Caster wheels offer numerous advantages — especially if you use specially made ergonomic casters. These types of casters help promote industrial ergonomics, which in turn can help reduce employee injury, boost productivity, and ensure overall workplace safety.
When it comes to casters and industrial ergonomics, one important factor to consider is the durometer. For truly ergonomic casters, you need to consider two things — the materials used and the intended usage of the casters. These two factors need to complement each other, especially when it comes to hardness or durability.
In the context of caster wheels, durometer provides valuable information about the wheel’s ability to withstand varying levels of load, impact, and wear. This allows you to choose the right caster wheel material for your specific needs.
What Is Durometer?
Durometer refers to the measurement of hardness, which plays a crucial role in determining the wheel’s performance, durability, and suitability for different applications. Specifically, it measures the resistance of a material to indentation or penetration. It also refers to the tool used for measuring the durometer of a material.
The Durometer Scales
There are different durometer types and shore hardness scales. The two most commonly used durometer scales for caster wheels are Shore A and Shore D. Here’s a brief overview of these scales.
Shore A
Shore A is the most common durometer scale for softer materials, such as rubber and polyurethane. It ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating greater hardness.
Caster wheels with lower Shore A values offer higher shock absorption and better traction, making them ideal for applications where noise reduction and floor protection are important. On the other hand, wheels with higher Shore A values provide increased load-bearing capacity and improved wear resistance.
Shore D
Shore D is the durometer scale used for harder materials, including industrial-grade plastics and rigid polymers. Similar to Shore A, it ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values representing greater hardness.
Caster wheels with higher Shore D values excel in applications that require high load capacities, superior impact resistance, and reduced deformation.
How Is Caster Hardness Measured Using a Durometer?
A durometer tester is used to determine the hardness of materials, such as those used for manufacturing caster wheels. This handheld device applies a defined force to the wheel’s surface and measures the depth of indentation. The result is expressed as a durometer value, typically indicated by a number on a scale.
Testing a material’s hardness using a durometer tester is a straightforward process:
- Select the appropriate durometer scale: Choose between Shore A or Shore D, depending on the material’s hardness range.
- Prepare the material: Ensure the material is clean, flat, and free from any surface irregularities or contaminants.
- Position the durometer tester: Place the durometer perpendicular to the material’s surface.
- Apply consistent force: Press the durometer firmly against the material, maintaining a constant force.
- Record the measurement: Read and note the durometer value displayed on the tester’s scale. This value indicates the material’s hardness.
Get the Highly Durable Caster Wheels From LINCO
Understanding durometer and its role in caster wheels is essential for selecting the right wheels for your specific needs. By considering the durometer hardness scale, you can make informed decisions based on factors such as load capacity, impact resistance, traction, and floor protection.
If you are making industrial business ergonomics a priority in your workplace and in need of durable casters, check out some of our highly recommended caster wheels below:
- Albion 6″ Kingpinless Swivel Caster with Trionix Wheel: This swivel caster features precision raceways and fully heat-treated construction, making it more durable against impact and ideal for rugged applications.
- Albion 4” Kinpinless AX Swivel Caster: This caster features a zinc plating, aluminum core, and a polyurethane wheel that has been fully heat-treated to ensure higher durability against shock and impact.
- Blickle Locking Swivel Caster 4″: This pressed steel swivel caster features Blickle’s dynamic riveting process and medium heavy-duty brackets. It is ideal for highly extreme environments, thanks to its high resistance to impact, corrosion, and temperatures.
Consider the requirements of industrial ergonomics to ensure that the ideal caster wheel material aligns with your specific needs.
LINCO offers more durable caster wheel options online, both from our own line and from other trusted manufacturers. Visit our website to check out our full catalog. For inquiries or any bulk orders, you can call us at (866) 306-9566 or visit our Contact Page to leave a message.