3 Things to Know About High Temperature Casters

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Doug Backinger
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VP of Sales
Categories: Casters
March 16, 2023

When moving casters into high-temperature environments, taking the necessary precautions to ensure your equipment can handle the heat is crucial. Elevated temperatures can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your casters, and failing to address this issue could result in costly equipment failure or downtime.

Start with high-temperature grease.

One of the primary considerations for high-temperature applications is the grease used in your casters—standard low-temperature grease works fine for temperatures up to around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. At higher temperatures, it will start to liquefy and run out of the wheels and swivel sections.

To avoid this, switch to a high-temperature grease that can withstand elevated temperatures. This type of grease is specially formulated to maintain its viscosity and lubrication properties at high temperatures, making it an essential component of any caster used in elevated-temperature environments.

Precision Ball Bearing

Make sure you have adequate bearing clearance when the bearing expands.

Another important consideration for high-temperature applications is the caster wheel bearings. As materials heat up, they expand, so you must ensure that your bearings have the proper clearances to accommodate this expansion.

Bearings with looser clearances are available for elevated temperatures, including precision ball bearings and tapered roller bearings. A standard roller bearing may be suitable for even higher temperatures but is not ideal for towing applications.

In addition to bearing clearances, swivel section design is also an important consideration. A maintenance-free line is not recommended for elevated temperatures, as the sealed bearings will lose their effectiveness once the grease liquefies.

Instead, you should choose a caster that requires maintenance, such as a kingpinless design with enough internal clearances to allow for expansion. A standard kingpin design with ball bearings may also be suitable, as long as the tapered bearings used as the secondary thrust load bearing element have the proper clearances.

The effect of high heat on materials.

For extreme temperature applications above 600 degrees Fahrenheit, the caster design should be carefully considered to ensure it can handle the required load capacity. At 1100 degrees, steel is reduced to around 50% strength, so it’s crucial to choose a caster with sufficient load capacity for the task at hand.

It’s also important to consider the materials used in the caster construction, as some materials may not withstand extreme temperatures. Stainless steel is often a good choice for high-temperature applications, as it can withstand temperatures up to around 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.

A proactive approach leads to positive results.

In summary, moving casters into an oven or other elevated temperature environment requires careful consideration of several factors. The first is temperature range – be sure to choose a caster rated for the maximum temperature it will be exposed to. The second is load capacity – ensure that your caster can handle the weight of your equipment and any additional loads that may be added during use. The third is design – choose a caster with a swivel section and wheel bearings specifically designed for high-temperature applications.

Finally, choose a high-quality, reliable caster from a trusted supplier to ensure that your equipment performs optimally for years to come. By considering factors such as grease type, bearing clearances, caster design, and load capacity, you can ensure that your equipment performs reliably and efficiently, even in the most challenging conditions.