Overview

Caster wheels are critical components in mobile equipment, yet their performance is often underestimated. The choice of wheel material and diameter directly influences mobility efficiency, operational noise, durability, and floor compatibility. This article explains how these two factors affect caster performance from a practical engineering perspective.

1. How Wheel Material Determines Performance

Polyurethane Wheels

Polyurethane combines elasticity with strength, making it one of the most versatile caster materials.

Key advantages:

• Balanced rolling resistance

• High wear resistance under continuous use

• Suitable for both smooth and slightly uneven floors

• Minimal floor marking

Polyurethane wheels are commonly selected where durability and operator comfort are equally important.

Rubber-Based Wheels

Rubber wheels emphasize comfort rather than load efficiency.

Key characteristics:

• Excellent vibration dampening

• Reduced noise during movement

• Higher effort required when pushing under load

They are ideal for environments where silence and surface protection are prioritized.

Engineering Plastics (Nylon / PP)

Hard plastic wheels focus on efficiency and strength.

Key characteristics:

• Very low deformation under load

• High resistance to moisture, chemicals, and oils

• Increased noise and reduced shock absorption

These wheels perform best on clean, hard surfaces.

Metal Wheels

Cast iron or steel wheels are selected only when standard materials cannot meet environmental demands.

Key characteristics:

• Exceptional load-bearing capability

• Suitable for extreme temperatures

• Limited comfort and floor compatibility

2. Why Wheel Diameter Matters

Push Force and Mobility

Larger diameters reduce the force required to initiate and maintain movement. This becomes critical for manually operated equipment.

Surface Adaptability

Wheels with larger diameters roll over floor joints, cables, and debris more smoothly, reducing vibration and wheel wear.

Service Life

Increased diameter reduces contact stress, extending both wheel and bearing lifespan.

Design Considerations

Smaller diameters allow compact designs but compromise mobility. Designers must balance space constraints with operational efficiency.

3. Selecting the Optimal Combination

Summary

Caster performance depends on the combined effect of wheel material and diameter. A well-matched configuration reduces maintenance, improves safety, and enhances equipment usability across industries.

✅ 行业分析 · 第二版本

家具行业脚轮细分趋势（不同表达）

Title

Mobility Trends in Furniture Design: The Evolving Role of Caster Wheels

Industry Background

Furniture design is shifting toward adaptability and user-centered functionality. Mobility has become a key feature, driving increased adoption of caster wheels in both residential and commercial furniture products.

1. Flexible Living and Working Spaces

Urbanization and hybrid work models have increased demand for furniture that can be easily rearranged.

Furniture casters enable:

• Quick space reconfiguration

• Multi-purpose furniture use

• Improved accessibility

Mobility is no longer optional—it is expected.

2. User Comfort as a Core Requirement

Furniture casters must operate quietly and smoothly.

Manufacturers increasingly specify:

• Soft-tread wheel materials

• Precision swivel bearings

• Low rolling noise performance

User experience is a major decision factor.

3. Integration with Furniture Aesthetics

Casters are transitioning from exposed hardware to integrated components.

Design-oriented requirements include:

• Compact caster housings

• Color-matched wheels

• Hidden mounting solutions

Casters must complement modern furniture styling.

4. Stability and Control Features

In furniture applications, uncontrolled movement presents safety risks.

Common solutions include:

• Total lock braking systems

• Directional locks for straight-line movement

• Anti-slip designs

These features enhance product reliability.

5. Environmental Awareness and Compliance

Sustainability influences purchasing decisions in the furniture industry.

Manufacturers prefer casters that offer:

• Durable materials with extended service life

• Compliance with environmental regulations

• Reduced material waste

Long-term performance is valued over short-term cost savings.

6. Market Development Outlook

The furniture caster segment continues to expand due to:

• Growth in modular furniture systems

• Increased renovation activity

• Rising demand for ergonomic home and office furniture

Suppliers capable of combining design flexibility with technical reliability are gaining market preference.

Conclusion

Caster wheels have become functional and strategic components in modern furniture design. As mobility, safety, and sustainability requirements increase, professional caster solutions will continue to play a vital role in furniture innovation.