Let's say thank you to the caster wheel. Without the 1876 patent, companies may not be around to smoothly move products. Yes, we would have wheels to transport the items on various platforms. But most likely they would be without proper shock absorption or noise reduction.
Engineered for Proper Use
Today, casters are engineered for different industries by companies like R.T. Laird. Industry representatives speak with the caster companies about their specifications. In the end, As long as they provide the proper sensitivity guidelines, the caster manufacturers can create properly-measured wheels.
Noise Reduction
One specification requested by industries is noise reducing caster wheels. This is done for two reasons. One, it lowers the sound the wheels can make when it is part of a mechanism that handles heavy equipment. Two, it protects employees from excessive noise.
Shock and Noise Absorption
Shock absorption and noise reduction go hand-in-hand when engineering caster wheels. When not properly designed, wheels do not handle shocks or vibration to the best of their ability. Thus, noise levels increase for both the handler and surrounding employees.
However, when engineered to the correct specifications, absorption can be reduced by as much as 80%. In turn, the noise produced can be lowered by as much as 25db. This makes a large difference in industries from factories to hospitals.
Finding the Right Manufacturer
If your company needs the casters for day-to-day transportation operations, carefully consider your choice for a manufacturer. If you are in charge of the selection, visit other industries. Check out how the casters on their transportation platforms handle shock and sound. Ask someone if they know who manufactured them.
If this is not an option, head to the internet. Not only will you find the websites of caster wheel companies but their reviews. Study these comments carefully. One disgruntled customer does not make a poor company if the rest of the reviews are positive. If possible, speak to the desired company to see samples of their work.
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Photo credit:
R.T Laird, Inc.
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