Description

316 Stainless Steel Vs. 304 Stainless Steel

In industrial and engineering applications, the choice between 316 and 304 stainless steel is driven by environmental exposure and corrosion resistance requirements. 316 stainless steel, enhanced with molybdenum (2-3%) and a higher nickel content, provides superior resistance to chlorides and harsh chemicals compared to 304 stainless. This makes it essential for marine environments, chemical processing facilities, and applications involving aggressive cleaning agents or high salt concentrations.

The addition of molybdenum in 316 stainless significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly critical in environments where chloride exposure is constant. This grade is widely specified in marine installations, chemical plants, food processing facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing where regular exposure to caustic cleaning agents and process chemicals would compromise 304 stainless steel’s integrity.

While 316 stainless steel commands a higher price point than 304, its enhanced corrosion resistance makes it the optimal choice for applications where equipment failure due to corrosion cannot be tolerated.

316 Stainless Steel Industrial Casters Model 3. Capacity up to 300 pounds per caster. 316 stainless steel casters excel in highly corrosive environments such as marine applications, chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing facilities (especially those using caustic cleaners or salt), water treatment facilities, and any setting where exposure to chlorides, acids, or harsh cleaning agents is routine.

Caster City manufactures this 316 stainless steel caster for washdowns and as-such it has no dust cap covering the swivel bearing. Utilizing a 1.25″ wide wheel design that provides optimal load distribution while maintaining maneuverability in tight spaces.

Polyolefin Caster Wheels are injection molded from a blend of thermoplastic polymers forming a one piece solid sanitary design. These Polyolefin wheels are especially suited for wet and corrosive applications. They are very resistant to most commonly encountered liquids. Polyolefin wheels have a lower capacity and a more limited temperature range than Nylon wheels. In a cold dry environment, such as a refrigerated store room, Polyolefin wheels may become brittle. They should not be used in a freezer or a heat application above 180°F intermittent usage, such as a rack washer.

This donut shaped wheel in 316 Stainless Steel casters comes Plain Bore with a bushing in the wheel.  It’s tread shape enables it to change directions much more easily.

*Photo shown of 5 inch diameter polyolefin wheel in a 316 Stainless Steel swivel caster bracket.

Polyolefin Caster Wheels from Caster City

Polyolefin Caster Wheels are injection molded from a blend of thermoplastic polymers, forming a one-piece solid sanitary design that prioritizes durability and hygiene. These wheels are available with a plain bore, precision sealed ball bearings, roller bearings, or Delrin bearings for smooth operation across various light to medium-duty applications. As a cost-effective and lightweight option, polyolefin wheels are hard, non-marking, and non-conductive, offering superior resistance to water, chemicals, solvents, acids, grease, oils, and gasoline. Their unique composition ensures excellent abrasion resistance and impact absorption, making them a reliable choice for environments where sanitation and floor protection are essential.

Polyolefin Caster Wheels are particularly suited for wet and corrosive applications due to their outstanding resistance to most commonly encountered liquids, ensuring long-lasting performance. Their slightly crowned tread enhances rollability and maneuverability, and they do not develop flat spots when parked for extended periods. With a hardness of 65–70 Shore D, these wheels provide floor protection, low noise, and easy cleaning, while remaining impervious to sterilization processes. However, they can become brittle in cold, dry environments like refrigerated storerooms and should not be used in freezers or heat applications above 180°F during intermittent usage, such as rack washers.

Ideal for bakeries, food processing, dairies, meat packaging, laundries, supermarkets, warehouses, manufacturing plants, cleanrooms, medical facilities, and offices, these wheels excel where chemical resistance and non-marking performance are critical. Capable of handling impacts and loads up to 900 lbs per wheel depending on size, they offer economical mobility in harsh conditions. For reliable, sanitary, and floor-friendly caster solutions tailored to your needs, contact Caster City to explore custom configurations of our durable Polyolefin Caster Wheels.