Algood, Author at algood-casters.com

15Jul 0

Algood Blog: Wheels Revealed: Lights, Cameras, Casters

Lights, Cameras, and Casters

3 Likes 605 Views

Everyone has their favourite scene from a movie and many of them likely involve some kind of movement – whether the camera follows a person or a car or something else. But here’s something you may not know. Some of the best movie scenes ever filmed would not have been possible without casters. In this edition of Wheels Revealed, we look at how casters are used in the motion picture industry.

The most recognizable use of casters in Hollywood comes with what are referred to as tracking shots. A tracking shot is any shot where the camera follows backward, forward or moves alongside the subject being recorded.

This is often accomplished by mounting a camera on a specially constructed dolly that can be rolled on a surface or placed on rails like a railroad track to create smooth horizontal camera movements. Depending on its size, the camera dolly is moved by the camera operator or by a dedicated technician trained to operate the dolly by manually pushing it back and forth.

Camera dollies have several steering mechanisms. The typical mode is rear-wheel steering, where the front wheels remain fixed, while the wheels closest to the operating handle are used to turn. A second mode, round steering, causes the front wheels to turn in the opposite direction from the rear wheels. This mode allows the dolly to move in smooth circles and is frequently used when the dolly is on curved track.

A third mode, called crab steering, is when the front wheels steer in the same direction as the rear wheels. This allows the dolly to move in a direction diagonal to the front end of the dolly.

Casters used on camera dollies most often include pneumatic wheels to allow for a smooth ride. The tread on the wheels also helps grip the surface and eliminate any vibration. As noted above, a combination of rigid and swivel casters provide for different types of movement. The casters are also equipped with foot operated brakes to allow for secure positioning. In some cases the required smooth movement is achieved with casters that feature crowned rubber wheels. Dollies that are used on a track will often be equipped with a grooved wheel.

Behind the scenes, specially equipped studio carts are essential to any production. These carts are designed to hold an incredible array of equipment including stands, telescopic pull out ladder holders, detachable baskets and half milk crates. Carts can handle up to 1,000 lbs. of equipment and need to manoeuvre smoothly. They are equipped with a combination of 10” swivel and rigid casters featuring treaded wheels.

In some cases two additional rigid casters are added to accommodate additional weight. The casters are equipped with foot operated brakes to keep the cart stable when necessary.

So the next time you’re watching a great action scene, you might want to think about the casters that made it possible. But, who are we kidding. No one is ever going to do that. Just enjoy the movie.

Wheels Revealed

8Jul 0

Algood-Blog-Innovation-316_Stainless_Steel

316 Stainless to the Rescue

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As good as 304 stainless steel is, sometimes it can’t do the job. For example, demand is increasing for casters that can withstand intense cleaning procedures. Similarly, IT production facilities now require an environment that is completely free of any contaminants. In many of these cases, the ideal solution is 316 stainless steel. That’s why we have added that option to a number of casters. By introducing 316 Stainless into our caster configurations, we are responding to the needs of customers and demonstrating our agility as a manufacturer.

What’s different about 316 Stainless?
316 stainless is a mixture of steel and a minimum of 10.5% chromium. It’s the chromium that keeps the steel from oxidizing, rusting, and corroding. 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

Stainless 316 is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. There’s a little more nickel and a little less chromium than in 304. However, the big difference is the molybdenum, a chemical element used for the strengthening and hardening of steel. The higher molybdenum content greatly increases the corrosion resistance of 316.

Algood-iLock-Compatible-S6559-A38H-NYNW-RB-iLK

Casters in 316 Stainless Steel
You can have our MAXX9™ or 7009 Series casters produced using 316 stainless steel. With a capacity of 1,250 lbs., these casters are ideal for a wide range of applications. 316 Stainless offers superior resistance to chlorides and acids. This makes 316 an ideal upgrade for environments with strict hygiene and cleanliness standards, like hospitals and healthcare settings.

Applications for 316 Stainless
316 stainless steel is ideal for pharmaceutical and medical applications. Since sterilization processes in these industries combine both strong disinfectants with high temperatures to prevent contamination, a resistant alloy like 316 is ideal.

