In modern industrial operation, casters are referred to
as a noticeable creation, and swivel casters have significantly revolutionized
the way people handle items, particularly when individuals move huge cargoes.
This great invention facilitates us a great deal and becomes widely used by
people from all walks of life. So, here we are to help you find the best swivel caster. Read
on to learn more.
Above all, you need to understand the basic types of casters
before making a purchase. Swivel casters can be classified by functions, and
there are mainly four types available on the market: supermarket swivel casters, and furniture
casters, medical casters, industrial casters,
Supermarket Swivel Caster
This kind of swivel caster is ideal for the supermarket
shelf movement. It is light and not easy to scratch the ceramic floor tiles.
Also, it contributes to the flexibility of the shopping cart.
Furniture swivel caster
This kind of swivel caster with high bearing
capacity is specially designed for furniture with a low center of gravity
furniture. Attaching to the leg
of a piece of furniture, they allow it to roll on carpets and hard surface
floors.
Medical Swivel Caster
Medical swivel casters perfectly meet the requirements
of medical operations. It is light, flexible, soft, noiseless, wear-resistant,
and chemical resistant.
Industrial Swivel Castor
These swivel wheels are made of iron-core rubber,
plastic-core polyurethane, reinforced nylon, or PVC, etc. They perfectly work
with mechanical equipment in factories. Also, they have the excellent bearing
capacity, high wear resistance, and good impact resistance.
There are swivel casters for other purposes, and you
should choose the one according to your needs. Below are four essential tips to
help you make a conscious and informed purchase.
1. Suitable Materials
• Rubber casters: cannot come in contact with acids,
grease, or chemicals.
• TPR casters: commonly used in hotels, hospitals, wood
floors, ceramic tiles, and other floors that require low noise.
• Nylon caster: suitable for uneven ground or ground
with iron chips and other substances.
• Polyurethane casters: a practical compromise offering
moderate floor protection with more excellent load capacity.
2. Load Capacity
Exceeding rated capacity can lead to caster failure in
the field. Below is how we calculate the load capacity of swivel casters:
T = (E + Z) / m * n
T = Each
wheel’s loading capacity;
E =
Equipment’s self weight;
Z = Equipment’s
max load;
M =
Quantity of the wheel;
N = safety factor (usually 1.3-1.5)
3. Appropriate Diameter of Swivel Caster
The diameter of swivel caster wheels depends on the
load capacity and the driving force to the carrier when it is loaded. Generally,
the larger is the wheel diameter, the higher is the bearing capacity, and the
easier it is to push the cart. Meanwhile, these swivel wheels can largely
protect the ground from damage.
4. Flexible Wheels
It is a rule of thumb that larger wheels require less
effort. Also, the roller bearings have a higher load capacity compared to the
same size of ball bearings. The installation of high-quality roller bearings
makes single wheel rotation more flexible, quiet and has a higher carrying
capacity. A top pick for heavier and industrial uses.
Here are other factors to be considered when you gear
up to buy swivel casters, such as space of the field, obstacles or substances
on the ground, environmental conditions, and so on.
Now that you have gone through enough information about
swivel casters, it’s time to find a suitable caster manufacturer. SUPO
is one of the quality manufacturers that can provide you with top-class swivel
casters. They have a full range of products serving various purposes, including
trolleys, furniture, medical, and industrial applications. These products can
be made of rubber, TPR, Nylon, and PU, to suit your needs. 15 years of
manufacturing experience speak for the superior quality of their products and
earn SUPO a high recognition in the global market.