Thermoplastic Rubber Wheels

February 10, 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.

Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) wheels are a great general purpose wheel that can be used for many applications that don't require high heat or capacity. TPR excels in janitorial applications, kitchens and restaurants, automotive applications and other harsh environments that would shorten the life span of other wheels.

Characteristics of TPR

TPR is resistant to water, steam, cleaning solvents, chemicals, oils, and greases. However, TPR can only withstand temperatures up to 180° F, so environments that get a lot of heat are not recommended for TPR. We also don't recommend TPR for applications where the wheel would be bearing heavy loads or sitting still for long periods of time, because rubber tends to develop flat spots. 

TPR is a floor-safe wheel that will not scratch, damage, or mark the floor. It's great for hardwood and tile floors. If looking for a similar wheel in a different material, polyurethane is similarly floor safe if less durable.

TPR is typically recommended for rough surfaces, because soft wheels roll over cracks and debris easier. For smoother floors, a harder wheel gives an easier rolling experience. A wheel with a higher diameter will be easier to roll regardless of the wheel material.

Capacity

Rubber wheels of all types typically have a lower capacity than other materials, but TPR is on the higher end of rubber wheels. However, all rubbers have bad diminishing return on increased capacity to increased diameter and wheel size, so while smaller wheels are comparable to other materials, larger wheels have significantly lower capacity.

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

When rubber is pushed past its carrying capacity it tends to tear.

Applications

Below are just a few commonly recommended applications that are great with TPR wheels:

• Janitorial Equipment
• Job Boxes
• Mop Buckets
• Platform Trucks
• Restaurants/Kitchens
• Shelf Carts
• Shopping Carts
• Theaters/Entertainment Applications
• Trash Can Dollies
• Warehouses
• Welding Carts
• Wet Environments

Final Thoughts

Thermoplastic rubber is a great general purpose wheels for those conscious of their floors that don't need to carry high capacities.

Need help finding the right caster for your project? Contact us or give us a call at 800-345-0425 to speak to one of our caster experts!

Light Duty TPR Casters Medium Duty TPR Casters All TPR Wheels

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