How to determine the load-bearing capacity of casters?

Key points for determining caster load-bearing capacity:

1. Look at the core parameter indicators:
* The key indicators are "dynamic load" (maximum load during long-term rolling) and "static load" (maximum load at rest, typically 2-3 times the dynamic load). Units are usually kg or N.
* It is important to distinguish between "load per wheel" and "total load": Household casters may indicate the total load, which needs to be divided by the number of casters to obtain the dynamic load per wheel (for example, if a total load of 800 kg is 800 kg and four casters are used, the dynamic load per wheel is 200 kg). Industrial casters are usually indicated with single-wheel parameters.

2. Calculate actual requirements (the most important step):
* Required dynamic load per wheel = Total weight of furniture (including items) ÷ Number of casters × Safety factor
* Use a safety factor of 1.2-1.5: 1.5 for frequent movement, uneven surfaces, or heavy loads, and 1.2 for light, fixed loads. This factor is used to account for the possibility of overload on one side during movement.

3. Check Material and Structure (Auxiliary Verification):
* Wheel Material: For high load-bearing capacity, choose cast iron core PU wheels, nylon wheels (containing fiberglass), or steel wheels (typically >200kg per wheel); ordinary PU/rubber wheels are second best (50-200kg); plastic wheels have the lowest load-bearing capacity (≤50kg).
* Bracket: High-load-bearing brackets should be thick (≥3mm steel plate/stainless steel) and welded securely without any gaps.
* Bearings: Roller bearings and tapered roller bearings offer better load-bearing capacity than deep groove ball bearings; larger bearings and more balls are better.

4. Simple Test Verification:
* Static Test: Place a weight 1.2 times the dynamic load and let it sit for 24 hours. Check for obvious wheel deformation/cracks, bracket bending, and smooth rotation.
* Dynamic Test (Optional): Push the load and roll the wheel multiple times to check for wear, abnormal noise, overheating, or looseness.

Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls:

Beware of false labeling: Prioritize products with clear specifications, brands, and test reports. Avoid casters without these specifications.

Avoid overloading small wheels: Small casters (e.g., <2 inches) may have poor durability even if they are rated for high loads. For heavy loads, choose larger wheels (e.g., ≥5 inches).

Clearly define parameters: When purchasing, be sure to confirm whether the load capacity is indicated as "single wheel" or "total."

Summary: The key is to calculate the required dynamic load per wheel based on the total weight of the furniture and the safety factor, then select the correct specifications based on the product label. Verify the product through material and structural observation and simple testing. Be wary of false labeling and incorrect selection.