Conveyor Wheels
Polyurethane products are becoming a popular choice in many industries since polyurethane material lasts longer when compared to rubber and plastic, and it is not nearly as noisy as metal.
Quick links to Conveyor Wheels Information
Applications of Conveyor Wheels
One application of this is found in many facilities that use conveyor wheels. Conveyor wheels are used in grocery stores, factory assembly lines, and more. They are convenient because they allow heavy items to be wheeled along a conveyor by hand, allowing people to avoid moving these items without assistance. A conveyor wheel is similar to a caster wheel, but instead of a single wheel being attached to a bracket, a series of wheels spin around a metal rod that spans the width of a conveyor. These rods are placed far enough apart that a set of wheels can be mounted all the way across each one.
Conveyor wheels are made with different load rating options. If the conveyor is used in an industrial setting, then the chances are that the wheels need to be durable enough to roll heavy materials regularly. If the conveyor is simply being used in a retail setting, like a grocery store checkout, then it is likely that a much lower weight capacity will be acceptable. A specialized manufacturing company sometimes manufactures conveyor wheels, but usually they are created by a company that builds entire conveyor solutions. The wheels are installed after the conveyor frame has been assembled.
Conveyor Wheel Materials
Besides polyurethane, conveyor wheels can also be made from steel, traditional rubber, or heavy duty plastic. Most steel wheels are fitted with bearings that go in between the steel to allow for smoother motion during use. When steel is used, it is cut and molded to the wheel's shape. The wheel will be very small in diameter in some applications, while more heavy duty applications will require a larger wheel. When rubber, plastic, or polyurethane are used, the material is heated and then compressed in a mold. A small metal bushing is then added to the center of the wheel to create a strong central hub for the axle rod to pass through.