Polyurethanes have superior chemical resistance. In extreme environments, rubber would break down quickly, so urethane is essential. Hard urethane hubs are a great alternative to metallic hubs for areas that may be contaminated with metal. The food and paper industries have seen significant benefits from polymer wheel solutions. They’re an excellent solution for applications where abrasion and chemical resistance are crucial.
DuraGlide
Hamilton offers various applications for its durable and versatile DuraGlide polyurethane wheel. This heat-resistant polyurethane wheel minimizes internal tensions and is less vulnerable to heat build-up. The wheels’ moisture and heat-resistant properties make them ideal for heavy manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and military applications. They also make for an excellent choice in food manufacturing.
The ultra-glide wheel series is another option from Hamilton, and this wheel series features a flat center band, a half-round tread, and maintenance-free precision ball bearings. It comes in two models for enhanced rollability and floor protection: the 622 and the 822. The Ergo poly is made of high-density polyurethane and is designed to provide superior grip while minimizing floor damage.
TerraTech
The advantages of using TerraTech polyurethane wheels for construction equipment are clear. These wheels are made of a polymer material and offer the same benefits as a rubber caster wheel, such as higher load-bearing capacity. Additionally, unlike metal wheels, polyurethane wheels provide better traction to reduce stress on the floor. The wheels are suitable for use in various harsh environments, including oil, grease, salt, blood, and harsh chemicals.
The heavy-duty TerraTech Wheels by Hamilton are made with three different types of polyurethane and two different rubber compounds. The caster wheels have a 10-inch diameter and are available in various sizes. The caster wheels can move loads as heavy as 22,800 lbs. at ten mph. Whether you need a heavy-duty wheel for construction projects or a light-duty one for everyday use, the new TerraTech wheels are built to last and are made in the USA.
Urethane drive wheels
The advantages of Polyurethane drive wheels are apparent. The material is highly resilient and can handle various conditions, including varying temperatures and humidity. It also forgives on rough surfaces. However, a change in surface type can cause the wheel to wear prematurely. In some instances, a different material is preferred, such as steel or aluminum wheels. However, the pros of urethane outweigh the cons.
The versatility of polyurethane drive wheels is also apparent in the materials used for their cores and inserts. UHMW PE and ABS, for example, are both used for seats and inserts of UHMW polyurethane drive wheels. They have excellent traction on wood and glass and are easy to repair. Polyurethane drives can also be manufactured with hubs. The process of recoating an existing wheel with a Polyurethane material also reduces tooling costs.
TerraTech up stop wheels.
A TerraTech stop wheel is a truck wheel with massive double-stacked precision ball bearings and extra-wide, solid tires that can carry heavy loads. These wheels feature a guaranteed bond to the rim and a high-density 1045 steel core. In addition, these wheels are CNC-machined to extremely tight tolerances. Typically, you can buy a set of wheels in the most common sizes, though they can also be ordered in non-stock sizes from the factory.