Other Applications of 316 Stainless Steel Include:

Chemical processing and storage equipment.
Refinery equipment
Medical devices
Marine environments, especially those with chlorides present
Medical equipment and implants
Foodservice, processing, and preparation environments
Coastal environments
Areas with high salt levels (such as roadways)
Brewing facilities
Environments with increased exposure to alkalis and acids

Is 316 Stainless right for you?
To discuss whether 316 stainless steel is the best solution for your requirements, speak to your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Innovate

26Feb 0

Casters & Cold Weather

12 Likes 337 Views

Cold-Weather Considerations

Last week brought extreme weather to North America. Texas, with sustained single-digit temperatures (that’s Fahrenheit) and as much as 5” of snow, seemed to be the focus of attention. But, at the same time, the north-east saw multiple snowfalls exceeding 6” while western Canada saw temperatures dipping well below 40ºC (which coincidentally is -40ºF). At Algood, we got a call from a customer in Texas with a question that we usually get from customers in Wisconsin or North Dakota. “Will my casters work in freezing cold weather and how can I protect them?” he asked. We know that if there’s one person asking, others are thinking about the same thing. So, with that in mind, here’s a CasterU primer on casters and cold weather.

Here are a number of cold-weather considerations for casters.

Raceways & Grease

If the grease in the wheel and swivel raceways freezes, casters will seize. Make sure that casters are well greased and that you are using grease rated for the temperatures in which equipment is being used. The standard grease used at Algood will withstand -25ºC (-13ºF) but specialty greases with even lower temperature ratings are available. Raceways can also be protected by seals and thread guards.

Consider Kinginless

Kingpinless casters are ideal for cold weather because the swivel raceway is concealed and protected from water and snow. They normally require no additional greasing bit if they do, the grease fitting is in a very convenient location. In addition, kingpinless casters have a larger swivel raceway, improving the maneuverability of equipment on cold, hard surfaces.

Wheels & Bearings

In freezing temperatures, surfaces get harder and mobility becomes an issue. Harder wheels, that make it easier to get equipment moving and keep it rolling, are the ideal choice. A wheel like our RollX™ has less surface friction and less resistance. In addition, RollX wheels are less likely to chip in cold temperatures. Obstacles on the ground like snow, ice or salt require additional grip, making a softer wheel like our Envirothane™ or Prothane™ a better choice.

Precision ball bearings are the best choice for cold weather. They are pipe sealed, protecting the balls, and rated for temperatures as low as -25ºC. There are bearings available that are rated for even colder temperatures.

Stainless Steel

Cold weather that includes snow and ice (and therefore salt) can create highly corrosive conditions. Casters manufactured using stainless steel and that include stainless steel components will fare much better in extreme cold.

Stay Inside – Duh!

This may be obvious, but keeping equipment with casters away from the outdoors in cold weather will increase its longevity. If you must take equipment outside, be sure that the casters, including all components and grease are rated for extreme cold temperatures.

Need help you with all your cold weather considerations, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

19Nov 0

The Truth About Ergonomics

18 Likes 362 Views

Three Trade-Offs

If you’re looking for the truth about ergonomics a good way to start is with a definition: Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them.

As it relates to casters and wheels, ergonomics comes down to two factors. First, it’s is a matter of reducing push-pull force – or the amount of effort someone needs to expend in order to start or stop the movement of a piece of equipment. The second factor is maneuverability – how easily can that piece of equipment be turned.

Now, here’s the truth about ergonomic casters and wheels. To achieve ergonomic design, you will always have to sacrifice something – capacity, surface conditions or cost. Ultimately, it comes down to these three classic trade-offs.

Ergonomics vs Swivel Lead

The swivel lead is the distance between the vertical centre of the caster and the axle of the wheel. Increasing the swivel lead makes a caster easier to turn and improves maneuverability. The trade-off is that increasing the swivel lead decreases the capacity of the caster. In order to achieve ease of use, while protecting the cargo, you will have to increase the capacity and therefore the size of the caster – and that also means increasing your costs.

Ergonomics vs Wheel Specifications

There are situations where the only way to increase capacity is to increase the tread width of wheels. An example is when equipment has a fixed height requirement and that limits the overall height of the caster. Here’s the trade-off. More tread width creates more surface contact and more friction, increasing the push-pull force necessary to move equipment. Capacity comes at the expense of maneuverability.

