What is the load-bearing capacity of TPE casters?

Analysis of the Load-Bearing Capacity of TPE Casters: Suitable Applications and Influencing Factors
The load-bearing capacity of TPE casters is not a fixed value. Instead, it is influenced by both the TPE material formulation (hardness, reinforcement components) and the caster structural design (bracket material, wheel size). Overall, it offers "light to medium load coverage and customization," meeting the needs of most everyday and light industrial applications. A detailed analysis is as follows:

In terms of basic load-bearing capacity, ordinary unmodified TPE casters (Shore hardness 60-80A) paired with a plastic or ordinary carbon steel bracket typically have a rated load of 50-150kg per wheel. These casters are suitable for light-load applications such as supermarket lightweight shelving, office filing cabinets, and mobile furniture. They can easily handle the weight of everyday items and are less likely to deform over time.

By modifying the formula (such as adding glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforcement, or increasing the hardness to 80-95 Shore A), along with thickening the carbon steel frame and increasing the wheel diameter (for example, from 50mm to 100mm), the load-bearing capacity of TPE casters can be increased to 150-300kg. These reinforced TPE casters are suitable for light industrial applications, such as PCB transfer carts in electronics factories, food processing plant food turnover carts, and hospital nursing carts. They can carry medium-sized equipment or materials while maintaining good rolling flexibility.

However, it should be noted that TPE casters have a significant upper limit on their load-bearing capacity, making them difficult to meet heavy-duty requirements. Their material is inherently less rigid than polyurethane (PU), nylon, or metal, and even with extreme modification, a single wheel's load capacity is unlikely to exceed 350kg. Forcibly used in heavy-duty applications (such as carts transporting tons of parts or heavy industrial machine tool supports), the wheel can suffer from long-term pressure, leading to permanent dents and even bending of the support frame and cracking of the wheel, posing a safety risk of equipment tipping.

In summary, the load-bearing capacity of TPE casters can be adjusted to cover "light to medium loads" (50-300kg) by adjusting the formula and structure, making them suitable for home, office, and light industrial use. However, they are not suitable for heavy equipment. When selecting, prioritize TPE casters with the appropriate load rating based on actual load requirements to avoid overloading.