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Polyurethane

Keyword: polyurethane caster wheels

Heavy loads can damage floors if wheels cannot support the weight and protect surfaces. Choosing the wrong wheel leads to floor repair costs and downtime. Polyurethane caster wheels combine quiet operation, high load capacity, and floor protection. Apollo Caster provides expert guidance for selecting the right wheel.

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane (PU) caster wheels are made from a synthetic material that combines the resilience of rubber with the toughness of metal or plastic cores. They are commonly bonded to steel, aluminum, nylon, or cast-iron hubs, giving them both load-bearing ability and shock absorption.

Why Upgrade to Polyurethane Caster Wheels?

  • Protect Your Floors: Non-marking tread prevents scuffs and stains on sensitive surfaces.
  • Boost Worker Safety: Polyurethane absorbs shock and rolls quietly, minimizing noise and strain.
  • Cut Downtime: Polyurethane resists oils and debris for longer, low-maintenance service.
  • Support Heavier Loads: Offers rubber-like shock absorption and higher load capacity.

Typical Applications in Your Industry

  • Aerospace & Automotive: Essential for high-load assembly jigs, ground support equipment, and parts carts moving extreme weights without damaging concrete.
  • Food Service and Pharmaceutical: Ideal for sanitary washdown areas, these wheels, when paired with stainless steel rigs, resist harsh cleaning chemicals.
  • Healthcare & Hospitality: Critical for quiet, non-marking operation on medical carts, diagnostic equipment, and utility carts to ensure patient comfort.

Polyurethane vs. Rubber vs. Metal Wheels

  

Feature                               Polyurethane           Rubber             Metal

Floor Safety                            Excellent                Excellent             Poor

Load Capacity                           High                      Medium           Very High  

Noise Level                                Low                          Low                 Loud

Chemical Resistance              Strong                      Weak              Strong

Wear Life                                   Long                     Medium           Very Long

Cost                                         Medium                   Medium           Medium-High

 

Expert Buying Guide: Selecting the Right Wheel Configuration

Wheel Material vs. Load:

  • Polyurethane: The best all-around choice for floor protection, noise reduction, and high capacity. Polyurethane is a durable plastic commonly used for casters because it is strong, flexible, and gentle on floors.

Bearing vs. Environment:

  • Precision Ball Bearings are best for ergonomics. Sealed bearings utilize small metal balls to facilitate smooth wheel rotation and provide the easiest push/pull action, making them ideal for medical carts and material handling applications.
  • Roller Bearings are most typical and offer durability and good ergonomics with a better price point than the precision bearings.
  • Delrin bearings are best suited for use in wet or corrosive environments. Delrin is a durable plastic, and these bearings are corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for food service carts that require chemical washdowns.  In addition, Delrin bearings are good for refrigerated environments when condensation is a frequent event.  

Rig Finish vs. Exposure:

  • Zinc-Plated: The cost-effective standard for most dry, indoor applications like manufacturing and warehousing. Zinc plating refers to a coating that helps prevent rust on metal parts.
  • Stainless Steel: The required spec for food service, pharmaceutical, and clean rooms. Stainless steel is a type of metal that resists rusting and provides maximum corrosion resistance against water and various chemicals.

Maintenance Tips

  • Keep wheels clean from debris and string wrap
  • Lubricate bearings periodically
  • Inspect the tread for flat spots or cracking
  • Check bolts and mounting hardware for loosening

Replace damaged wheels in matched sets for safety

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