Polyurethane Wheels Only

Heavy loads can damage floors if wheels can’t support the weight and protect the 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 Are Polyurethane Caster Wheels?

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, providing both load-bearing capacity 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

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.
• Phenolic: Suitable for high-heat applications (such as autoclaves) or extreme loads where floor protection is not a concern. Phenolic is a hard, resin-based, loud material that can crack or chip.

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.
• 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.

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.

FAQs

Is polyurethane good for wheels?

Yes, polyurethane is an excellent wheel material because it combines the high load capacity of hard plastic with the floor protection and quiet, shock-absorbing rubber operation. It also resists oils and chemicals, making it more durable than rubber in industrial settings.

What caster material won’t flat-spot under a heavy, stationary load?

Standard polyurethane may flat-spot under heavy loads if stationary. Use a “liquid cast” polyurethane or a harder durometer, or opt for phenolic or cast iron where floor protection is not required.

How do I calculate the real load capacity for my 4-wheel cart?

Don’t divide weight by 4; use 3, since one wheel may lose contact.

• Formula: (Weight of Cart + Maximum Load) / 3 = Required Capacity Per Caster.

What is an NSF-certified caster, and why do I need it?

NSF-certified casters are food service rated for corrosion resistance and easy cleaning, helping you pass inspections.

What are the disadvantages of polyurethane wheels?

The main disadvantages of polyurethane wheels are their higher cost compared to rubber and their potential to develop flat spots when left stationary under a heavy load. They also generally have lower heat resistance than phenolic wheels.

Do polyurethane casters get flat spots?

Yes, polyurethane casters can develop flat spots when left stationary under a heavy load for long periods. A “liquid cast” polyurethane, specifically engineered to resist deformation, is the most effective method for preventing flat-spotting in static applications.