For baking rack wheels, heat resistant casters are the top priority. Because baking racks are exposed to high temperatures in order to keep the items on them warm and fresh, the wheels must be resistant to these high temperatures. In addition, they must be resilient. If the wheels are not heat resistant, they might get damaged and no longer offer smooth movement. Additionally, non-heat-resistant wheels wear out easily on baking racks and must be replaced constantly.
Castors for High Temperatures: Everything You Need to Know
When designing industrial castors and wheels for high-temperature applications, many variables must be taken into account (most castors are designed to handle temperatures below 65 degrees Celsius). When making industrial castors for high-temperature applications, a variety of factors must be considered, including the type of wheel, the type of lubrication, and the bearing materials. Higher temperatures can affect the performance of castors, resulting in reduced operating life, increased maintenance, or premature failure.
Here we will go over some of the different factors that set high temperature castors apart from regular ones. We will also go over some of the best high temperature castors that are currently on the market.
Considerations for High Temperature Castor Wheels
The following factors should be considered when using castors in different environments and temperatures:
Wheel Material
Although polyurethane castors are still suitable for applications below 80 degrees Celsius, they have a higher risk of flat spotting and failure. This is depending on the load and use of the application. It is necessary to carefully evaluate the application when using polyurethane castors at temperatures near 80 degrees Celsius.
Nylon wheels can withstand temperatures as high as 121 degrees Celsius, and some models can withstand up to 204 degrees Celsius intermittently. When it comes to ergonomics, nylon wheels tend to be used since they roll with very little force.
In applications up to 315°C, cast iron or steel is the preferred material for castors. They also provide better ergonomics and have high load capacities, but can wear on the floor. When temperatures exceed 315°C, steel/cast iron loses strength, reducing the load rating of the castor.
Lubrication Type
For castor applications at high temperatures, the type of lubrication required must also be considered. If the castor application temperature exceeds the lubrication’s rating, it will be compromised. As a result, wheel bearings and swivel section bearings may experience an increase in friction as well as a reduction in the life expectancy of bearing components.
A lubricant suitable for the application will be selected depending on the temperature at which it will be used. These lubricants include specialized greases to dry film and graphite lubricants – as well as other specialized formulations.
Bearing Materials
It is important to take into account the bearings in the wheels and swivel section when designing industrial castors that will be used in high-temperature applications. Ball bearings, roller bearings, and tapered roller bearings can be used in applications up to 148 degrees Celsius.
There is a problem with bronze sleeves inserted into wheel bores and functioning as bearings. They can withstand temperatures ranging from 315 degrees Celsius to 371 degrees Celsius, but they reduce the castor’s roll ability by at least 50%.
An industrial castor’s effectiveness in high-temperature situations may be influenced by its wheel material and lubrication, but other variables, such as the castor’s construction material and bearing components, also need to be considered. High-temperature castors can be designed to improve their chances of success if these factors are taken into account. Get more info about Medical Caster Wheels.
The benefits of heavy duty casters with higher loads
When purchasing heavy duty casters, the manufacturer usually gives relevant suggestions on how much load the caster can handle, which is typically greater than the calculated range. When a load is transported by manpower on a platform road, it refers to the total load. Therefore, before using this caster, it is also necessary to estimate the total weight of the transported items in advance. Then, it is necessary to choose a caster with the appropriate load capacity based on the allowable load. As a result, in the following cases, the caster’s load will exceed standard
1. Uneven road surface
When the casters are installed, three out of four have a bearing capacity. Therefore, if the load limit needs to be re-arranged, it cannot be over-full, or it will exceed the caster’s construction load.
2. Instant impact
When a caster is selected according to the correct load, the overload phenomenon may occur, resulting in damage to the caster if it encounters an instantaneous impact.
3. Overload use
When you use a trolley or other equipment that uses casters, you may not accurately calculate the specific value of the required load, and you may often exceed it. If this overload situation occurs frequently or is serious, the casters may be scrapped in advance, or an accident may occur.
When choosing casters, we cannot just choose the calculated standard load; it will usually exceed the calculated value by a significant margin, especially if we consult the caster manufacturer’s technicians or other caster specialty shops, which will recommend buying casters with.
