Why do people use a Polyurethane Wheel in Industrial Application?

Polyurethane on steel rim are the most common wheels used in industrial PU wheels applications. Polyurethane wheels are extremely durable and rugged, and capable of carrying heavy loads, on a single high density thick tread polyurethane wheel. Our standard density polyurethane wheels have a maximum load capacity of 300-500kgs.

PU wheel Concepts has developed custom polyurethane formulations to conquer the most common challenges in manufacturing and industrial environments. We process polyurethane in our facility, we are one of very few PU foam wheel manufacturers that do so. Allowing us to maximize quality and flexibility, ensuring you get the best tread formulation for your specific challenge.

PU wheels Concepts, in partnership with leading producers of polyurethane prepolymers, is continually working to develop products for a wide range of specific needs. While there are standard “go to” products that work in a variety of applications, PU foam wheel Concepts is expanding its market reach by applying its application knowledge to solve tough performance applications in a variety of industries.

Polyurethane tires are a popular wheel tread for use on industrial wheels, whether it is in a wheels application or drive wheel applications. From noise reduction to their resistance to corrosion, there are many great reasons to choose polyurethane tires for specific PU wheel applications. Here are the most compelling reasons:

1. Noise Reduction

Polyurethane tires are a popular choice in industrial applications because of their quietness in operation when compared to harder wheels such as steel or cast iron.  The polyurethane acts as a shock absorber and helps cushion the ride. It also absorbs bumps from uneven terrain.  When OSHA regulations come into play, using polyurethane instead of steel or cast iron wheels can significantly reduce noise levels to help protect your employees’ hearing.

2. Floor Protection

Polyurethane tires rule in applications where protecting the floor is critical.  The polyurethane will deflect and create a much larger footprint than harder wheel materials, such as nylon.  This larger surface area helps reduce the stress concentration on floors and keep them in better shape for longer periods.  For plants whose floors are expensive and critical to your operation, a polyurethane tire may be the preferred choice.

3. Better grip and traction
Another benefit to polyurethane tires in industrial applications is the coefficient of friction of the material. This value describes the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. Rougher surfaces tend to have higher effective values while smoother surfaces have lower ones due to the friction they generate when pressed together.

Polyurethane tends to be a grippy material, so its higher coefficient of friction can help keep towed carts from flipping.  An important consideration as sliding can be a problem for harder wheel materials. Polyurethane also provides excellent traction to drive wheels and helps to reduce the amount of load on the wheel to achieve the desired driving force.

4. Resistance to Corrosion

There are many different types of polyurethanes that have varying levels of resistance to specific environments or conditions. For example, chemicals, solvents, or even water.  In humid or wet environments, certain polyurethanes will not break down or corrode in the presence of water.  In situations where chemical exposure is a problem, a different type of polyurethane can be used to prolong the wheel’s life.

Polyurethane tires have many benefits in industrial wheel and caster applications, and the reasons above discuss some of the more popular ones.  Polyurethanes can provide resistance to corrosion,  protect floors, and reduce noise, all while providing a material that can handle a lot of capacity.  Switching to a polyurethane tire could have a dramatic impact on the success of your operation.