FAQs

There is a wide variety of caster wheels available on the market in different sizes, specifications, and materials. Prices vary from low to high, offering a wide range of choices. Aside from quality differences, each type of caster also serves different functions. Below are a few key points to help you choose the most suitable caster wheel for your needs.

Load Capacity Calculation:

The load capacity listed in the product specifications refers to the static load capacity per wheel. When calculating for dynamic movement, use the following formula:
Safe total load capacity = Single caster's static load capacity x 3(for equipment with four casters).
This calculation uses only 3 casters instead of 4 because, during movement, factors such as uneven floors, slopes, elevator gaps, or floor height differences can cause uneven weight distribution, potentially leading to caster damage.

Caster Overall Height

Caster Overall height refers to the distance from the mounting surface to the floor. Choose the appropriate height based on the size of the item, load requirements, and the environment in which the caster will be used.

Wheel Material:

Select the wheel material according to the usage environment. Consider whether you need features like noise reduction, heavy load support, wear resistance, oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and temperature tolerance (high or low). Different materials offer different advantages.

Mounting Methods:

Plate: Plate with four bolt holes for screws or welding. Commonly used on heavy-duty equipment.
Threaded Stem: This stem can be threaded directly into the item or passed through the item and fastened using a nut.
Cylindrical Stem: Designed to be inserted directly into a pre-drilled hole in the object. This type is often used on office chairs.

Conclusion:

By considering the key points mentioned above, you can select the most suitable caster and maximize its functionality.

A caster is made through a variety of production processes and assembled from numerous components, including stamped metal parts, surface treatments, steel balls, bearings, plastic components, screws, and rivets. Each component is a key factor in determining the overall quality and durability。 We will analyze and explain the following key components:

Surface Treatment:

The surface treatment process and electroplating duration must follow standardized procedures to ensure stable and high-quality plating results. Poor surface treatment can lead to rust and corrosion on metal parts soon, which negatively impacts both the appearance and lifespan of the caster.

Steel Balls

Low-cost steel balls often lack sufficient hardness and have poor roundness and large dimensional tolerances. This results in unsmooth rotation, affecting both the load-bearing capacity and durability of the caster.

Bearings:

Bearing materials can generally be categorized into carbon steel and bearing steel. While carbon steel is more affordable, it tends to have issues such as excessive internal clearance, insufficient load capacity, rough rolling motion, low hardness, and shorter service life. The bearing steel used by Chung En provides minimal clearance, excellent load-bearing strength, smooth and stable rotation, and significantly improves the caster’s operational efficiency and longevity.

Plastic Components:

This includes parts such as brake pedals and wheels. Using low-grade recycled plastic may drastically reduce manufacturing costs, but it severely compromises the caster's load capacity and durability. The plastic materials used by ERICON are carefully selected for their high toughness, elasticity, strength, wear resistance, and noise reduction properties—greatly enhancing both load capacity and service life.

Conclusion:

Through the analysis above, it becomes easy to distinguish between high- and low-quality casters. Inferior casters often exhibit issues such as poor maneuverability, excessive noise, limited load capacity, and a shortened lifespan—leading to unnecessary inconvenience. We ensure that every component, from raw materials to finished parts, is meticulously selected and thoroughly tested, providing users with peace of mind and the reliability of high-quality casters.

Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR)

TPR is a type of thermoplastic elastomer and one of the most commonly used plastic materials for casters. Our TPR features high elasticity, excellent wear resistance, load capacity, shock absorption, and quiet operation. It leaves no marks, helping to protect flooring and reduce friction. It also offers good chemical resistance and moisture/water resistance. Common applications include medical equipment, trolleys, instruments, furniture, laboratories, and kitchen equipment.

Polypropylene (PP)

Also known as polypropylene, these wheels are made from high-impact-resistant materials. They can resist water, grease, acids, and most chemicals. They are moisture-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and less prone to particle intrusion. While their toughness and wear resistance are slightly lower than that of nylon wheels, they are the most cost-effective option. Commonly used in food processing, manufacturing, warehouses, and trolleys as a durable and economical solution.

Nylon (NL)

Nylon wheels are unaffected by most chemicals, solvents, oils, salts, and alkalis. They are moisture-resistant, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and less prone to particle contamination. They can be washed and withstand steam cleaning, making them suitable for humid environments. Ideal for food processing, laboratories, and many manufacturing applications.

Polyurethane (PU)

Also known as PU wheels or "Urethane wheels," these are oil-resistant, hydrolysis-resistant, and resistant to most solvents. They roll without leaving marks and protect the floor. PU wheels offer excellent wear resistance, do not leave wheel marks or stains, and have outstanding resistance to oil and chemicals.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Made from thermoplastic polyurethane resin, typically injection-molded using thermoplastic processes. These wheels are wear-resistant and quiet. However, over time, they may undergo hydrolytic degradation.

Rubber (RU)

Rubber material offers high elasticity, heavy load capacity, strong resistance, and good wear resistance. Suitable for cushioning applications. These wheels can move easily even on uneven surfaces and provide excellent stability. They are floor-friendly and help reduce friction, but may leave black rubber marks on the floor.