Air Casters are sometimes referred to as air bearings or fluid bearings. These names come from the fact that they utilize a thin layer of liquid or gas, which can include oil, water or pressurized air, allowing little to no friction between the surfaces. Therefore, the normal problems associated with other forms of bearings such as friction, lubricant handling and wear and tear are no longer a concern. Also, they offer specific advantages in certain applications. These types of bearings are often used in high speed, high load or high precision applications. In circumstances where normal ball bearings would wear out quickly or cause noise and vibrations, these bearings are ideal. Along with being suitable for a variety of jobs, these bearings are actually less expensive and more cost effective than the standard bearings that they would replace.
As Always, There are Distinctions
Depending on where the air is, air casters create a thin layer between where the surface originates. The term hydrodynamical refers to the air of the thin layer that is produced by the dynamics of the movement. On the other hand, hydrostatical refers to the air that creates a thin layer that is inserted and pressurized from an external source. As with any tool or equipment, it is important to understand the different options that are available to you and your business. Knowing the differences can allow you to make better choices when it comes to selecting the tools and equipment that you need to most effectively accomplish the job at hand. Utilizing the best tool for the job can make your overall business more efficient, and in the long run, can cut down on extraneous costs and allow for a better economic situation.
A Vast Range of Options
In today’s world, it seems there are multiple options for almost anything and everything. With advances in technology and production, tools and equipment are being made with better materials that can withstand more wear and tear, and harsher conditions. Even items that are often overlooked are now offered in a wide variety of options. One such item that is used in almost everyone’s life is the caster. Casters are small items that are often taken for granted, but if they were removed from the many items on which they are utilized, the whole world would take notice and ultimately run at a slower pace.
Basic or Complex?
Along with air casters, there are a variety of basic and specialty casters that are available. Generally speaking, casters come in three different categories: light, medium and heavy. These categories refer to the weight load bearing capacity of the individual caster, and although it does not refer to the actual weight of the caster, they are logically associated, as heavier loads often require the strength of casters that are made from heavier materials.
In addition to this primary designator, there are other caster attributes to choose from. Paying close attention to the details and matching them appropriately to the specific details of the job can be very beneficial to you and your business. In the long run, having the right tools and accessories for any job can increase efficiency and help to cut down on costs.
Structural Details
Another detail to consider is the mounting system. This will determine how the caster should be attached to the item or piece of equipment that needs its capabilities. Sometimes there are different options based on the shape and design of the furniture or equipment that you desire to make mobile. And sometimes there is an obvious choice. Some of the basic mounting options that are available include: square stem, grip ring stem, threaded stem, stainless steel, expanding adapter stem, pipe thread stem, modular stem, top plate, top plate swivel, and the kingpinless top plate.
Another caster detail of which there are also many options is the material from which the caster wheel is made. The material of the wheel will directly relate to how the caster interacts with the floor type over which it is required to travel. Generally speaking, some materials are harder or softer, and this can greatly affect the smoothness of which the caster is able to travel. Some of the wheel material options that are available include: phenolic, performa, performa conductive, polyolefin, polyurethane Hi-Tech, maxim, cast iron, stainless steel and thermo.
Specialty Options
Considering the wide range of options that are available to choose from within the basic categories of casters, it is hard to imagine that there would be a need for additional options. However, with technological advances in materials and designs, there are very specific options that are designed for certain jobs.
These casters are designed in such a way that they accommodate very specific jobs with ease. These specialty casters may be the answer to a more complicated job. Some of specialty caster options available include: concealed side mount casters, low overall height extrathane casters, spring loaded door casters, gravity lock ladder casters, die-cast aluminum leveling casters, rug runner casters, high-capacity, and glass cutting table casters. No matter what you need a caster for, there is a design suited for your business.
We’ll Help You See it Through
We at Douglas Equipment know and understand that the overwhelming amount of product information can be daunting to sort through. That is why, with over fifty years of experience in the material handling equipment business, we can help you sort though the options to in order to acquire thorough knowledge of what you’re buying. With this knowledge, it will be possible for you to choose the best option to your business’s needs, in a cost effective and timely manner. Please contact us Toll-free at 1-800-451-0030, or locally at 305-888-3700. You can also reach us by contacting us through the Contact Us section on our website. We look forward to hearing from you to help you choose the best possible caster option to meet your business’s needs.
