Anti Static Castors And Their Applications

By Author: Carn Gerrish
Total Articles: 26
Comment this article

Castors are a huge advantage in the material handling industry as they facilitate easy movement. The many advantages connected with them make them an easy choice for anyone trying to maximize profits during such economically challenged times.

Castors as as is popularly known are available in a range of sizes, weight capacities, and materials. Inspite of the blatant benefits of using equipment, machinery, and furniture with castors, one should be careful when using a specific caster for a specific job, owing to a number of factors such as the operating surface, and the weight of the goods.

It is vital to bear in mind that the caster should be able to support approximately 1/3 of the full load capacity of the goods by itself. A light duty caster can roughly withstand a weight capacity range of 150 � 400 lbs and any cargo surpassing this range would be damaging to the caster. When there is extra weight, the weight is concentrated completely on the frame of the caster. A distorted frame is usually a result of overload or impact that is an accepted occurence during routine material handling situations. ...
... Distortion of the frame will automaticlally result in premature wear and tear of the wheel. The same is true of medium duty castors, having to carry loads far exceeding their capabilities.

Castors must have the ability to fend off the impact shocks incurred during operation. During day to day business, it is common for castors to encounter situations where there is some kind of impact involved, particularly during warehouse hauls and in institutions. Therefore, it is best that castors have the capacity to endure and resist these impacts. Shock resistant casters are the best option in any situation, particularly, pneumatic and semi pneumatic casters, as they have ideal shock resistant qualities.

Caster flutter on the other hand is a serious matter, as if left unattended can lead to damage of goods, machinery, and operator. Caster flutter refers to the caster swinging from side to side owing to a big gap between the wheel axle and the steering joint. This is generally the case for supermarket shopping carts, although it is in no way limited to them . Under repeated exposure to speed and heavy weights, these casters oscillate. This is extremely dangerous in places like supermarkets where children and older folk frequent. What makes them dangerous is the fact that when the distance between the wheel axle and steering joint grows it causes the caster to lose grip with the surface, which causes an abrupt stirring in a different direction.

However, caster flutter generally happens at high speeds, although this does not mean that it cannot happen at moderate speeds. At moderate speeds, if it does happen, the trailing distance of the caster must be increased. The trailing distance, refers to the distance between the wheel axles and steering joint. Additionally, there are specific anti flutter kits available viz-a-viz caster model and specification.

Finally, no product is perfect. Complications go together with its advantages. Therefore, choosing a caster that works well overall is vital.
For additional information about castors and casters click http://www.bil-castors-and-wheels.co.uk