Industrial caster performance depends heavily on wheel compound selection. Choosing the wrong material increases push force, damages floors, accelerates wear, and shortens equipment lifespan.
Durometer measures the hardness of elastomer wheel materials using the Shore A scale. It directly impacts deformation under load, rolling resistance, vibration transfer, and floor interaction.
| Durometer | Performance Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 60A–70A | Soft, quiet, high floor protection, higher rolling resistance |
| 70A–85A | Balanced performance, common for industrial carts |
| 85A–95A | Firm, lower rolling resistance, higher capacity |
Softer wheels absorb shock and reduce noise. Harder wheels roll easier and carry higher loads but transfer more vibration.
Wheel material affects how load is distributed through the tread and core. Harder materials deform less under load, reducing rolling resistance but increasing floor pressure.
For dynamic applications, always calculate required load using a safety factor. Use our Caster Load Calculator to determine proper sizing.
| Material | Best Application | Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | Smooth concrete & general industrial | Balanced load + floor protection | Can chunk under extreme debris impact |
| Rubber / TPR | Quiet environments | Shock absorption + floor protection | Higher rolling resistance |
| Nylon | Washdown / wet areas | Very low rolling resistance | Loud / rigid |
| Phenolic | High heat & heavy static loads | Heat resistance | Brittle under impact |
| Steel / Iron | Extreme duty | Maximum capacity | Harsh on floors |
| Pneumatic | Outdoor terrain | Shock absorption | Higher maintenance |
| Surface Type | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Epoxy / Finished Floors | Rubber or Polyurethane |
| Smooth Concrete | Polyurethane |
| Rough Concrete | Pneumatic or Foam-Filled |
| Wet / Washdown | Nylon or Polyolefin |
| High Temperature | High-Temp Phenolic or High-Temp Compounds |
Rolling resistance is influenced by contact patch size, deformation rate, and core rigidity. Harder compounds (80A+) typically reduce push/pull force, improving ergonomics in high-cycle environments.
For ergonomic cart applications, polyurethane on aluminum wheels are common due to balanced performance.
Polyurethane is typically the most balanced option for industrial applications.
Rubber and TPR compounds are generally the quietest.
Steel and iron wheels provide maximum load capacity but are harsh on floors.
Explore all available caster wheel materials here.
