Typically, when one thinks of laser cutting, it brings to mind, say, a surgical procedure. At Caster Concepts, Inc., we use laser cutting in the same way, forming our industrial casters and caster rigs with surgical, laser precision to make the most durable heavy-duty casters on the market.
Key components of industrial caster and wheel forging and manufacturing haven’t changed much in 50 years. But, one area that’s made a major technological leap is caster rig fabrication. The caster rig is the main body of the caster – the powerhouse of the heavy duty caster wheel.
As the powerhouse, the caster rig is critical to the quality and durability of industrial, heavy duty casters and caster wheels in all applications. By using revolutionary laser cutting/forming to fabricate the caster rig, we reduce welding by roughly 40 percent. Reduced welding boosts strength and quality, and shortens the production window. Ultimately, our customers enjoy a better return on investment.
Historically, caster rigs were manufactured by welding stampings of standard components to the forgings of the swivel sections or to each other. Brakes, toe guards or other accessories were fabricated using iron works to modify the design. These were then welded to the standard components.
1. Stronger casters – Our laser cutting/forming process eliminates an entire area of potential product failure in caster wheels. When producing our heavy duty casters, the legs are attached to a platform manufactured in a single, flat laser blank. The blank is developed for the material to be consumed when forming the legs. Using a press brake, the forming process shifts the leg to form a right angle with the platform. The final product is fail-proof, except in cases of total equipment failure. Additionally, the laser cut rig is 25 percent stronger than the product made by welding the leg to the platform, as in traditional fixture/welding.
2. Improved quality– Laser cutting can restrict the edge quality and hole for axle placement to within 0.002 inches. The biggest beneficiary of this accuracy is the caster wheel axle. The precision laser cut product requires very little, if any grinding to reach the final, desired dimension. In traditional stamping, when one accounts for initial material failure and breakage, the edge variability remains in the range of 0.03. This requires more grinding and extends production time.
3. Quicker production –With laser cutting the caster rig components are integrated into the original laser blank. This yields a part much closer to the desired finished product and requires little or no additional welding. Avoiding secondary operations speeds production, controls additional costs and ultimately maximizes the customer’s return on investment.
Our engineering staff at Caster Concepts, Inc. along with the experts at our laser fabricating arm, Fabricating Concepts LLC can design and produce your next heavy duty casters using the most modern manufacturing technology. We can deliver a stronger, better quality, less expensive caster within a shorter production window.
At Caster Concepts Inc., we will work with you to find the product that best fits your needs. Caster Concepts Inc. is an ISO 9001-2008 certified designer and manufacturer of a comprehensive line of industrial casters, ranging from a medium-duty series to a heavy-duty series for any application. CCI also manufactures caster wheels to withstand impact, corrosion, temperature extremes and chemicals found in harsh industrial environments. These multi-functional casters and wheels serve a variety of applications in the industrial, automotive, food service, aerospace, material handling and other demanding markets. Learn more about the entire family of Caster Concepts companies – Reaction Industries, LLC, The Machine Center, Fabricating Concepts, LLC, and Triple E Manufacturing , by visiting the most comprehensive web site in the caster industry at: https://www.casterconcepts.com
For further information please contact us at customercentral@casterconcepts.com or call 517-680-7950
