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When choosing a caster for your application “speed” is usually the last thing anyone thinks about. However, it should be one of the main factors in your choice.
Looking at speed in applications is not “black and white.” There is not a standard minimum or maximum speed. It all depends on how you are using the caster. The casters in our catalog are rated to normal walking speeds (3 mph has been set by the industry). There are many different applications where speed becomes an issue. There are AGV’s, tugers, and forklifts that are used to push and tow different types of carts in many different applications.
If the cart is being towed at a high rate of speed. Many issues can occur:
Flutter – This is when the caster rattles, and vibrates. It is very loud and is caused when a caster is towed too fast. It can be fixed by extending the swivel lead.
Poly issues – High speed means you are generating more heat. Heat and polyurethane do not mix. If the speed is to fast the poly can heat up and become brittle. It can also affect the bond of the poly to the core, and can also peal off.
Capacity – The faster you tow or push decreases the capacity of the caster.
So you can see. There is no easy answer for the question “What is the top speed for industrial casters and why?” It all comes down to the application, and what speed you want. The best thing to do is contact your Caster Concepts rep to discuss the application to determine the best caster for it.
