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In the modern medical industry, casters, as essential components of medical equipment, directly impact the equipment's mobility, safety, and service life. For hospitals, clinics, and related manufacturers, the correct selection and application of casters for medical equipment is crucial not only for equipment stability and usability, but also for patient safety and care efficiency. This article will provide an in-depth guide to selecting casters for medical equipment from five perspectives, combining practical examples and technical details to provide a systematic reference for procurement and design professionals.
For wholesale or custom medical equipment casters, please contact Giessen Casters at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com.
Medical facilities differ from industrial workshops in that their environmental requirements are more stringent:
High Cleanliness Requirements: Hospitals require a highly sterile environment, requiring caster surfaces with excellent antibacterial and easy-to-clean properties. Low noise requirements: In nighttime wards, ICUs, and rehabilitation centers, low-noise movement is crucial to avoid disturbing patients' rest.
High safety requirements: Medical equipment often carries life-support systems or high-value instruments, so casters must have excellent load-bearing and braking performance.
The performance requirements for casters vary significantly across different medical devices:
Heavy-duty medical equipment, such as diagnostic imaging equipment and operating tables, requires high-load, high-strength casters.
Medium- and light-duty equipment, such as IV poles and carts, prioritizes lightness and flexibility.
High-precision equipment, such as testing equipment, requires low vibration and high stability.
The performance of medical equipment casters is often determined by a combination of technical parameters.
Load capacity is the primary consideration when selecting a medical caster. The load range of a medical caster should be calculated based on the weight of the equipment, the usage scenario, and the frequency of movement.
Single-wheel load capacity: The typical range is 40–500 kg.
Overall load capacity: Equipment typically has 4–6 casters, and the overall safety margin must be met.
Common materials for medical equipment casters:
TPR (thermoplastic rubber): Soft, quiet, and shock-resistant.
PU (polyurethane): Wear-resistant, high-load-bearing, suitable for heavy equipment.
Nylon: Lightweight, high-strength, suitable for hard floors.
Stainless steel bracket: Corrosion-resistant, suitable for sterile environments.
Braking systems for medical casters include:
Single-wheel brake: Suitable for small and medium-sized equipment, providing quick fixation.
Dual brake system: Simultaneously locks the wheels and swivel to prevent equipment from drifting.
Centralized brake: Commonly used on hospital beds or large equipment, offering centralized control and easy operation.
Rotation angle and rotational damping affect the efficiency of equipment movement.
360° free rotation: High flexibility, suitable for frequent movement.
Fixed casters: Combined with swivel casters, provide improved straight-ahead stability.
Table 1: Technical Parameter Comparison of Common Medical Equipment Casters
| Parameters | TPR Caster | PU Caster | Nylon Caster | Stainless Steel Caster |
| Load Capacity | Medium | High | Medium-High | Depends on the bracket |
| Quietness | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good |
| Wear Resistance | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Features: High load capacity, requires centrally controlled brakes to ensure safe movement and docking.
Recommendation: Choose high-strength PU casters or TPR silent casters with antimicrobial coating.
Features: Frequent movement, requiring lightness, flexibility, and low noise.
Recommendation: Choose TPR casters with a diameter of 75–100mm and a single-wheel brake.
Features: High-precision instruments, requiring low vibration and high stability. Recommendation: Use PU casters or anti-vibration casters with stainless steel brackets.
3.4 Rehabilitation Equipment Casters
Features: Medium load capacity, requiring smooth and safe operation.
Recommendation: Use soft TPR material to avoid floor damage.
Table 2: Comparison of Medical Equipment and Recommended Caster Types
| Medical Equipment Category | Recommended Caster Material | Recommended Diameter | Recommended Braking System |
| Bed | PU/TPR | 125–150 mm | Centrally Controlled Brake |
| Trolley | TPR | 75–100 mm | Single-wheel Brake |
| Laboratory Equipment | PU/Anti-vibration | 100–125 mm | Dual Brake System |
| Rehabilitation Equipment | TPR | 75–100 mm | Single-wheel Brake |
Medical equipment casters must meet the following inspection criteria:
Load Test: Confirms stable operation under rated load.
Endurance Test: Simulates long-term use to verify wear resistance.
Braking Reliability: Ensures sensitive and safe braking. Antimicrobial performance testing: Ensures suitability for sterile environments.
Clean regularly to prevent dust and hair entanglement.
Check the brake mechanism for sensitivity.
Lubricate the bearings to ensure smooth rotation.
Regularly replace severely worn casters to ensure equipment safety.
Provide Customized Solutions: Recommend suitable casters based on equipment characteristics.
Ensure Quality and Standards: Comply with international medical device standards.
Provide Wholesale and After-Sales Support: Suitable for large-scale purchases by hospitals and medical device manufacturers.
Qualifications and Certifications: Whether they have ISO, CE, or other certifications.
Production Capacity: Whether they can support OEM/ODM customization.
Case Studies: Whether they have collaborated with large medical institutions.
Service Capabilities: Whether they can provide rapid response and technical support.
To purchase or wholesale medical equipment casters, please contact:
Email: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
Choosing casters for medical equipment is more than just a matter of accessories; it's a crucial factor affecting medical efficiency, patient safety, and equipment lifespan. By following these five guidelines, you can make a more informed and informed decision based on factors such as load capacity, material, braking method, application scenario, and supplier selection.
