CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
With the continuous development and diversification of medical equipment, medical institutions are increasingly demanding higher mobility. Casters, as a crucial component of medical equipment, directly impact the safety, convenience, and lifespan of the equipment. This article will detail the key factors in selecting medical casters, helping medical institutions and purchasers make professional selections based on multiple factors, including technology, material, load-bearing capacity, and environmental adaptability. Caster suppliers will be mentioned frequently throughout the article, making it easier for companies to find wholesale or purchasing services. For wholesale or purchasing needs, please contact Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit https://www.giessencasters.com.
Medical casters can be categorized into the following categories based on their structural design:
Fixed casters: Provide only linear motion, are easy to install, and are suitable for equipment with a fixed path.
Swivel casters: Rotate 360°, enabling flexible maneuvering in confined spaces.
Casters with brakes: Equipped with a locking mechanism, they can be locked in place after movement, enhancing safety.
| Caster Types | Features | Applicable Equipment Examples |
| Fixed casters | Linear movement only, simple structure | Medical carts, instrument stands |
| Swivel casters | 360° rotation, high flexibility | Surgical instrument carts, mobile work tables |
| Casters with brakes | Lockable to prevent accidental movement | Medical beds, heavy equipment |
The medical environment places high demands on caster materials, requiring them to be wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, quiet, and contaminant-resistant. Common materials include:
Polyurethane (PU): wear-resistant and quiet, suitable for hospital floors.
Rubber: excellent cushioning properties, reduces equipment vibration, and is suitable for instrument transportation.
Nylon: high load-bearing capacity and chemical resistance, commonly used in laboratory equipment.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Applicable Environments |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Quiet, wear-resistant | Susceptible to scratches by sharp objects | Hospital wards and examination rooms |
| Rubber | Shock-absorbing, anti-slip | Dust-attracting, average wear resistance | Operating rooms and instrument transport |
| Nylon | Strong load-bearing capacity, chemical resistance | Slightly noisy during movement | Laboratory and storage environments |
Medical equipment varies greatly, from lightweight carts to heavy instruments. The load-bearing capacity of casters directly affects the safety and ease of use of the equipment. General Recommendations:
Lightweight equipment (≤50kg): Choose casters with a diameter of 50-75mm.
Medium-sized equipment (50-150kg): Choose casters with a diameter of 75-100mm, preferably made of PU or nylon. For heavy equipment (>150kg): Choose industrial-grade casters with a diameter of 100mm or more and strong load-bearing capacity.
Caster diameter affects the equipment's rolling resistance and stability:
Small diameter wheels (≤50mm): Suitable for lightweight equipment, offering flexible mobility but susceptible to obstacles.
Medium diameter wheels (50-100mm): Balanced mobility and stability, suitable for most medical equipment.
Large diameter wheels (>100mm): Suitable for heavy equipment, offering strong ability to navigate obstacles but with slightly lower steering flexibility.
| Equipment Type | Recommended Caster Diameter | Load Capacity | Recommended Material |
| Medical Cart | 50-75mm | 20-50kg | PU, Rubber |
| Mobile Workbench | 75-100mm | 50-150kg | PU, Nylon |
| Medical Bed/Heavy Equipment | 100-150mm | >150kg | Nylon or Industrial-Grade Steel Wheels |
The caster brake system is a crucial factor in ensuring safety during the movement of medical equipment. Common brake types include:
Total Lock: Locks the wheels and swivel mechanism to prevent movement and rotation, suitable for heavy beds and equipment.
Wheel Brake: Locks only the wheels to prevent slipping and is easy to operate.
Directional Lock: Locks the rotation direction, facilitating straight-line movement and minimizing steering error.
For daily hospital use, brake design should prioritize ease of use to avoid complex operations for medical staff in emergency situations. High-quality medical caster suppliers typically offer foot-operated or manual lever brakes for quick locking and release.
Brake Type; Features; Applicable Equipment
Full brake: Locks the wheel and swivel mechanism; Medical beds, heavy equipment
Wheel brake: Locks only the wheel for simple operation; Mobile carts, instrument tables
Steer brake: Locks the swivel direction for linear movement; Surgical instrument carts, monitoring equipment
Hospital environments have high requirements for cleanliness and static control:
Anti-static casters (ESD casters): Prevent instrument malfunctions caused by static electricity and are suitable for electronic equipment and laboratories.
Antimicrobial PU wheels: The tire surface contains antimicrobial ingredients, reducing the risk of bacterial transmission and are suitable for wards and operating rooms.
Some medical equipment is used in laboratories or specialized surgical environments and may come into contact with disinfectants, high-temperature steam, and other materials.
Nylon or polymer wheels: Chemical-resistant and suitable for frequent disinfection environments.
High-Temperature-Resistant Casters: Can be used in high-temperature disinfection or sterilization environments, ensuring the wheels remain intact.
| Features | Applications | Recommended Materials |
| Anti-static | Laboratory, electronic equipment | Nylon + conductive material |
| Antibacterial PU wheel | Hospital ward, operating room | PU + antibacterial component |
| Chemical/High-Temperature Resistant | Laboratory, sterilization environment | Nylon, polymer material |
Choosing specialized casters that meet the requirements of medical environments can reduce the risk of cross-infection and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
Even if you choose high-quality medical casters, regular maintenance is essential:
Cleaning the wheel surface: Avoid dust, fibers, or liquid residue that can cause wheel sticking.
Checking the brake system: Ensures flexible and reliable braking to prevent accidental slippage.
Lubricating the bearings: Reduces rolling resistance and extends service life.
When purchasing medical casters, consider the following factors:
Supplier Qualifications: Select an experienced caster supplier to ensure product quality and after-sales service.
Customization Capabilities: Different equipment has varying requirements for caster load capacity, size, and functionality. High-quality suppliers can provide customized solutions.
Bulk Purchasing Support: Hospitals and medical device manufacturers often require large quantities, and wholesale suppliers offer stable inventory and competitive pricing.
To purchase or wholesale high-quality medical casters, please contact Giessen Caster Supplier at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com.
Medical casters are more than just accessories for mobile equipment; they are crucial for ensuring safe, convenient, and efficient medical operations. Choosing the right medical caster requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including load capacity, size, material, brake type, and environmental compatibility. By partnering with a professional caster supplier, hospitals and medical device manufacturers can obtain high-quality, customized solutions, thereby improving the lifespan and operational efficiency of their equipment. Giessen Caster Supplier specializes in wholesale and custom medical casters, offering a full range of caster solutions, from lightweight medical carts to heavy-duty operating tables. Whether it's wear-resistant PU wheels, antibacterial wheels, or anti-static nylon wheels, they can meet the needs of diverse medical environments.
