Reduced Noise

Polyurethane casters excel in noise reduction, providing a quieter operation ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Their shock-absorbing properties significantly diminish sound output compared to harder materials.

Load Capacity and Floor Protection

Both types of polyurethane casters effectively handle substantial loads. However, liquid cast polyurethane is particularly suited for applications where equipment remains stationary for extended periods.

This type maintains its shape and integrity under static pressure, preventing deformation and flat spots, thus ensuring consistent performance without damaging floors.

Check our range of polyurethane wheels with iron centers here.

Grip and Traction

Polyurethane casters, known for their excellent grip, perform exceptionally well on both smooth and uneven surfaces, reducing slippage and enhancing safety. This feature is crucial in environments with wet or irregular floors.

Corrosion Resistance

With varying levels of resistance to environmental factors, selecting a polyurethane caster that matches your specific conditions is crucial for maximizing lifespan and maintaining functionality.

Liquid Cast Polyurethane

This type is renowned for its durability and resilience, especially under static loads. The flexibility and strength of liquid cast polyurethane make it an ideal choice for heavy-duty applications where the caster must withstand heavy weights without deforming. Its resistance to deterioration over time, even with infrequent movement, ensures long-term reliability.

Features

• Load and Prolonged Parking: Liquid cast polyurethane wheels are indeed well-suited for applications where there will be a medium to heavy load left on the wheels, and the object is parked for a prolonged period of time. The flexibility and durability of liquid cast polyurethane allow it to withstand prolonged static loads without losing its shape or structural integrity.
• Resistance to Deterioration: These wheels tend to resist deterioration, even if they are not moved frequently. They can handle long periods of inactivity without suffering from brittleness or chunking.

Caster City Manufactures liquid caster polyurethane caster wheels in the following configurations:

Detailed Characteristics of Liquid Cast Polyurethane wheels

When considering caster wheels that offer durability and resilience, especially under static pressures, liquid-cast polyurethane wheels stand out. Here’s a deeper look into their attributes:

• Resilience and Adaptability: Liquid-cast polyurethane wheels are highly adaptable and can bounce back from pressures and strains.
• Preferred for Durability: These wheels are chosen when durability is a top priority.
• Handles Static Loads Well: Specially suited for situations where a heavy load will remain stationary for extended periods.
• Used in Heavy Equipment: Common in heavy industrial equipment and high-load warehouse carts because they don’t lose shape or strength easily, even if stationary for a long time.
• Resistance to Deterioration: These wheels hold up well over time and don’t wear out quickly.
• Performs Well in Harsh Conditions: A top choice for environments with extremes, such as very high or low temperatures, or where they might come into contact with corrosive materials.

Injection Molded Polyurethane

Optimized for applications requiring frequent and smooth movement, injection molded casters are generally lighter and designed for ease of operation. These casters are particularly suitable for light to medium-duty applications, such as office furniture and hospital beds. However, they may be less suitable for scenarios where casters bear heavy loads without movement for extended periods, as they can lose flexibility and risk chunking, where parts of the wheels may break off.

Features

• Limited Load Support: Injection molded polyurethane wheels may not be the best choice for supporting heavy loads for extended periods, especially if they are infrequently moved. As mentioned, these wheels can become inflexible and may fail when subjected to loads after being stationary for a long time.
• Potential for Chunking: The curing process of injection-molded polyurethane can indeed result in a more rigid and less flexible wheel. When these wheels are moved after months of inactivity, they can be more prone to chunking, where parts of the wheel may break apart due to the loss of flexibility.

Detailed Characteristics of Injection Molded Polyurethane Wheels

For applications requiring consistent and smooth movement, injection-molded polyurethane wheels are a preferred choice. Let’s explore the specifics of their design and use:

• Optimized for Movement: Best suited for applications requiring consistent movement.
• Lightweight: Generally lighter than their liquid-cast counterparts.
• Smoother Operations: These can be designed for a quieter and smooth movement, making them ideal for places where noise is a concern.
• Common Applications: Frequently used in hospital beds, office chairs, and other light to medium-duty equipment.
• Potential Chunking Risk: These wheels can be prone to breaking or “chunking” if left stationary for extended periods and then moved.
• Loss of Flexibility: Over time, especially with infrequent use, these wheels can lose their flexibility.

Choosing between liquid cast and injection molded polyurethane wheels involves analyzing the intended application, load requirements, and frequency of movement.

Here are a few points to consider:

• Assess the Load: Determine the average weight the wheel will support.
• Frequency of Movement: Understand how often the wheel will be in motion.
• Environment Conditions: Evaluate the conditions where the wheel will be used.
• Budget Constraints: Consider the cost implications of both types and assess which one offers the best value for your specific needs.

Our answer ‑ the choice between liquid cast polyurethane and injection molded polyurethane depends on the specific needs of the application. For scenarios where you expect medium to heavy loads to be stationary for extended periods, liquid cast polyurethane wheels are a more reliable choice. On the other hand, injection molded polyurethane wheels may be suitable for applications with frequent movement but can be less dependable when subjected to infrequent movement or heavy loads during extended periods of inactivity.