The opposite example is crowned wheel treads that dramatically improve ease of operation because there is less wheel tread touching the floor. Again, what you gain in ergonomics you lose in capacity. And, the only other way to maintain capacity is to increase the size of the wheel, which increases costs.

Ergonomics vs Surface Conditions

The material used to make wheels has huge impact on the rollability of a caster. Steel wheels with their extraordinary hardness, have the least surface friction and are the easiest to move. At the same time, steel wheels are noisy and have a tendency to mark floors.

At the other extreme, rubber wheels are super soft, absorb shock, are very quiet and leave floors in pristine condition. That’s because there is more surface grip, but that comes at the expense of ergonomic casters. Unless the application or floor conditions dictate a particular tread material, the trick is to find a wheel that balances the protection of floors and the workplace environment with the best possible mobility.

In the end, you will make a better buying decision by understanding the trade-offs involved in finding the caster with an ergonomic profile that fits both your conditions and your budget.

For help choosing the caster that best meets your needs, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

24Jul 0

Keeping a Low Profile

5 Likes 265 Views

Low Profile Casters

There are two situation that call specifically for Low Profile Casters:

Algood-Caster-GoLow_Series-SGL33-E17F-RX-RB

Overall height is critical. This relates to equipment or fixtures that have to fit in a fixed amount of vertical space. Refrigerated showcases are a good example.

Casters need to be functional but not visible. This is true of many store fixtures and office furniture.

By definition, a low profile caster is 3” or less in overall height – from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the top plate or raceway. The smaller height has the potential to reduce the capacity of the caster. There are many ways to compensate for that and increase capacity to as much as 2,000 lbs. They include:

Using a Twin Wheel Configuration
Using a Wider Wheel – Up to 3” – to increase the load-bearing surface
Reducing the Lead Offset (distance from the centre of the wheel to the stem/kingpin) of the caster
Using wheels (like our RollX™) that provide greater capacity, without adding weight or reducing rollability

Maneuverability is also a factor on low profile casters. Often times store fixtures or office equipment need to be easily moved from place to place. The ergonomics of the low profile caster can be enhanced by a double ball bearing raceway construction or a range of wheel bearings to improve movement. There are also a number of brakes available for these casters, including the thumb screw brake.

Mighty Maxx Series: S65253-B29F-RXW2-RB [Zinc Finish]

8000 Series: 8022-A27D-PROF [Zinc Finish]

5400 Series: S5433-A38F-RX-RB-iLK [Zinc Finish]

In applications where the caster is part of the overall aesthetic, a wide range of finishes is available. Low profile casters are also available in stainless steel for clean environments such as pharmaceuticals, food processing and technology.

The low profile caster is a great choice for office furniture, high-tech server cabinets, vending machines, medical equipment, theatre props, airport displays, retail fixtures, business machines, freezer and refrigerator showcases, industrial automatic dispensers, food/drink dispensing machines and appliances.

For help choosing the caster that best meets your needs, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

12Mar 0

Choosing Your Threads

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Configurating Threaded Stem Casters

Threaded stems are the best solution when casters are being mounted to tubing or a unit with legs. That’s the easy part. Choosing the best stem-caster configuration can be complicated and involves a number of considerations. In this issue of CasterU, we present and explain your threaded stem options.

5000 Series: S5053-.5-13X1HO-PROF-PB-TG [Zinc Finish]

Threaded Stem as Kingpin

In this configuration the caster kingpin is a threaded stem. It’s simpler because the stem/kingpin is integrated into the construction of the caster. There is no additional assembly required in the manufacturing process. This configuration is the most economical but is also the weakest option because the caster is more vulnerable to a variety of forces.

Threaded Stem as Kingpin

This design has the stem inserted through a Bolt Hole caster. The stem is fastened with a nut and tack-welded to keep it from spinning. The advantage to this configuration is that the stem absorbs force separate from the caster. The stem can break while leaving the caster intact. This is more reliable and offers greater longevity. Not surprisingly, it comes with a higher price point.

