Many variables must be considered when designing industrial castors and wheels for high-temperature uses (most castors are intended to operate in temperatures below 65 degrees Celsius). Wheel material, lubrication type, and bearing materials are just a few of the factors that must be considered when making industrial castors for high-temperature applications. Castor performance can be affected by higher temperatures, resulting in reduced operating life, increased maintenance requirements, or premature failure.
In this guide, we’ll give you the run-down on a few of the different factors that set high temperature castors apart from regular castors, and we’ll also be giving you a few of the best high temperature castors that are currently available on the market.
High Temperature Castor Wheel Considerations
Here are a few of the different factors to consider for using castors in various environments and temperatures:
Wheel Material
Castor wheels made with polyurethane are still suitable for applications below 80 degrees Celsius, but there is an increased danger of flat spotting and failure depending on the application load and use. When using polyurethane castors at a temperature near 80 degrees Celsius, the application must be carefully evaluated.
Nylon wheels can endure temperatures as high as 121 degrees Celsius, with some models able to withstand intermittent heat levels of 204 degrees Celsius. When ergonomics are concerned, nylon wheels are typically used since they roll with very little force applied.
Cast iron or steel is a preferable material for castors in applications up to 315°C. These materials also improve ergonomics and have significant load capacities, but they can cause wear on the floor surface. The load rating of the castor will be reduced as steel/cast iron loses strength when temperatures surpass 315°C, causing it to lose strength.
Lubrication Type
The type of lubrication required must also be considered for applications at high temperatures. If the castor application temperature is greater than the lubrication’s rating, the effectiveness of the lubrication will be jeopardised. This can lead to an increase in friction in wheel bearings and swivel section bearings as well as a reduction in bearing component life.
When designing the castor for an application, the most suitable lubricant will be selected depending on the temperatures in which it will be operated. These lubricants include specialised greases to dry film and graphite lubricants – as well as other specialised formulations.
Bearing Materials
When designing an industrial castor for a high-temperature application, keep in mind the bearings in the wheels and swivel section. The majority of common ball bearings, roller bearings, and tapered bearings can withstand applications up to 148 degrees Celsius.
Bronze sleeves inserted into the wheel bore and functioning as bearings may endure temperatures ranging from 315 degrees Celsius to 371 degrees Celsius. The problem with this method is that the bronze bearing will reduce the castor’s roll-ability by at least 50%.
Wheel material and lubrication may be two significant elements in determining the effectiveness of an industrial castor in high-temperature situations, but other variables must be considered as well, including the castor’s construction material and bearing components. If these factors are taken into consideration when designing a high-temperature castor, the chance for success is significantly improved.
Castors Fit for High Temperatures
Now that you understand the different factors that make a castor suitable for use in high temperatures, take a look at some of the best high temperature castors that are available on the market – to ensure that your application is fit for purpose.
Alpha Duratech Heat – 3470BOG100P62
- Wheel Diameter (mm): 100 mm
- Width of Tread (mm): 35 mm
- Size of Plate (mm): 105 x 85 mm
- Plate Hole Centres (mm): 80/77 x 60 mm
- Plate Hole (mm): 9 mm
- Offset: 41 mm
- Swivel Interference: 182 mm
- Overall Height: 128 mm
- Temperature: – 40 / + 280 °C
- Swivel Radius: 91 mm
- Shore Hardness: D 85 Shore
- Load Capacity (Dynamic): 125 kg
- Load Capacity (Static): 250 kg
- Castor Type: Swivel Castor
- Fitting Type: Plate
- Bearing Type: Self-Lubricating Bushing
- Tread Material: Heat Resisting Synthetic Material
- Housing Material: Pressed Steel
- Wheel Centre Material: Heat Resisting Synthetic Material
Alpha Duratech Heat – 3478BOG100P62
- Wheel Diameter (mm): 100 mm
- Width of Tread (mm): 35 mm
- Size of Plate (mm): 103 x 85 mm
- Plate Hole Centres (mm): 80/77 x 60 mm
- Plate Hole (mm): 9 mm
- Overall Height: 128 mm
- Temperature: – 40 / + 280 °C
- Shore Hardness: D 85 Shore
- Load Capacity (Dynamic): 150 kg
- Load Capacity (Static): 300 kg
- Castor Type: Fixed Castor
- Fitting Type: Plate
- Bearing Type: Self-Lubricating Bushing
- Tread Material: Heat Resisting Synthetic Material
- Housing Material: Pressed Steel
- Wheel Centre Material: Heat Resisting Synthetic Material
Alpha Duratech Heat – 3470BOG100P30-13
- Wheel Diameter (mm): 100 mm
- Width of Tread (mm): 35 mm
- Centre Hole (mm): 13 mm
- Offset: 41 mm
- Swivel Interference: 182 mm
- Overall Height: 128 mm
- Temperature: – 40 / + 280 °C
- Swivel Radius: 91 mm
- Shore Hardness: D 90 Shore
- Load Capacity (Dynamic): 125 kg
- Load Capacity (Static): 250 kg
- Castor Type: Swivel Castor
- Fitting Type: Bolt Hole
- Bearing Type: Self-Lubricating Bushing
- Tread Material: Heat Resisting Synthetic Material
- Housing Material: Pressed Steel
- Wheel Centre Material: Heat Resisting Synthetic Material
- Weight: 0.42 kg
- Straight Pack or Build: Straight Pack
- Wheel Diameter (mm): 100 mm
- Width of Tread (mm): 35 mm
- Temperature: – 30 / + 250 °C
- Standard: EN 12532
- Shore Hardness: A 73 Shore
- Load Capacity (Dynamic): 80 kg
- Load Capacity (Static): 160 kg
- Axle Hole Ø (mm): 8.4 mm
- Hub Length (mm): 45 mm
- Bearing Type: Self-Lubricating Bushing
- Tread Material: Heat Resisting Silicone Rubber
- Wheel Centre Material: Aluminium
Here at Tente, our range of Alpha Duratech high temperature castors can handle both hot and cold environments. The Duratech Heat is the perfect choice for people who need mobility in hot and cool temperatures as well as needing to maintain a clean environment. This particular collection includes a wheel constructed of a heat-resistant synthetic material with a self-lubricating bushing.
So there you have it, everything you need to know to make an informed decision on what is the perfect high temperature castor wheel that will be suitable for your applications.
