In an industrial setting where heavy loads must constantly be moved, casters provide a vital service. Their history has been intertwined with the history of industrialization. Due to their functionality and rigidness, regardless of the weight and shape of the load, casters have become one of the most indispensable tools in the industrial world.
What are Casters?
Since the earliest recorded existence of civilization, moving large objects using wheels has been the norm. Casters, however, are a relatively recent invention and provide a more robust solution to moving heavy items than traditional wheels. They feature a wheel attached to an axle that is mounted to some sort of platform or frame. This provides the stability and strength needed for industrial settings where large, bulky items need to be moved often.
Today, we can see casters being used in different settings, including supermarkets, warehouses, factories, and even in our homes. With their undeniable usefulness, the history of casters has an important role in how we live and work today.
The Invention of Casters
The creation of casters can be traced back to the first patent in 1876 by David A. Fisher. His invention revolutionized the industry and sparked a flurry of activity among caster producers attempting to improve upon his design and create models suitable for different uses and applications.
Why Were Casters Invented?
Casters were designed to simplify the process of carrying large loads initially for furniture as far as David A. Fisher’s patent is concerned. However, since the origins of casters, they were quickly adopted by the industrial world as a tool to aid in transporting heavy and bulky items in industrial settings. The industrial caster’s ability to be locked into place or moved easily was seen as invaluable to the industry and soon became an essential part of many processes. This history of casters has since been intertwined with industrial history and their use continues to evolve with technology.
The Evolution of Casters
Due to different requirements in various industries, casters have evolved over the years to meet the needs of different businesses and purposes. Now, we can see casters that are made from different materials. This can be anything from glass and leather, to plastic, iron, and everything in between, such as steel and aluminum. This evolution has also seen casters used for more delicate operations, such as retail displays, medical carts and equipment, and even furniture. Features such as brakes, direction locks, shock absorption, and more have all been added to further improve the functionality of casters.
The Benefits of Casters
To give you a better perspective on why casters are essential in the industrial world, here are some of the benefits they can provide:
●Increased mobility: Moving bulky items and loads with greater ease.
●Cost savings: Reducing labor costs for moving heavy objects.
●Improved efficiency: Instantly switch from moving to stationary settings as needed.
●Reduced risk of damage: Casters make items easier to maneuver, leading to fewer accidents.
●Capable of carrying heavy loads: Casters can handle up to 1,400 lbs of weight.
Different Types of Casters
Given the history and evolution of casters, the market is now packed with a wide variety of caster types for different purposes:
●Rigid Casters: The most common and widely used type of caster typically equipped with brakes and directional locks.
●Swivel Casters: For improved mobility, swivel casters make it easier to move in any direction desired.
●Industrial Casters: These are heavy-duty casters with a higher load capacity and extra features such as shock absorption.
●Braking and Locking Casters: These are ideal for applications with a degree of fixed stability and movement control.
Key Takeaways
With over 140 years of long history, casters have become a staple in the industrial world. From the invention of David A. Fisher to the numerous advances and developments throughout history, casters remain an indispensable tool for many industries today. Whether it’s due to their increased mobility and maneuverability or their cost-saving benefits, we can all agree that the history of casters has been a major boon to the industrial world.
In the market for the best casters for your needs? Look no further than LINCO for a wide selection of casters for any industrial application. We’ve been providing the global market with reliable casters at a competitive price for decade.
Have any questions? Give us a call today!