2100 Series: S2105-.5HOLE-PROFB-PB-TG [Zinc Finish]

Threaded Stem & Kingpin Free Caster

Similar to the arrangement above, a threaded stem can be inserted into a Kingpinless caster, fastened with a nut and tack-welded. This configuration combines the added capacity of the kinpinfree caster with the reliability of an inserted stem. It is very stable and very reliable, creating a long-lasting durable caster.

While the decision-making may be complex, the good news is that you have lots of options in choosing threaded stems. Even better, we can help. To find out which stem configuration is right for your application, contact your local Algood representative or call our customer service team.

Important Note

To maintain capacity ratings, casters with threaded stems must be fastened properly to the equipment on which they are being used. If not mounted correctly, the capacity of casters with threaded stems can be reduced by as much as 25%. We strongly encourage designers, engineers and users to consult with us to help determine the optimal way to fasten casters with threaded stems.

For help choosing the caster that best meets your needs, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

16Jan 0

Tubular Solutions

4 Likes 268 Views

Choosing the Right Inserts

Using casters on equipment, racks and furniture made from tubular steel presents some unique challenges. The priority is to make sure that the casters don’t fall out when the furniture or equipment is lifted or being moved. To keep casters tightly in place you will need an insert and they come in different materials, shapes and sizes. In this issue of CasterU we tell you what you need to know to make sure you select the right inserts.

Size

Alert: Some of this information gets a little complicated. The more you can channel your algebra skills, the easier it will be.

Size is probably the most important specification to ensure that inserts fit properly. First, you will need to know the stem size of the caster you are ordering. To calculate the size of the insert required, you need three key tube measurements – inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD) and the thickness or gauge (G). But don’t worry. Because they are represented by an equation, you can get by with two of them. Essentially, it works like this:

Thickness = (OD-ID)/2

To standardize measurements, thicknesses are grouped into gauge values. For example, a gauge value of 22 ranges from .025” to .029” thick. To make things really confusing, the greater the thickness of the tubing the lower the gauge. So, for example, 22 gauge is about .028” thick but 7 gauge is .18” thick.

Another Alert: Even if your steel tubing supplier has specified the gauge you will be receiving, you would be wise to still do the calculation above. Small variances in thickness can result in higher or lower gauge values and the possibility of ordering inserts that don’t fit.

Material

Inserts can be made from plastic, steel or die cast iron. Plastic inserts have more give and would be better in situations where you want the insert to expand to fit snugly. Floor conditions may also be a factor. Because plastic inserts may move slightly, they may not be the best choice for uneven or rugged surfaces.

Steel inserts are less malleable and therefore have less give than plastic. They are a better choice when size specifications are more precise and provide a more stable ride. They are also better suited to higher capacities.

Die cast inserts have the least give but provide the greatest strength. They are ideal for the highest capacities and the most stable ride, but require precise size calculations.

Shape

The appropriate shape is determined by the shape of the stem and the shape of the tubing. So, round inserts are used in round tubing. There are round inserts designed to fit stems that are tapered and those that are not. For square tubing you would use a square insert that accommodates a round stem. Also, inserts are made with various kinds of ridges and teeth to improve the fit.

Inserts for Wood

Separate from those used for tubing, there are ones specifically designed for use on wood legs – usually as part of furniture. The standard stem size for wood is .375 or ⅜” diameter and therefore inserts for wood are all the same size. Wood is subject to expansion and contraction making it difficult to keep them in place. That’s why most are designed with teeth on the edge that bite into the wood.

We are Insert Experts

Algood absolutely has the largest selection of inserts available with its casters. More importantly, our sales reps and customer service team know all about them and can guide you through the complicated, but critical process of specifying which are the right ones for you.

For help selecting the solution that best meets your needs, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

1Aug 0

Algood Blog: Wheels Revealed: Robots, Wheels, Casters

Robots Rolling Into The Future

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Robotics seems to be at the forefront of every field these days – medicine, education and caster manufacturing to name a few. Even house cleaning is being reinvented by floor-cleaning robots. Despite the many applications, shapes and sizes, what almost all robots – even the famous R2-D2 – have in common is that they have to move. And that requires wheels and casters. In this issue of Wheels Revealed, we look at robots, wheels and casters.

