Several factors contribute to the perception that American-made casters are superior to imported ones. While it’s important to note that not all American-made casters are guaranteed to be better than imported ones (however, Caster Concepts’ ergonomic casters can reduce push force over 55% compared to most import casters), there are distinct advantages commonly associated with American manufacturing.
One key advantage of American-made caster manufacturers is the emphasis on stringent quality control. American manufacturers adhere to rigorous quality control standards, ensuring their casters meet or exceed industry standards, such as OSHA and AS9100 quality audits. This commitment to quality results in reliable, durable casters that are less prone to defects and offer consistent performance.
Another advantage lies in the material selection process. American manufacturers can access various high-quality materials, including metals, polymers, and specialized compounds. At Caster Concepts, 97% of our products’ components are made in the US. All our manufacturing occurs here. We use local suppliers, with 80% of our key vendors sitting within a 30-mile radius of our Albion-based headquarters.
This goes hand in hand with quality standards, as having access to the material doesn’t do any good if the material isn’t up to par. As the only USA caster manufacturer with in-house polyurethane molding capability, Caster Concepts engineers ensure you get the right caster wheel material for your application.
Customized to your requirementsAdditionally, American manufacturers often provide extensive customization options. They understand that different industries and applications have unique caster requirements. With options for selecting other wheel materials (such as rubber, polyurethane, or metal), various wheel sizes, and specialized wheel treads for specific terrains or environments, American-made casters can be tailored to meet particular needs and provide optimal functionality.
Related: Steps To Selecting A Proper Caster Wheel
Furthermore, choosing American-made casters offers additional benefits of local support and warranty services. Customers can access local customer support, quick response times, and available spare parts. This ensures a smoother experience in case of any issues or the need for replacements, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
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Compliance with safety and environmental regulations is another advantage associated with American manufacturing. American manufacturers must meet specific industry regulations and standards, guaranteeing that their casters adhere to recognized testing and safety requirements. This compliance provides customers peace of mind, particularly in industries where safety and compliance are paramount.
While these advantages are not exclusive to American-made casters –there are reputable overseas manufacturers of high-quality casters — you must also take into consideration the time and cost it takes to ship these casters from overseas. Therefore, conducting thorough research, reading customer reviews, and evaluating product specifications when deciding is essential. You can never do “too much research.”
Ultimately, the choice between American-made and imported casters should be based on individual needs, preferences, and the manufacturer’s reputation. If you consider these three things when specifying your caster, you (and your casters) can’t fail. If you still have questions, contact the Caster Concepts Specialists. We are here to help.
