Neoprene Rubber Caster Wheels

April 05, 2023

There are many types of rubber wheels in the caster industry, catered to all sorts of environments and needs. Each has their benefits and drawbacks, and come at different price points.

Neoprene rubber is a premium wheel material that tends to be on the pricier side, but has all sorts of benefits and may be the right material for your applications.

Characteristics of Neoprene

Neoprene rubber is synthetic and made from a polymer of chloroprene, which gives it a high degree of chemical stability and resistance to UV radiation.

Neoprene caster wheels offer the quietest, softest and smoothest rolling experience a caster wheel can offer. This is one of our go to choices for rough floors, because they deform easier on rough surfaces, making it easier to roll over uneven floors and requiring less effort to move forward. The rubber is also highly elastic, able to withstand hard impacts. 

Neoprene is also known for it's resistance to abrasion and tearing. However, the wheels may mark your floors when dragged.

In general, neoprene tends to age better than other natural and synthetic rubbers. Neoprene is among the longest lasting rubber wheels you can get, so it is often used in making gaskets and hoses. It will keep you from replacing your wheels so often, reducing the downtime required to replace them.

Neoprene rubber is also known for its ability to resist water, oils, grease, chemicals and solvents; making it an ideal choice for a variety of industrial applications

Capacity

Rubber wheels of all types typically have a lower capacity than other materials, and neoprene holds the least capacity of all rubber wheels. For example, our 3" x 1-1/4" neoprene wheel has the same capacity as our 5" x 1-1/4" neoprene wheel, only 200 lbs. Neoprene wheels are meant for smooth rides, not carrying capacity. 

If your load is near the wheel's maximum capacity and will need to remain stationary for an extended period, neoprene wheels will often develop flat spots.

Applications

Below are just a few commonly recommended applications that are great with neoprene rubber casters.

• Executive Office Chairs
• Industrial Carts
• Messy workshops with lots of debris
• Quiet Environments
• Warehouses (with rough floors)

Neoprene wheels would work in many other applications, but it may be overkill or out of budget for other projects where other rubber would suffice. You can learn more about other rubber wheels here.

Final Thoughts

Neoprene rubber wheels overall make for a reliable and long-lasting choice in a wide range of applications where a smooth ride is needed.

Have any questions? Need help selecting your next caster? Feel free to contact us or give us a call at 800-345-0425 and speak with a caster expert (Mon-Fri 7am - 4:30pm). 

Shop Neoprene Wheels Shop Light Duty Neoprene Casters

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