Factors to Consider When Ordering Specialised Castors
Getting the right specialised castors for your application requires you to provide the supplier with accurate information about your needs. This article discusses some of the issues that you should consider when you are discussing your requirements with the manufacturer of specialised castors.
The Environment
You need to be detailed when you are discussing the environment under which the specialised castors will be used. Emphasis should be placed on the operating temperatures and moisture level within the work environment. For instance, the castor wheel material that is selected for use in a bakery may be different from the material recommended for use in a warehouse. This is because the bakery may require a material that is more resistant to high temperatures around the oven area. Such high temperatures may not exist in a warehouse. Similarly, a castor that will frequently be exposed to moisture in a commercial kitchen may need to be made from a different material when compared to a castor that will be used in a dry place. This is because moisture may make the castor susceptible to corrosion.
The Power Source
Will the castor be driven manually? Castors attached to trolleys that will be pushed by hand may not be subjected to the same force as castors that will be attached to a powered device. This is because a castor pushed by hand usually moves at a slower speed than a castor pushed by a powered device. Consequently, any impact with a rough part of the floor will cause the powered castor to wear out faster than the castor pushed by hand. The design of the specialised castors should put the power source into consideration in order for the castors to have a long service life.
Load Conditions
Will the castors be shock loaded? Shock loading refers to dropping an item into a cart or trolley. Such a loading method imposes greater strain on the castors when compared to placing the load gently into the cart or trolley. Consequently, you may need specialised castors that have a greater load capacity than the actual weight of the loads to be transported. This is because shock loading can increase the force of the load as it drops into the cart.
As you can see, the appropriateness of the specialised castors that are made for you will depend on the accuracy of the information that you provide to the manufacturer. You should therefore consider inviting an expert to visit your facility in order to make an assessment of your needs in case you feel that you will be unable to provide all the necessary information during the design of the specialised castors that you need.
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