Ball bearing casters are mobility utilities. Instead of a wheel, they are composed of a spherical ball encased in a contoured housing. The design is more recent than other caster types, and they can also be used as a ball transfer unit when inverted.
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The word "caster" is usually used interchangeably with the word "wheel." In industrial settings and in some commercial and institutional contexts, caster is the preferred term for a light-duty utility that, when attached to another object, makes that object more mobile. Most casters involve the use of a wheel, but wheels do not suit every caster application. In a ball bearing caster, the ball and socket setup of the caster allows for smooth and unrestricted movement in all directions. They are best used on hard flooring, where they are more stable, level and quiet than other casters. Their simple design rarely needs repairs because they are made with durable materials like carbon steel and are composed of few parts. Ball bearing caster manufacturers produce casters for the furniture, storage, warehouse and office supply industries for products like office chairs, portable shelving, cabinets and light-duty carts.
The ball and socket setup of ball bearing casters greatly reduces friction on hard surfaces like wood, concrete and tile. They do not perform well on carpet because they tend to sink down and do not move easily. These casters are optimal for applications that require precision maneuvering, although they are not able to lock in place, as are many standard casters. Depending on their application, ball bearing casters have varying degrees of weight capacity as well as size. Ball bearing casters are typically applied in situations in which wheeled casters are not appropriate. Making the choice between a ball bearing caster vs. a wheeled caster involves knowing well the kind of terrain on which the caster will be used. Carefully making this consideration is essential to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the caster and the safety of the object mounted on the caster. While industrial casters and even some commercial and consumer casters are designed to be durable, they will last much longer if they are chosen and applied properly.
