Caster Selection Guide

Caster Selection Guide

I. Function of Casters

Casters, also known as wheels or rollers, serve several key purposes:

·Enhanced Mobility: Improve work efficiency by allowing smooth and effortless movement of objects.

·Adaptability: Designed for different terrains, ensuring seamless movement across surfaces.

·Reduced Labor Effort: Ease the transportation of heavy loads, minimizing manual strain.

·Maneuverability: 360° rotation capability enhances flexibility, making them ideal for tight spaces and frequent directional changes.

II. Types of Casters

By Function:

·Fixed Casters: Also called directional casters, they do not rotate and only move forward or backward.

·Swivel Casters: Also known as universal wheels, they rotate 360° for full mobility.

·Braked Casters: These have built-in brake mechanisms that allow movement in all directions but can also lock in place for stability.

By Load Capacity:

·Light-Duty Casters: 16~160kg

·Medium-Duty Casters: 100~300kg

·Heavy-Duty Casters: 160~650kg

·Extra Heavy-Duty Casters: 270~800kg

·Super Heavy-Duty Casters: 1500~5000kg

By Material:

·Polyurethane (TPU) Casters: Wear-resistant, quiet, non-marking, and floor-friendly.

·Plastic Casters: Lightweight and durable.

·Cast Iron Casters: High load capacity and excellent stability.

III. Caster Load Calculation

Load Capacity Calculation:
Determine the required load capacity of a single caster based on equipment weight, maximum load, and the number of wheels used.

Formula:
T = (E + Z) / (M × N)

·T = Load capacity per caster

·E = Equipment weight

·Z = Maximum load

·M = Number of wheels

·N = Safety factor (typically 1.3~1.5)

Considerations:

·Account for safety margins, especially for rough terrains or high-impact conditions.

·Choose appropriate load capacity based on mounting methods (e.g., three casters bearing full weight vs. four casters supporting 120% of total weight).

IV. Caster Application Considerations

·Surface Conditions: Assess floor material, obstacles, debris, and environmental factors (e.g., metal shavings, extreme temperatures, acidic/alkaline conditions, oil exposure, or static electricity requirements).

·Material Selection for Specific Conditions:

Plastic Casters: Lightweight and ideal for light-duty use.

Metal Casters: Sturdy and durable for heavy-duty equipment.

Rubber Casters: Shock-absorbing, suitable for uneven surfaces and floor protection.

·Operational Factors:

Evaluate floor smoothness and movement frequency.

Determine whether frequent movement or heavy load handling is required.

V. Functional Requirements

·Braking Mechanism: Necessary for equipment requiring stability in fixed positions.

·Smooth Rolling: Choose casters with excellent rolling performance for ease of movement, especially for frequent or long-distance transportation.