Description

“RT” Retort Autoclave Wheel for Stainless Steel Casters

The “RT” Autoclave Wheel is a high-temperature plastic wheel designed for stainless steel casters used in tough environments. With a maximum capacity of 350 pounds, this wheel thrives in high heat, steam, and moisture. It comes in 3-inch, 4-inch, and 5-inch diameters, each with a 1.25-inch width. The wheel features a plain bore with a stainless steel spanner bushing for a 3/8-inch axle diameter. Its white color helps spot dirt easily, ensuring cleanliness in sensitive settings like food processing, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and medical facilities. Built for autoclaves, steam retorts, and wash-down applications, the AC wheel resists chemicals, water, and wear while maintaining hygiene and performance.

Key Features and Specifications

• Maximum Capacity: Supports up to 350 pounds per wheel, ideal for heavy-duty equipment in demanding settings.
• Material: High-temperature plastic resists heat, steam, moisture, oils, acids, solvents, and cleaning agents.
• Wheel Width: 1.25 inches, providing stability and smooth movement.
• Wheel Height: Available in 3-inch, 4-inch, and 5-inch diameters for versatile caster applications.
• Bore and Bushing: Plain bore with a stainless steel spanner bushing fits a 3/8-inch axle for secure attachment.
• Color: White for easy detection of contaminants, supporting strict hygiene standards.
• Non-Marking: Prevents marks on floors, perfect for autoclave environments and other moisturized heat or wet environments.
• Temperature Resistance: Handles up to 300°F and 29 PSI in autoclave conditions.
• Durability: Offers high impact strength and abrasion resistance for long-lasting use.

Why Choose the “RT” Autoclave Wheel? The “RT” wheel stands out in environments where standard casters fail. Unlike phenolic or epoxy resin wheels, which work better in dry heat, this wheel excels in moist, high-temperature settings. Autoclaves, used in medical and pharmaceutical industries, sterilize equipment with steam and pressure. The “RT” wheel withstands these conditions without breaking down. Its high-temperature plastic material stays strong against corrosive substances like cleaning chemicals, oils, and acids. This makes it a top choice for facilities that need reliable, hygienic, and durable casters.

In food processing, the wheel supports equipment like carts and racks in wash-down areas. The white color shows dirt clearly, so staff can clean quickly to meet sanitary rules. Laboratories benefit from the wheel’s resistance to solvents and its lightweight design, which makes moving heavy equipment easier. Medical facilities use these wheels on beds, carts, and sterilization units, ensuring smooth operation even after repeated steam cycles. The “RT” wheel’s non-marking feature protects floors, and its stainless steel bushing ensures a secure fit on axles, reducing wear over time.

How It Works The “RT” wheel’s high-temperature plastic is engineered for tough conditions. In an autoclave, steam and pressure sterilize tools and equipment. Normal wheels might crack or degrade, but the AC wheel maintains its shape and resists moisturized heat. Its propietary blends of plastics and fiberglass and heat-resistant polymer additives resists water, so it won’t swell or weaken in wet environments. The stainless steel spanner bushing ensures a tight fit on the axle, preventing wobbling or detachment under heavy loads. With a 350-pound capacity per wheel, four wheels can support up to 1400 pounds total, making it suitable for heavy carts or racks.

The 1.25-inch width balances stability and maneuverability. The wheel’s design reduces friction, allowing smooth rolling even on wet or uneven surfaces. Its abrasion resistance means it won’t wear down quickly, even with frequent use. The white color isn’t just for looks—it helps staff spot dirt or contaminants fast, which is critical in food and medical settings where cleanliness is non-negotiable.

Benefits Over Other Wheels Compared to standard caster wheels, the “RT” Autoclave Wheel offers unique advantages. Metal wheels can rust in wet conditions, and rubber wheels may degrade under heat or chemicals. Phenolic wheels, while heat-resistant, don’t handle moisture well. The AC wheel’s plastic material solves these problems by resisting both heat and water. Its lightweight design reduces strain on equipment, and the non-marking surface protects expensive flooring in cleanrooms or hospitals.

The wheel’s versatility comes from its three size options. The 3-inch diameter works for low-profile carts, while the 5-inch size handles heavier loads or uneven floors. The 4-inch option offers a middle ground, perfect for most standard applications. Each size maintains the same 350-pound capacity, so you can choose based on height needs without sacrificing strength.

