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ALBION, Mich. (April 26, 2005) – Caster Concepts, Inc. (CCI), a leading manufacturer of standard, custom and special industrial casters and a major innovator in motion solution technology, has announced a significant expansion of its in-house manufacturing capabilities with the formation of Reaction Industries, LLC. This new capacity will allow Caster Concepts to provide polyurethane wheel manufacturing, replacing services previously provided on an out-sourced basis. The open casting of polyurethane wheels is manufactured using a computer controlled state-of-the-art meter mixing machine that brings multiple components to the pouring head at a pre-determined ratio, mixes them at high rpms before pouring the material into precision machined steel molds. The material is processed at 160 degrees and the wheels are heated at 350 degrees during the process. Reaction Industries has the expertise to process a variety of prepolymers including TDI or MDI compounds in a variety of different durometers. Utilizing their engineering expertise Reaction Industries can design, develop and manufacture all appropriate molds.
Caster Concepts CEO, Dr. William Dobbins, indicates that “since starting up in August of 2004, customers have enjoyed some measurable advantages with the new in-house process. Our standard durometer 95A poly wheels are economical, provide lower rolling resistance than rubber wheels and are floor protective. Our 85 shore A T/R wheel is a proprietary MDI polyester compound that features a high rebound and tear strength. These characteristics allow the wheels to roll over and reject metal chips, shavings, sheet metal screws, and other debris found in the manufacturing environment. The high rebound characteristics of this material also make T/R compounds a wise choice for ergonomic applications while the toughness of the material will with stand many abusive applications.
“This investment combined with our ever-expanding engineering capabilities, laser-cutting and forming technologies and testing capacities, is proof of our long-term commitment to provide innovative products and engineer driven solutions for the toughest motion solution challenges faced by our customers. There is no question that the family of businesses that are being developed by Caster Concepts, Inc. which include; The Machine Center, Reaction Industries, LLC, Fabricating Concepts, LLC and CasterShoX®, LLC combine the widest manufacturing skill set in our industry. We are a U.S. manufacturer who is excited about the future of our business.”
All of Caster Concepts ‘Beyond Standard’ motion solutions capabilities can be viewed at www.casterconcepts.com. Users of industrial wheels or casters can all reach Dr. Dobbins directly via bdobbins@casterconcepts.com .
Caster Concepts is an ISO 9001:2000 certified designer and manufacturer of a comprehensive line of industrial casters, ranging from a medium-duty series to a heavy-duty series to meet any application. CCI also manufacturers 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. Visit the most comprehensive web site in the caster industry at https://www.casterconcepts.com.
