The automotive industry is one of the most competitive in the world today. Everyone needs a car, truck, or SUV, so there are manufacturing facilities within a 100-mile radius of nearly every city in the country. The automotive industry relies on high-quality, heavy-duty casters to make things safer and more efficient. Here are some ways the right casters can improve automotive manufacturing facilities.
Heavy loads are commonplace in automotive manufacturing facilities, so it is no surprise that starting them moving requires a lot of force. Traditional caster wheels can cause injuries in this case; reducing the force needed to start a load with low-friction heavy-duty casters improves safety and productivity.
Moreover, casters reduce noise and absorb shock as they roll across the floor and its imperfections, helping facilities meet OSHA regulations and protect the loads.
Line delivery carts are also standard in the automotive industry. These are a series of carts chained together and moved via a tug to improve production. Though this phenomenal concept serves these facilities well, choosing suitable heavy-duty casters can provide some much-needed improvement. For example, in cases where heavy loads are dropped into carts from above, the strain on the casters is significant. Choosing shock-absorbing casters is vital as it takes the pressure off the wheels’ inner workings, extending the casters’ life.
Moreover, as the number of carts in the line increases, so does the friction on the wheels. While the wheels may continue to function, the additional friction accelerates the wear and tear on the casters, leading to unnecessary costs. In such applications, casters that reduce floor friction are crucial. Shock-absorbing casters placed at the rear of the line, where the friction is most pronounced, can be a cost-effective solution, prolonging the life of the casters and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Wetness, chemicals, heat, and flammable materials are everywhere in the automotive industry, so it is essential to choose heavy-duty casters that can withstand these things without rusting, breaking down, melting, or creating sparks that may cause fires. Different casters offer their unique benefits in this regard. Still, it is up to the facility owner or manager to choose casters for each area designed to withstand the environment. Combining some of these features into one perfect caster that provides safety and productivity (despite an extreme climate) is sometimes necessary.
Once upon a time, caster wheels were a common sight and available in only a few styles. Today, however, the market offers regular casters and drive casters specifically designed to address the unique challenges of the automotive industry. These casters reduce effort, enhance productivity, boost safety, and offer improved longevity – all of which contribute to a more efficient and effective operation, ultimately decreasing your bottom line.
