Polyurethane Wheels: Types, Uses, and Benefits.

Polyurethane caster wheels are versatile and essential components that are used in various industrial and commercial applications. They offer numerous benefits, including durability, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to wear and tear. 

What will you learn?

This article delves into the different types of casters polyurethane wheels, highlighting their specific characteristics, benefits, and ideal uses. Understanding these factors will help you select the most suitable polyurethane caster wheels for your needs, ensuring efficiency and longevity in your operations.

What Are Polyurethane Caster Wheels?

Polyurethane caster wheels are made from a special plastic called polyurethane. They are known for their durability and ability to handle heavy loads without damage. They are designed to offer a smooth, quiet ride and are often used in industrial and commercial settings.

Polyurethane wheels can be made from two types of materials: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoset polyurethane (PUR). TPU is softer and more flexible, while PUR is harder and more durable. This versatility allows you to choose the best wheel type for your specific needs.

Why choose polyurethane caster wheels? 

These wheels are more durable than rubber wheels and can carry heavier loads. They do not mark or damage floors and offer a smoother, quieter operation. Additionally, they resist many chemicals, oils, and abrasions, making them suitable for various environments.

Using polyurethane wheels means less maintenance and longer lifespan. They provide better performance in both indoor and outdoor settings, making them ideal for many industrial applications.

Types of Polyurethane Wheels:Casters 

Polyurethane wheels come in various types, each designed for specific applications. Here is an overview of different types.

1. 92A HPPT Polyurethane Tread:

The 92A HPPT polyurethane tread is designed for strength and durability. It supports weights ranging from 3,450 lbs. to 4,600 lbs. The wheel diameter varies between 8 to 10 inches, and the width ranges from 2 to 4 inches. Its Shore hardness of 92A offers excellent resilience and wear resistance.

Benefits: 

• High durability and load capacity.
• Effective resistance to wear, tear, and abrasions.
• 92A hardness handles dynamic applications without deforming.
• It resists heat buildup and is suitable for high-speed and high-weight tasks.
• Resistant to many solvents (minimal water resistance).

Uses: 

These wheels are ideal for heavy-duty environments requiring high load capacities. They are perfect for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and tuggers, offering stability and reliability. The tread resists heat buildup, making it suitable for high-speed and high-weight tasks. It is also resistant to many solvents but has minimal water resistance.

2. T/R 95 Polyurethane Tread:

The T/R 95 polyurethane tread is a highly durable and strong wheel. It supports weights ranging from 1,000 lbs. to 4,140 lbs. The wheel diameter varies between 6 to 10 inches, and the width ranges from 2 to 4 inches. Its Shore hardness of 95A offers superior strength and tear resistance.

Benefits:

• Excellent grip and traction
• High tear resistance
• Greater elasticity and ergonomic benefits
• Longer lifespan compared to standard 95A polyurethane

Uses:

These wheels are ideal for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), material handling carts, conveyor systems, and industrial tuggers. They provide precise maneuverability and smooth operation and are suitable for wet and dry food contact areas.

3. 95A Standard Polyurethane Tread:

The 95A standard polyurethane tread is known for its durability and versatility. It can support loads ranging from 350 lbs. to 12,500 lbs. The wheel diameter ranges from 6 to 10 inches, and the width varies between 1.38 to 5 inches. With a Shore hardness of 95A, it balances hardness and flexibility.

Benefits:

• High tear strength
• Non-marking surface
• Resistance to flat spotting
• Good solvent and water resistance

Uses: 

These wheels are ideal for automotive plants, aerospace, heavy manufacturing, ground support, conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and marine applications.

4. T/R 85A Polyurethane Tread:

The T/R 85A polyurethane tread is designed for durability and quiet operation. It supports loads from 200 lbs. to 3,500 lbs. The wheel diameter is 8 inches, and the width ranges from 2 to 3 inches. It has a Shore hardness of 85A, providing a balance of strength and flexibility.

Benefits:

• Excellent shock absorption
• Effective noise reduction
• High tear and debris resistance
• Moderate solvent and oil resistance

Uses: 

These wheels are ideal for noise and vibration reduction in aerospace, automotive, medical, food processing, and general manufacturing applications.

5. 85A ErgoTread Polyurethane:

The 85A ErgoTread polyurethane is designed for comfort and durability. It supports loads from 200 lbs to 3,500 lbs. The wheel diameter is 8 inches, and the width ranges from 2 to 3 inches. It has a Shore hardness of 85A, offering a balance of softness and strength.

Benefits:

• Ergonomic design reduces exertion
• High resistance to debris
• Reduces noise
• Protects flooring from damage

Uses: 

These casters are ideal for automotive plants, warehouses, hospitals, food processing, and heavy equipment environments​

6. 70D Hard Polyurethane Tread:

The 70D hard polyurethane tread is very strong and durable. It supports loads from 900 lbs. to 5,040 lbs. The wheel diameter ranges from 4 to 10 inches, and the width varies between 2 to 4 inches. It has a Shore hardness of 70D, making it very tough.

Benefits:

• Extreme durability
• High resistance to harsh conditions
• Excellent wear resistance
• Non-marking surface

Uses: 

These casters are ideal for automotive manufacturing, food service, aerospace, material handling, and light industrial applications. They provide exceptional load-bearing capacities, dynamic performance, and durability under high-impact and heavy-duty conditions.

Which Heavy Duty Polyurethane Caster Should You Use?

When selecting a heavy-duty polyurethane caster, consider several key factors to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.

1. Load Capacity: Determine the total weight the casters need to support, including the equipment and any additional load. Divide the total weight by the number of casters minus one to account for uneven floors. Choose a caster that can handle this load for safety and durability.
2. Environmental Conditions: Assess the environment where the casters will be used. Consider factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals. For high-temperature environments, use heat-resistant casters. Choose casters made from stainless steel or other resistant materials in corrosive environments.
3. Application Needs: Identify your application’s specific needs. For smooth surfaces, use hard-tread casters. Opt for casters with larger, more robust wheels for uneven or rough surfaces. If noise reduction is important, consider softer materials like rubber or polyurethane.

Considering these factors, you can choose a caster that meets your load, environmental, and application requirements. This ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your equipment.

Conclusion:

Polyurethane wheels offer exceptional durability, load capacity, and versatility for various industrial and commercial applications. Understanding the different types of polyurethane treads and their specific benefits can help you make informed decisions for your operational needs. 

For high-quality polyurethane casters, consider Caster Concepts, a leading manufacturer known for its innovative and reliable products. Enhance your operations with the right casters today by visiting Caster Concepts and exploring their extensive range of polyurethane caster solutions.

Visit Caster Concepts to find the perfect caster polyurethane wheels for your needs.

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Explore the types, uses, and benefits of polyurethane caster wheels in industrial and commercial applications. Learn to choose the right casters for your needs.