5 Reasons to Use a Polyurethane Caster Wheel in Industrial Applications
Polyurethane wheels are a popular wheel tread for use on industrial wheels, whether it is in a caster application or drive wheel applications. From noise reduction to their resistance to corrosion, there are many great reasons to choose polyurethane wheels for specific caster applications. Here are the most compelling reasons:
1. Noise Reduction
Polyurethane wheels are a popular choice in industrial applications because of their quietness in operation when compared to harder wheels such as steel or cast iron. The polyurethane acts as a shock absorber and helps cushion the ride. It also absorbs bumps from uneven terrain. When OSHA regulations come into play, using polyurethane instead of steel or cast iron wheels can significantly reduce noise levels to help protect your employees’ hearing.
2. Load Bearing Capability
Polyurethane wheels are also often utilized for their load-bearing capacity when compared to rubber. Polyurethane can provide a greater load-bearing capacity while still providing the benefits of a rubber tread, such as noise reduction, shock absorption, and floor protection.
3. Floor Protection
Polyurethane wheels rule in applications where protecting the floor is critical. The polyurethane will deflect and create a much larger footprint than harder wheel materials, such as nylon. This larger surface area helps reduce the stress concentration on floors and keep them in better shape for longer periods. For plants whose floors are expensive and critical to your operation, a polyurethane wheel may be the preferred choice.
4. Better grip and traction
Another benefit to polyurethane wheel in industrial applications is the coefficient of friction of the material. This value describes the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. Rougher surfaces tend to have higher effective values while smoother surfaces have lower ones due to the friction they generate when pressed together.
Polyurethane tends to be a grippy material, so its higher coefficient of friction can help keep towed carts from flipping. An important consideration as sliding can be a problem for harder wheel materials. Polyurethane also provides excellent traction to drive wheels and helps to reduce the amount of load on the wheel to achieve the desired driving force.
5. Resistance to Corrosion
There are many different types of polyurethanes that have varying levels of resistance to specific environments or conditions. For example, chemicals, solvents, or even water. (We list some of the different types below). In humid or wet environments, certain polyurethanes will not break down or corrode in the presence of water. In situations where chemical exposure is a problem, a different type of polyurethane can be used to prolong the wheel’s life.
Polyurethane wheels have many benefits in industrial wheel and caster applications, and the reasons above discuss some of the more popular ones. Polyurethanes can provide resistance to corrosion, protect floors, and reduce noise, all while providing a material that can handle a lot of capacity. Switching to a polyurethane wheel could have a dramatic impact on the success of your operation.
