What are the advantages and disadvantages of nylon versus polyurethane wheels for supermarket trolleys?

Nylon and polyurethane are the two most common materials for supermarket trolley wheels. They differ significantly in performance, cost, and applicable scenarios. A comparison of their advantages and disadvantages is provided below:

From a pro-perty perspective, the core advantages of nylon wheels lie in wear resistance and affordability. Due to their high hardness, the wheel surface wears much slower than polyurethane wheels when rolling on hard surfaces over a long period of time. Their service life can reach 1.5-2 times that of polyurethane wheels, and their lower production costs make them suitable for large-scale replacement purchases by supermarkets. Furthermore, nylon wheels are lightweight (approximately 30% lighter than polyurethane wheels of the same size), reducing the overall weight of the trolley and making it easier for customers to push it. They also offer excellent corrosion resistance and are less susceptible to aging in the slightly humid environment of fresh produce areas.

Polyurethane wheels, on the other hand, excel at comfort and floor protection. Their elasticity helps absorb vibrations caused by minor floor bumps during rolling, resulting in smoother handling. They are also quieter than nylon wheels (reducing noise levels by 5-10dB), making them suitable for supermarkets that demand a high-quality shopping experience. Furthermore, polyurethane wheels have a higher coefficient of friction, making them less prone to slipping on wet, non-slip tiles. Their soft material won't scratch high-end surfaces like marble and epoxy, reducing maintenance costs.

On the downside, nylon wheels lack elasticity, resulting in noticeable vibration and noise when used on rough surfaces. Furthermore, the material can become brittle at low temperatures, potentially causing cracks on the wheel surface and shortening its lifespan. Polyurethane wheels also have weaker wear resistance, prone to wear and deformation over time, especially on rough surfaces like emery, resulting in a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, they are more expensive to produce, with procurement costs 20%-30% higher than nylon wheels. They also soften easily at high temperatures, reducing their load-bearing capacity.