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Metal Debris That Can Negatively Impact A Caster Wheel’s Performance

Debris in a working environment can turn a soft wheel into a hard wheel. If a caster wheel attracts debris, the debris build-up on the wheel will eventually harden the wheel tread, making carts harder to push and causing damage to floors. This post will cover types of metal debris that can negatively impact a caster wheel's performance.

A caster wheel with an uneven surface contact area brings a host of problems to the user by increasing:

  • Rolling resistance
  • Push/pull efforts
  • Operating noise
  • Risk of damaging floors

An increase of rolling resistance and push/pull efforts of a caster wheel can cause a drop in ergonomics. This may include awkward maneuverability and risk of overexertion. Overexertion, while pushing or pulling a cart, can add unneeded stress to the body. Consequently, this can lead to work-injuries and/or costly downtime.

Also, a hard caster wheel can get noisy during operation. Not ideal for an environment that requires low operating noise. Furthermore, hard caster wheels can rough up floors that can make it more difficult for a cart to be pushed or pulled.

METAL SHAVINGS/CHIPS

Milling Metal

Metal shavings are a byproduct of shaving or cutting metal. If sharp enough, metal shavings can cut into a caster wheel's tread and become difficult to remove. If left neglected, more metal shavings can get collected onto the wheel tread. Doing so can deform the tread of the caster wheel into an uneven, rock-like texture. For this reason, a cart rolling on a deformed caster wheel will be difficult to push or pull.

Metal Fabrication Debris Buildup

WELD DUST/SLAG

Weld dust/slag can create a thin layer of metal on the caster wheel. According to this case study, a layer of weld slag was developed onto the wheel’s contact surface area over time. Specifically, the massive cargo the AGVs were transporting, applied enough pressure onto the wheel to grind into the floor – creating grooves. Thus, making it difficult for the AGV to travel through and giving the caster wheels performance issues every time the AGV changed directions.

cs-bodyweld1

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, using the right caster wheel for your environment and application makes a difference in performance.

Caster Connection's CC Apex can dispel debris effortlessly. Not to mention, the CC Apex's wheel tread is made up of high-quality polyurethane blend that allows the CC Apex to perform at optimal ergonomic levels. The CC Apex's high-quality polyurethane tread:

  • Dramatically improves ergonomics by reducing push/pull force
  • Requires less maintenance and protects floors
  • Capably grips flooring in towline applications
  • Offers very low decibel output
  • Capably grips flooring in towline applications
CC Apex is great for metal fab

If you are interested to learn more advantages the CC Apex can provide for your environment or application, send us a message today!