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About Industrial Casters
Industrial casters are mechanisms attached to the bottom
of furniture and transportation equipment to provide mobility. Casters
consist of a wheel, a base and bracket assembly and an axle assembly.
Industrial casters should not be confused with industrial wheels, which
are components of casters. Industrial caster wheels provide the rolling
motion that moves the item to which the casters are attached from one
location to another. Wheel bearings and spanner bushings are part of
the wheel. The king pin is the essential ingredient of a base and bracket
assembly and can be a nut and bolt, riveted or stacked. The king pin
fits into the top plate that typically has four mount holes. The plate
fits over the top cup and upper raceway, which carry the load with double
ball bearing swivels. The cup and raceway fit into the bracket, which
may be stamped, cast, welded or drop forged. The lower cup and raceway
follows in the assembly; their job is to absorb side thrust, provide
better swiveling action and allow for more ball contact. Finally, the
king pin nut fits underneath and can be tightened for closer tolerances.
Axle assemblies consist of nuts and bolts, which can be replaced and
do not necessarily require a spanner.
When purchasing from industrial caster manufacturers, it is helpful to
have an idea of the type of attachment required. Caster attachment methods
include three swivel, two rigid/two swivel, tilt mounting, diamond mounting,
four swivel and four swivel/two rigid. Industrial casters can also be
attached with an expandable rubber stem or a round or square solid metal
stem inserted into the tubing. Octagonal shaped stems hold the caster
to the unit with bolts that go through cross-drilled holes and are secured
in angle iron legs. A lock nut holds in place a threaded stem that passes
through a hole. The threaded stem may also go into a tapped hole. Other
caster attachment methods include top plate mounting, stem/socket or
stem without socket.
Industrial caster manufacturers cater to almost every industry. Casters
are used on numerous items, including beds, carts, chairs, dollies, tables,
racks and stands. The selection of a caster depends upon a variety of
factors. Consider the load capacity of the caster, the shock load applied
to the caster, substances to which the caster may be exposed and environmental
conditions, such as temperature and moisture, to which the caster might
be subjected during use. It is also necessary to know the diameter and
face width, the hardness and the overall height of the wheel and if a
wheel brake is required. Industrial caster manufacturers will also need
to know if the wheel should be painted and, if so, what color. Determine
the best combination of swivel and rigid casters (e.g. four swivel casters
or a combination of two rigid and two swivel casters). How should the
caster be attached? Some manufacturers may require a rough sketch, a
drawing or prints of the application requirements.
Appropriate caster choices can reduce or even eliminate back strain,
which is often caused by improper pushing or lifting. Casters designed
for low rolling resistance and quiet shock-absorbing wheels will help
decrease the occurrences of back pain, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
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Types of Industrial Casters
- are positioned between the legs of the caster to enable mobility.
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have resilient tread wheels that help to minimize overall height and
maximize load capacity. The differential action of dual wheel casters
reduces the “scrubbing” effect of soft treads against the
floor, thus improving stability and swivel action.
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are attached to a variety of furniture for industrial, business and
personal use. Furniture caster applications include beds, T.V. stands,
chairs and portable tables.
- protect floors from damage caused by movement of furniture.
- are added to the bottom of various pieces of furniture to enable mobility.
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are used in heavy weight applications involving large or heavy loads
and significant shock. Heavy duty casters can withstand loads of more
than 300 pounds.
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are used for the transportation of furniture and equipment in the pharmaceutical,
scientific and medical industries.
- are designed to handle light loads and low levels of shock and
are used for small racks and stands. Load capacities for light duty
casters usually range from approximately 75 to 190 pounds per caster.
- are designed to handle moderate loads and shock. Used for storage
racks, trash cans and office furniture, medium duty casters have load
capacities that usually range from approximately 200 to 290 pounds per
caster.
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contain air that aids in the absorption of vibration and shock and provides
the caster with a smooth roll on bumpy and uneven surfaces. Pneumatic
casters are useful in the transportation of sensitive items like medical,
electronic and computer equipment.
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do not swivel but provide only forward and backward motion. Rigid casters,
often used in conjunction with swivel caster pairs, are useful in applications
involving the transportation of items through an aisle or in a straight
path, as they facilitate vertical (up/down) movement.
- aid in protecting delicate cargo from shock, reduce noise levels
and wear on floors and extend the life expectancy of casters, wheels
and bearing.
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are custom-made casters that fulfill a particular need, such as shock
absorption and inversion.
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are made of stainless
steel. Stainless casters have great corrosion, rust and chemical
resistance and are easy to clean.
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contain an extra bearing that allows the caster to rotate 360º. Swivel
casters, commonly found on office chairs, provide convenient vertical,
horizontal and diagonal movement.
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