The type of wheel to be used on a robot has a lot to do with the way it will be steered. There are two ways of doing that. The most common is skid steering. That’s when each wheel is attached to it’s own motor. By having one wheel propelled forward while the other is reversed, robots can be turned. It’s actually the method that is used to steer tanks and many tractors.

All that back and forth needed to steer the robot creates a lot of wear and tear, necessitating a tread material that is durable but will grip the surface. Polyurethane wheels have the right combination of hardness and resilience. Algood’s ProTech and Prothane™ wheels are good choices.

The other steering method uses a drive train, similar to what you would find in cars. In those cases, the criteria for wheel choice would be more about the surface and the environment. If the robot is travelling on wood, concrete or ceramic floors, tread material with a lot of grip is the answer. Rubber and polyurethane are ideal. Robots traveling on rugged or outdoor surfaces, will require varying degrees of tread.

There are complicated formulas that can be used to calculate the ideal wheel size for a robot. Essentially they combine the speed at which the robot will travel, with the weight it will carry and the incline, if any, it will traverse.

Not all wheels on robots are connected to motors or drive trains. Some are used to guide or stabilize the robot and in those cases, rigid or swivel casters are the best choice. A great example is robotic, computer guided chassis with top mounted carts used in hospitals to delivery food and linens to various locations. The devices have a number of drive wheels for propulsion and four Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) casters with an auto align function.

Algood was proud to have built the casters that are being used in Canada’s first fully computerized hospital. In that case, the robotic cart used a specially constructed 6″ X 1-1/4″ stainless steel caster, equipped with our Envirothane™ wheels.

With all the amazing things that robots can do, it’s easy to take their wheels and casters for granted. But it’s also very clear that those wheels and casters are what’s necessary to keep robots rolling into the future of manufacturing… caster manufacturing.

Wheels Revealed

16May 0

A Lock on Performance

3 Likes 232 Views

Algood’s iLock™ braking mechanism provides performance and durability unparalleled in the marketplace. iLock is a precise eight position directional and wheel lock that provides perfect security. It engages with absolute precision and is available as a customizable one, two, three or four position lock.

The iLock is made out of Algood’s RollX™ a proprietary, a non marking, exclusively developed thermal plastic nylon material that is resistant to most chemicals, solvents, gases, acids, steam cleaning and does not absorb water – all at a temperature range of -30°F to + 250°F.

The brake engages with as little as 15 lbs of pressure and won’t disengage at load. Using high tensile heat treated steel the iLock mechanism has been tested to withstand 5,000 movements. In our testing facility, iLock has been demonstrated to outperform the competition by five times.

iLock is ideal for industrial and institutional applications and is available with weight capacities up to 1,200 lbs. It can be combined with Algood’s spring loaded casters, threaded stems and bolt hole casters.

If you’re looking for a high-performance caster with braking ease and precision that comes with outstanding return on investment, take a look at the iLock.

iLock is part of Algood’s innovative product line. With internal engineering and design departments in a fully integrated manufacturing facility, Algood develops customer focused caster solutions that meet specifications, timelines and budgets.

View iLock Brakes

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

9May 0

Spring Loaded Wonder

3 Likes 195 Views

Algood’s Spring Loaded Series of Casters is the perfect solution for accommodating varying capacities on uneven surfaces. With standard pre-load capacities starting as low as 100 lbs. and deflecting .700” with loads of 1,500 lbs., Algood’s patented spring casters provide the suspension to protect vital cargo from shock and vibration while reducing noise and extending caster life. These casters are fully customizable and can be configured as swivel or rigid, with a complete range of brakes and the full selection of Algood’s wheel types and styles.

Algood’s Patented Spring Scale

What makes Algood’s spring loaded casters so incredible is the built in scale that indicates how much weight is on the unit. Algood’s internal engineering department and fully resourced manufacturing facility allow us to develop customer focused caster solutions that meet requirements and budgets.

Algood-Caster-SL6803_Series-SSL6863-A47H-RXW-PB-TG-iLKW-C

UP Patent No: 6,539,578 | CAD Patent No: 2,311,542

Download Catalogue Page

View Spring Load Casters

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

19Apr 0

Caster 911

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Signs your Casters are Giving Up

Choosing the right casters and maintaining them are a good way to protect your mobility investment. But we all know that casters are often out of sight and therefore out of mind and don’t always get the attention they deserve. At the same time, there can be some pretty precious cargo riding on those casters and if one or more of them fails, the results can be very costly. Minimally, failed casters are a pain in the butt because they require immediate attention. So, to help you know when it’s time to call Caster 911, in this issue of CasterU we present some of the signs that your casters are about to give up on you.

