FAQ

SS-3MD Caster Series FAQ

What materials go into the SS-3MD caster, and why does it hold up in tough spots like hospitals?

It’s built from stamped S304 stainless steel with an electrolytic polish that gives it a super smooth finish (Ra under 0.4 μm). This setup makes it killer for places like hospitals or labs where everything needs to stay spotless—it fights off germs sticking to it and wipes down easy without rusting or breaking down from cleaners.

How does the SS-3MD stay so quiet compared to other medical casters?

Unlike traditional casters with two rows of ball bearings, this one uses a precision-sealed ball bearing right under the plate, cutting noise by up to 50%. It’s perfect for quiet zones like patient rooms or labs where you don’t want clatter disturbing animals or staff.

What wheel options come with the SS-3MD, and do they mark up floors?

You get non-marking soft gray rubber or polyurethane on polyolefin wheels, all 1.25″ wide in 3″, 4″, 5″, or 6″ diameters. They come with thread guards and sealed bearings in the hubs to keep things rolling smooth without scuffing institutional floors like linoleum or epoxy.

Is the SS-3MD really maintenance-free, and how does that work?

Yeah, it’s totally maintenance-free thanks to those sealed bearings in the swivel and wheels—no greasing needed. That means no lube leaking out and messing up your floors, keeping everything cleaner in spots like hospitals where spills are a no-go.

What are the brake variants for the SS-3MD, and when would I pick each?

It comes in three: Total Locking, Directional Lock, and Plain Swivel. Total Locking stops both the wheel and swivel cold, immobilizing the whole thing. Directional Lock just freezes the swivel so it acts rigid for straight-line pushing. Plain Swivel lets it spin free for tight maneuvers.

What’s a total locking brake on the SS-3MD, and why’s it a safety must-have?

A total locking brake locks up both the swivel and the wheel, turning the caster into basically an extension of the leg—nothing budges. It’s key for safety on carts or tables; say you’re leaning on a medical cart to adjust equipment or a lab table while handling samples, it won’t roll out from under you and cause a spill or injury.

How does the total lock brake on this caster improve safety in daily use?

By locking the swivel and wheel completely, it immobilizes whatever it’s attached to—like a surgical trolley or IV stand—so when staff leans against it during procedures, welding tools in a shop setup, or even butchering in a food lab, there’s zero chance of unexpected movement. It’s like making the caster part of the fixed structure for that moment.
Can you explain directional locks on the SS-3MD and when they’d come in handy?

Directional locks lock the caster’s swivel to stop it from rotating, turning it into a “rigid” caster. This lets you steer in a straight line over long distances with ease, great for pushing heavy lab carts down hallways or medical equipment through corridors without veering off.

What mounting specs does the SS-3MD have, and will it fit my setup?

It’s plate mount only, with a standardized mounting plate that’s 2-3/8″ x 3-5/8″ and a bolt hole pattern of 1-3/4″ x 2-7/8″ slotted to 3″. Plus a standard 3/8″ axle. It fits most institutional gear like hospital beds or lab trolleys without much hassle.

Is the SS-3MD compliant with any standards for medical or lab use?

Absolutely, it’s NSF and RoHS compliant, so it’s safe for sanitary spots and doesn’t have nasty stuff like lead. That polish and sealed design keep it hygienic, resisting microbes and making cleanup a breeze.

Where would I typically find the SS-3MD caster in action?

You’ll see it on hospital beds for patient moves, surgical carts in ORs, IV stands, lab trolleys for samples or equipment like centrifuges, even pharmacy carts or autoclave setups. It’s all about clean, quiet rolling in places that can’t afford dirt or noise.