Which Polyurethane Caster Wheels Are Superior: Liquid Cast or Injection Molded?
An assessment of the differences between liquid cast polyurethane tires and injection molded polyurethane wheels, especially in the context of specific application scenarios.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Liquid Cast Polyurethane Tires:
- Load and Prolonged Parking: Liquid cast polyurethane tires are indeed well-suited for applications where there will be a medium to heavy load left on the wheels, and the object is parked for a prolonged period of time. The flexibility and durability of liquid cast polyurethane allow it to withstand prolonged static loads without losing its shape or structural integrity.
- Resistance to Deterioration: These tires tend to resist deterioration, even if they are not moved frequently. They can handle long periods of inactivity without suffering from brittleness or chunking.
Caster City Manufactures liquid caster polyurethane caster wheels in the following configurations:
- Limited Load Support: Injection molded polyurethane wheels may not be the best choice for supporting heavy loads for extended periods, especially if they are infrequently moved. As mentioned, these wheels can become inflexible and may fail when subjected to loads after being stationary for a long time.
- Potential for Chunking: The curing process of injection-molded polyurethane can indeed result in a more rigid and less flexible tire. When these wheels are moved after months of inactivity, they can be more prone to chunking, where parts of the tire may break apart due to the loss of flexibility.
Our answer? The choice between liquid cast polyurethane and injection molded polyurethane depends on the specific needs of the application. For scenarios where you expect medium to heavy loads to be stationary for extended periods, liquid cast polyurethane tires are a more reliable choice. On the other hand, injection molded polyurethane wheels may be suitable for applications with frequent movement but can be less dependable when subjected to infrequent movement or heavy loads during extended periods of inactivity.
