What are industrial castor wheels made of and how they work

ByDonald R. Russ

  Do you notice the wheels attached to office chairs and shopping carts? They’re called castors. As small as they are, certain types of these wheels can handle high-load applications. 

   A typical castor wheel for trolley can serve as support for home furniture and appliances. While industrial castor wheels can carry loads above 2,000 pounds. 

Let’s talk more about castor wheel uses, types, and assembly. Let’s begin. 

What are castor wheels?

   A castor wheel is a small, undriven wheel. It’s attached to an object so you can move it with ease. Castor wheels are used for different applications and they also come in different types and sizes to support their purpose. 

   You can find castor wheels in a single form, double, or compound configuration. Double wheel castors are aligned side by side for stability. The compound castors, on the other hand, are often used for heavy-duty industrial castors. They’re composed of two single wheels that rotate on one axis. 

   Castor wheels are some of the common components in basic machinery and furniture. They’re used in various industries and settings, so it’s no longer surprising that they’re also easily accessible. 

   But, of course, depending on the purpose you need the wheels for, you’ll want to choose high-quality ones from reputable manufacturers.

   Castor wheels can be made from various materials such as elastic, steel, rubber, and iron. Talk to the castor wheel supplier in Singapore to find out which matches your application best. Don’t forget to consider the surfaces where the material will be used. 

Types of castor wheels

   Castor wheels are classified according to their strength. Here are different types of castor wheels:

  • Small castor wheels. Small castor wheels are often used for furniture or indoor applications. They’re usually made from plastic or rubber. Depending on their design and build, small castors may be less durable than other types of castors.

  • Swivel and fixed castor wheels. These are among the most common types of castors as they’re almost anywhere. They’re used in shopping trolleys as they can navigate the floor in any direction.

  • Castor wheel with brakes. These castors come with a lock to keep the object they’re supporting, secure. They’re beneficial if you need your load to stay in one place and keep it from moving, despite the type of surface it’s at. 

  • Heavy-duty castor wheels. Heavy-duty industrial castor wheels can carry weight above 100kg. They’re often attached to heavy objects. Some models are designed to be puncture-proof for extra durability. 

How are castor wheels attached?

   Assembly depends on the type of wheel you’re using. There’s no single correct way to attach castor wheels so you need to refer to manufacturer guidelines to be sure. 

   But, generally, you must think about the surface where the object shall be used. The castor wheels should be stable enough to support the load it’s carrying. Placement should also be symmetrical to distribute the weight evenly and ensure balance. 

   The bolt you’re using is also crucial as low-grade ones are most likely weaker, too. To ensure your equipment is ready to go, test it before putting it to actual use. 

   Castor wheels make lives easier, but choosing the right ones and proper installation is necessary so you can make the most of them.