caster sales reps are knowledgeable in all facets of wheel behavior, and will recommend the proper wheel for industrial usage.

Caster Wheels for High Temperature Environments

Most casters and wheels for industry and commercial applications contain some ability for exposure to temperatures above the norm. Typically, temperatures to 180 degrees Fahrenheit are possible. For those environments where higher temperature are expected, such as a bakery oven or autoclave, caster wheel composition must be considered.

Phenolic wheelRecommended exposures to high temperature and length of operation vary. Also, consideration to the type of heat is necessary. These factors, along with floor surface, determine the possible lifetime of the caster wheel.

For locations with a dry heat, high temperature Phenolic wheels perform optimally. A safe range for estimating usage would be temperatures up to 475° F for 30 minutes of continuous operation.

When moist heat is expected, a glass-filled nylon wheel for high temperatures is the favored option. Conservatively, 475° F for 30 minutes continuous use provides the best scenario for a prolonged wheel lifetime. It should be noted that glass-filled nylon wheels are not for use in dry heat.

For issues of high heat, high temperature Phenolic and glass-filled nylon wheels are a solution for most environs. As noted, usage is permitted beyond the given parameters, but life expectancy of the caster wheels might be greatly reduced.

Twin Wheel Casters VS. Single Wheel Casters

One question we get a lot here at SCC is “Why choose a twin wheel caster instead of a single wheel caster?” Well, let me tell you.

A twin wheel caster offers several distinct advantages over its single wheeled counterpart. Perhaps the most obvious advantage is weight handling capacity. If we take two casters with the same wheel diameter and material, but one is twin wheeled, it will handle more weight. Another way to look at this advantage is that we can use a smaller twin wheel caster to reach the same weight bearing capacity as a larger single wheel. This can be important if you need to maintain a lower load height within a specific weight capacity range.

Another great advantage of twin wheel casters is their ability to turn easily. Where a single wheel caster must pivot on itself, a twin wheel caster’s wheels can rotate independently of each other, making turning or reversing direction much easier.