316 Stainless Steel Swivel Caster – 5″ Polyolefin Wheel

Description

316 Stainless Steel Vs. 304 Stainless Steel

In industrial and engineering applications, the choice between 316 and 304 stainless steel is driven by environmental exposure and corrosion resistance requirements. 316 stainless steel, enhanced with molybdenum (2-3%) and a higher nickel content, provides superior resistance to chlorides and harsh chemicals compared to 304 stainless. This makes it essential for marine environments, chemical processing facilities, and applications involving aggressive cleaning agents or high salt concentrations.

The addition of molybdenum in 316 stainless significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly critical in environments where chloride exposure is constant. This grade is widely specified in marine installations, chemical plants, food processing facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing where regular exposure to caustic cleaning agents and process chemicals would compromise 304 stainless steel’s integrity.

While 316 stainless steel commands a higher price point than 304, its enhanced corrosion resistance makes it the optimal choice for applications where equipment failure due to corrosion cannot be tolerated.

316 Stainless Steel Industrial Casters Model 3. Capacity up to 300 pounds per caster. 316 stainless steel casters excel in highly corrosive environments such as marine applications, chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing facilities (especially those using caustic cleaners or salt), water treatment facilities, and any setting where exposure to chlorides, acids, or harsh cleaning agents is routine.

Caster City manufactures this 316 stainless steel caster for washdowns and as-such it has no dust cap covering the swivel bearing. Utilizing a 1.25″ wide wheel design that provides optimal load distribution while maintaining maneuverability in tight spaces.

Polyolefin Caster Wheels are injection molded from a blend of thermoplastic polymers forming a one piece solid sanitary design. These Polyolefin wheels are especially suited for wet and corrosive applications. They are very resistant to most commonly encountered liquids. Polyolefin wheels have a lower capacity and a more limited temperature range than Nylon wheels. In a cold dry environment, such as a refrigerated store room, Polyolefin wheels may become brittle. They should not be used in a freezer or a heat application above 180°F intermittent usage, such as a rack washer.

This donut shaped wheel in 316 Stainless Steel casters comes Plain Bore with a bushing in the wheel.  It’s tread shape enables it to change directions much more easily.

*Photo shown of 5 inch diameter polyolefin wheel in a 316 Stainless Steel swivel caster bracket.