Extreme Noise

If your casters are screeching or rattling, it could mean that they are badly in need of lubrication. In general, casters should be lubricated twice a year. Extreme noise could also indicate that the wheel bearing has seized or is about to seize. It could also mean that the wrong wheel bearing type is being used. For example, a caster may be experiencing more side thrust than originally anticipated, meaning that it really needs a tapered bearing. Finally, extreme noise could mean that the yoke is worn or that the caster is misaligned.

Push & Pull Problems

Equipment that has become significantly harder to push could be the result of corrosion or rust on the caster. This can also be the result of casters being used at excessive speeds and, in turn, leading to overheating or damage to the hub.

If equipment is much harder to turn, there is likely a problem with the swivel yoke or rig. This could be the result of brinelling which occurs when ball bearings create a groove in the cap of the raceway that limits the swivel of the caster.

Uneven Wheel Wear or Flat Spots

Flat spots may indicate that foreign material, such as string, thread, metal or dirt is causing wheels to bind. It could also be that the wheel material is not appropriate for the temperatures or environment in which the caster is being used.

Frame Distortion

This can be due to overall loads that exceed capacity. It can also be the result of excessive impact loads, which occur when equipment goes over a large bump and the resulting g-force magnifies the load beyond the capacity of the casters.

Top Plate Detachment

If equipment goes over an obstacle or is subject to severe conditions, the top plate may bend, separating it from the equipment. This could also indicate that the wrong hardware or washers were used to install the caster.

Bent Stem or Kingpin

This can happen as a result of a collision with other equipment or impact with an obstacle. Uneven loads where one caster bears much more weight than the others could also cause this contortion.

If you notice any of the above, it’s an emergency and your casters likely need replacing. Of course, using the right casters and ensuring they are properly maintained will prevent a 911 call.

For help or advice on how to avoid a caster catastrophe, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

Bad Match

By Algood on January 17, 2019 Leave a comment

2 Likes 211 Views

Casters & Water

Casters and Wheels generally don’t play nicely with water. Unlike Bonnie and Clyde or Bert and Ernie, they are simply a bad match. So, if you’re planning to use casters in an unusually wet environment, you should read this short guide to protecting casters from moisture.

Moisture is like Kryptonite to steel. The chemical reaction that causes steel to corrode begins the moment it comes in contact with water and oxygen. And it’s downhill from there. Signs of rust may appear as quickly as a week or two. Given enough time, all iron in the steel material will oxidize and the metal will fail. That’s not good for Casters and Wheels.

As steel corrodes, it flakes. In casters, that creates debris in the raceway that will eventually cause it to seize. In wheels, the same process can occur in the bearing.

Here are some of the options available to you, depending on the level of moisture that your Casters and Wheels need to withstand.

Casters

Zinc Plating provides a basic level of protection form moisture and will protect casters from normal levels of dampness and humidity. Almost all Algood casters are zinc plated.

If casters are being used in more extreme wet environments and are for example being used outdoors or subjected to regular wash-downs, they need more protection.

Chrome Plating where the steel is nickel plated then chromium plated, provides about double the corrosion protection than zinc plating. The shininess of chrome plating also offers design benefits. Stainless steel, which is a mixture of steel and a minimum of 10.5% chromium, offers the greatest protection and is usually the standard for food preparation, pharmaceutical, and health care applications.

A more economical but less effective option is a Raceway Seal. It seals and protects the raceway from moisture. The drawback is that it can cause friction in the raceway, making the caster harder to turn.

Wheels

Wheels formed from steel and iron, as well as those with a steel core, are clearly bad choices for wet environments. Aluminum, rubber and polyurethane wheels will withstand wet environments. A further option for wheels is a thread guard that fits over the core and keeps water from entering the wheel bearing.

If you want to avoid a bad match and need help choosing the right caster configuration for your wet environment, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

Author: Algood