Installation and Maintenance Installing the “RT” wheel is simple. The plain bore and stainless steel spanner bushing fit a 3/8-inch axle, a common size for stainless steel casters. Ensure the axle is clean and secure the wheel with proper fasteners. Maintenance is minimal—rinse the wheel with water or mild cleaning agents after use in wash-down areas. Avoid harsh abrasives to preserve the wheel’s surface. Regularly check the bushing for wear, though its stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability.

Why It Matters In industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals, downtime costs money. A failed wheel can halt production or compromise hygiene. The “RT” Autoclave Wheel prevents these issues with its robust design. Its ability to handle steam, pressure, and chemicals ensures equipment stays operational. The white color and non-marking feature align with strict sanitary standards, reducing the risk of contamination. For laboratories and medical facilities, this wheel offers peace of mind, knowing it won’t fail during critical sterilization processes.

The “RT” wheel also supports worker safety. Its high impact strength prevents cracking under heavy loads, reducing the chance of equipment tipping. Smooth rolling minimizes effort when moving carts, lowering strain for staff. Whether in a hospital, lab, or food plant, this wheel delivers reliability and performance.

Technical Details The “RT” wheel’s high-temperature plastic is a specialized polymer blend, formulated to withstand autoclave conditions. It resists temperatures up to 300°F and pressures up to 29 PSI, common in sterilization processes. The material’s chemical resistance protects against oils, acids, solvents, and cleaning agents, ensuring the wheel stays intact in harsh environments. The 1.25-inch width distributes weight evenly, reducing floor pressure and improving stability. The stainless steel spanner bushing prevents corrosion, unlike standard steel bushings that might rust in wet conditions.

Each wheel supports 350 pounds, making it suitable for medium to heavy-duty applications. The plain bore design simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs, while the stainless steel bushing ensures a precise fit. The wheel’s abrasion resistance means it can handle rough surfaces without wearing down, and its lightweight construction reduces overall equipment weight, improving efficiency.

Industry Standards The “RT” Autoclave Wheel meets the needs of industries with strict regulations. In food processing, it aligns with FDA and USDA cleanliness standards due to its non-marking and easy-to-clean design. In pharmaceuticals, it supports Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by resisting contamination and chemicals. Medical facilities benefit from its compatibility with autoclave sterilization, ensuring compliance with health and safety rules. The wheel’s durability also reduces replacement costs, making it a cost-effective choice for high-demand settings.

Customer Feedback Users in food processing praise the AC wheel’s ability to handle frequent wash-downs without degrading. Pharmaceutical companies note its reliability in cleanrooms, where hygiene is critical. Medical staff appreciate the smooth rolling and non-marking features, which protect hospital floors. Laboratories value the wheel’s chemical resistance, as it withstands spills and solvents without damage. These qualities make the AC wheel a trusted solution across industries.

Conclusion The “RT” Autoclave Wheel is a reliable, durable, and hygienic choice for stainless steel casters in challenging environments. With a 350-pound capacity, high-temperature plastic material, 1.25-inch width, and 3-inch, 4-inch, or 5-inch diameters, it meets the needs of autoclaves, steam retorts, and wash-down applications. Its resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals ensures long-lasting performance in food processing, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and medical facilities. Choose the AC wheel for smooth, safe, and sanitary operation in your toughest settings.

Applications The “RT” Autoclave Wheel is built for specific uses where heat, moisture, and hygiene matter most. Here are its main applications:

• Autoclaves: Perfect for sterilization equipment in medical and pharmaceutical settings, handling steam and pressure up to 300°F and 29 PSI.
• Steam Retorts: Used in food processing to sterilize canned goods, resisting high temperatures and moisture.
• Wash-Down Applications: Ideal for areas requiring frequent cleaning with water and chemicals, such as food prep stations.
• Pharmaceutical Facilities: Supports cleanroom carts and equipment, maintaining hygiene and resisting solvents.
• Laboratories: Moves heavy lab equipment smoothly, even in corrosive or wet conditions.
• Medical Facilities: Used on hospital beds, carts, and sterilization units, ensuring durability and cleanliness.