When operations employees struggle to maneuver carts loaded with materials, they put themselves at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This strain reduces workers’ productivity and can lead to costly injury claims.
Ergonomic equipment helps prevent MSDs, lowering absenteeism and lost production time. One key ergonomic factor is the caster wheel diameter.
Durability
Phenolic caster wheels, or phenolic resin wheels, are commonly used in material handling equipment, carts, and industrial applications. They are known for their durability and various advantageous properties.
Phenolic caster wheels are made from a composite material known as phenolic resin. This material is created by impregnating layers of fabric or paper with phenolic resin and then subjecting it to heat and pressure. This results in a dense and durable wheel.
Phenolic wheels offer significant capacity for the price and are a good solution if you require a complex, non-marking wheel. However, they can be noisy and brittle and are not recommended for wet applications as they will break down quickly when moisture infiltrates the outer shell of the wheel.
In addition, the phenolic’s ability to retain debris can make push-pull efforts more difficult and increase your chances of injury. A caster expert can help determine your application’s best caster wheel material.
Safety
Phenolic caster wheels are often used on bakery carts and various institutional equipment due to their robust construction that can resist grease and chemicals. These wheels are also non-metallic and non-sparking, making them an excellent choice for environments where hygienic conditions must be maintained.
However, phenolic wheels can be problematic for operations that require active mobility on delicate flooring surfaces, as their rugged tread can collect debris and puncture flooring – leaving dents and dimples. This is especially true in wet environments where water and other liquids can weaken the protective outer coating on a phenolic wheel.
Additionally, phenolic wheels are not known as the quietest operating casters and may produce distracting noise when moving or turning. Consider exploring glass-filled nylon wheels if you want a durable, heavy-duty caster that offers best-in-class floor protection, debris rejection, and quiet operation. These wheels are made from macerated denim mixed with phenolic resin and are formed in close-fitting molds under high temperatures and pressure.
Resistance to Corrosion
Phenolic wheels are highly durable and affordable, making them an excellent choice for many caster applications. They resist hazardous chemicals, harsh environments, and extreme temperatures well and glide smoothly without damaging hard floors. They also have a high carrying capacity and are quieter than steel wheels.
However, they do not perform as well in wet environments or situations where the wheel is prone to exposure to moisture. In these cases, the outer coating of the wheel can crack and cause the internal part to break down when exposed to liquids.
If you work in a wet environment or your wheels are frequently exposed to moisture, a glass-filled nylon can be helpful. These alternatives offer better floor protection, debris rejection, and noise reduction than phenolic wheels.
Stability
Phenolic wheels are known for supporting heavy loads without damaging floors. They’re quieter than steel and aluminum wheels and have superior floor protection. This makes them ideal for environments where active mobility is necessary, but floors must be protected.
These wheels are typically molded from macerated fabric mixed with phenolic resin and formed in close-fitting molds under high pressure and temperature. These features make them resistant to oil, grease, common acids, and solvents.
However, if the outer shell cracks due to harsh applications and environments, it can become vulnerable to complete breakdown by liquids that infiltrate the inner body of the wheel. This could lead to the wheel becoming brittle and ineffective in the application. For this reason, phenolic wheels should only be used in dry applications.