How To Quiet Caster Noise
You may have encountered the problem of noise pollution caused by caster wheels that are not suitable for the flooring surface. To address this issue, it is important to choose the right caster wheels that are best-suited for the particular floor environment, in order to reduce or eliminate the noise produced by them.
If caster noise is something you want to avoid, we have good news – you have one of two choices:
Do nothing about it and accept the caster noise for what it is
Opt for the best caster wheel solution for your needs
Hard Caster Wheel Vs. Soft Caster Wheel
To quickly find out the cause of caster wheel noise disturbances, zero-in on the caster wheel material and floor surfaces.
Let’s take the example of a hard steel caster wheel. While it may be able to support heavy loads, it is not effective at absorbing and distributing shock, which can result in significant noise when the wheel is rolling. Moreover, hard tread wheels can cause damage to delicate flooring surfaces by creating grooves or by picking up debris that can be pressed into the floor. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of caster wheel that is suitable for the specific floor environment, in order to minimize noise pollution and prevent any damage to the flooring.
Choosing a smooth and soft tread caster wheel is a wise choice for hard or rough flooring surfaces. This type of caster wheel not only helps to reduce noise pollution, but also minimizes any vibration that could potentially affect the cargo on the cart. However, it is important to note that a soft tread caster wheel rolls best on clean and debris-free flooring, as rough or messy surfaces can impede its mobility. Therefore, it is essential to select the right type of caster wheel that is appropriate for the specific flooring environment, in order to achieve optimal performance and minimize any potential issues.
In summary, softer tread caster wheels have a lower decibel output than harder tread caster wheels do.
Recommendation For Noise Reduction: Hospital Caster
Caster wheels designed for use in hospitals typically feature a high-quality polyurethane tread that is capable of storing and releasing energy, providing a significant boost to the ergonomic performance of carts and equipment. In addition to this, these caster wheels are effective at reducing the vibrations that can cause noise pollution, resulting in a smooth and quiet ride. Given these features, hospital caster wheels are well-suited for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, medical, and hospitality, among others. Whether in a hospital setting or other environments, these caster wheels help to create a more efficient and comfortable work environment.
Noise Reduction
The Hospital Caster’s durable polyurethane tread also features a debris-rejecting quality, meaning the wheel doesn’t damage or mark floors, helping to lower time spent on floor upkeep.
Available in 2″ wide and 1-1″4″ wide, in several diameters.
Neoprene Rubber Caster Pros and Cons
Medical supplies cart stock
If you are considering neoprene rubber casters, it is important to understand both their advantages and disadvantages, as they may be well-suited for some applications but not others. Neoprene rubber caster wheels offer a number of benefits, but also have some drawbacks to consider. By familiarizing yourself with these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether neoprene rubber casters are the right choice for your specific needs.
Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene is an elastomer, and maintains its flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. It also has a memory. After stretching, it returns to its un-stretched position, just as rubber does.
When used in casters, neoprene is often bonded to a harder material to give it extra strength. The harder core provides the structure. Around that core is added a layer of neoprene to form the wheel’s tread.
Advantages of Neoprene Rubber Casters
Let’s begin with the qualities that make neoprene rubber the ideal choice for your casters.
Advantage 1: When selecting casters, reducing noise pollution may be a top priority. Neoprene rubber casters are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they offer a smooth and quiet operation that is significantly quieter than casters made from plastic or cast iron. This makes neoprene rubber casters an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, including medical carts, mobile laboratory equipment, mobile computer equipment, and IV poles. By choosing neoprene rubber casters, you can create a more peaceful and productive work environment while also minimizing any disturbances for patients or other individuals in the vicinity.
Advantage 2: In addition to noise reduction, neoprene rubber casters offer another advantage in their resistance to harsh chemicals, grease, oil, animal fats, steam, and high temperatures. This feature makes them highly suitable for use in medical and light-industrial applications that involve frequent chemical wash-downs. Unlike other caster materials, neoprene rubber casters do not degrade when they come into contact with mild acids and solvents, offering a reliable and durable option for these applications. By choosing neoprene rubber casters, you can ensure that your equipment and carts remain functional and effective, even in challenging and harsh conditions.
Advantage 3: Floor Protection. If keeping your floors clean and damage-free is a priority, neoprene rubber casters are a wise choice. Casters made from this material do not mark floors, making them ideal casters for hospitals and healthcare facilities where cleanliness is a main concern.
Advantage 4: Temperature Resistance. Casters made from neoprene rubber are a great option in settings that experience wide swings in temperature. They withstand temperatures as lows as -20°F to as high as 180°F. This makes them suitable for many food-processing applications.
Noise Reduction
Disadvantages of Neoprene Rubber Casters
Neoprene rubber casters are not suitable for all applications. They have several intrinsic disadvantages that you must consider before choosing them for your application.
Disadvantage 1: Initial Cost. Neoprene rubber casters were tremendously popular 20 years ago. But the price of neoprene has risen quite a bit in recent years, resulting in only a few manufacturers still producing neoprene wheels. If initial cost is an important criterion for you, there are less-expensive options on the market to choose from than neoprene.
Disadvantage 2: Load Rating. Neoprene rubber casters are ideal for light-duty applications. Neoprene does not have the load rating you require for heavy-duty applications. When used in heavy-duty settings, the wheels tend to break down. For heavy-duty applications, your better option is a caster made from polyurethane.
Disadvantage 3: One potential drawback of neoprene rubber casters is “chunking,” which occurs when the softer material of the wheel begins to wear and break apart over time. While neoprene rubber casters provide a smoother and quieter ride compared to wheels made from harder materials, they may not wear as well. In contrast to casters made from polyurethane, for instance, neoprene rubber wheels are not as resistant to abrasion and may lose pieces of tread over time. It is important to consider the potential for chunking when selecting neoprene rubber casters and to evaluate whether their benefits outweigh this potential drawback for the specific application.
Conclusion – When are neoprene rubber casters appropriate for you
Neoprene rubber casters are an ideal choice if you require a light-duty caster that is quiet, resists chemicals and won’t mark your floors. If you need replacement casters for carts and mobile equipment in your hospital or office setting, caster wheels made from neoprene are a great choice.
HuanXin Medical Caster carries a range of neoprene casters that are idea for a wide range of indoor applications.
Rubber On Iron Caster Wheels: Your HuanXin Medical Caster
These caster wheels are designed to support weights ranging from 350 to 2100 pounds per wheel. The wheels feature an 80 Shore A black rubber tread that is chemically bonded to a semi-steel wheel core, and can operate within a temperature range of -40 to +180 degrees Fahrenheit. These caster wheels offer several benefits, including good floor protection and quiet movement. They are also economically friendly and offer decent resistance to shock and vibration. However, they are not recommended for use in environments where water or floor debris is present, as this can hinder their performance. Additionally, these caster wheels may leave marks on delicate flooring surfaces if operated in less than ideal circumstances. It is important to carefully evaluate the intended application of these caster wheels to determine whether they are the best option for your needs.
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Caster Wheels: Your HuanXin Medical Caster
Featuring weight capacities of 75 to 1100 pounds per wheel, the 75 Shore A thermoplastic rubber, or “TPR” wheel tread is chemically bonded to a polyolefin core and has an operating temperature range of -40 to +180 degrees Fahrenheit. TPR wheels feature a shock-absorbing cushioned ride, while providing good floor protection and quiet rolling operation. Resistant to cleaning chemicals, acids, alcohol, and water, TPR wheels are an excellent choice for wash-down applications.