Polyurethane Tread for Industrial Applications

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By Doug Backinger VP of Sales

Posted on: December 9, 2020

Categories: Caster Wheels

Roll with polyurethane caster wheels for the best in ergonomics, load capacity, and durability.

Every industrial application has instances where a particular wheel material is most beneficial, whether it’s rubber, steel, iron, or polyurethane. The big advantage of polyurethanes is that they can handle heavier loads than rubber because they are harder and yet are more flexible than plastics. Their flexibility accounts for their strength and remarkable ability to resist impact. In general, a polyurethane wheel can be the best overall choice in terms of ergonomics, load capacity, and durability. Important considerations for automated guided vehicles and other material handling applications.

Once you decide on utilizing the benefits of polyurethane, you need to determine which tread to choose from.  Different treads have different characteristics, including how hard the material is (as measured by Durometer), the resistance to abrasion, tear and tensile strength, and deformation. All these factors play a part in your decision.

^{Shown: TR85A, 95A, 70D, and Ergo Tread.}

One of the many advantages of choosing Caster Concepts for your material handling needs is that we manufacture all our poly wheels at our headquarters in Albion, Michigan. Reaction Industries is one of our in-house companies that features a state of the art polyurethane processing facility. High-quality meter mix machines, high-speed conveyors, and large capacity processing ovens all combine to give RI the ability to respond to all customer needs, big or small, standard or custom^.

Polyurethane treads are popular because they offer the best compromise between load capacity and floor protection.

There’s a wide variety of ways that polyurethane can be engineered to ensure that your casters and wheels combine the qualities of ergonomics, efficiency, and durability. Let’s look at some of the formulations and their benefits:

T/R 95 Polyurethane: Durometer 95A MDI. 

• Benefits: High-strength and tear resistant. Offer maximum elasticity for extended wear in difficult applications while providing superior ergonomics

HPPT Polyurethane: Durometer 92A TDI.

• Benefits: This is our high-performance, premium polyurethane tread that is non-marking and lasts long in continuous use applications. The unique properties compete with any polyurethane on the market. Great for AGVs and other material handling applications.

T/R Polyurethane: Durometer 85A MDI.

• Benefits: Tear-resistant wheels and is non-marking. Known for not picking up debris and for holding up in rugged applications.

When you are choosing the best wheel for the job, the more analysis you can apply to your wheel material environment, the better choice you’ll make for your industrial heavy-duty wheels and casters.

Want more insight into the pros and cons of various caster wheel materials? Please call 888-772-6790 or email customercentral@casterconcepts.com.