Safe and trustworthy products and services. Request a quote.
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
In modern medical facilities, casters are essential components for ensuring mobility and safety, whether used on beds, IV poles, carts, operating tables, or large testing equipment. Given the stringent hygiene, stability, and durability requirements of medical equipment, the selection, regular inspection, and replacement cycle of casters are crucial. Neglecting this step often leads to poor equipment operation and even endangers the safety of patients and medical staff. Therefore, this article systematically analyzes the inspection process, common problems, replacement cycles, key maintenance points, and supplier selection criteria for medical equipment casters, providing professional reference for hospital logistics staff, equipment managers, and caster wholesalers.
To purchase or wholesale medical equipment casters, contact Giessen Caster Supplier at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com for more information.
Medical equipment casters are typically composed of the following components:
Wheel: Common materials include TPR (thermoplastic rubber), nylon, and polyurethane, offering both wear resistance and quiet rolling.
Bracket: Made of stainless steel or high-strength steel plates to ensure load-bearing and corrosion resistance.
Bearing: Precision ball bearings or plain bearings directly impact rolling flexibility.
Brake System: Medical casters are generally equipped with single, dual, or centrally controlled brakes to ensure stable positioning.
Swivel: Provides 360° rotation, meeting the needs of flexible maneuverability in confined spaces.
Silent Casters: Made of rubber or TPR, suitable for hospital ward environments.
Antibacterial Casters: Surface-treated with an antibacterial coating, meeting medical hygiene standards.
Heavy-Duty Casters: Used for large imaging equipment and operating tables. Conductive casters: Prevent static electricity buildup and are commonly used in laboratories and electronic medical equipment.
Centralized control casters: Enables centralized control of the brake status of multiple casters via a foot pedal.
Table 1: Classification and Application Scenarios of Medical Equipment Casters
| Type | Main Features | Applicable Equipment | Recommended Materials |
| Silent Casters | noise, smooth rolling | Hospital beds, nursing carts | TPR / Rubber |
| Antibacterial Casters | Inhibits bacterial growth | ICU, operating room equipment | Nylon + antibacterial coating |
| Heavy-duty Casters | High load-bearing capacity | CT machines, operating tables | Polyurethane + steel frame |
| Conductive Casters | Anti-static | Laboratory instruments, electronic equipment | Conductive polyurethane |
| Central Control Casters | Centralized brake, convenient control | High-end medical stretchers, equipment platforms | Nylon + metal brake |
Medical equipment is used frequently every day. If casters are damaged or fail, they may cause:
Difficulty in pushing, increasing the workload of nursing staff;
Brake failure, causing the bed or equipment to slip, leading to safety accidents;
Wheel tread damage, resulting in floor contamination or the risk of secondary infection.
Daily Inspection: Nursing staff should check brake sensitivity and rolling smoothness during daily rounds. Monthly Inspection: Logistics staff conduct a thorough inspection of caster bearings, bracket screws, and surface wear.
Quarterly Inspection: The hospital's equipment department conducts a comprehensive inspection and records service life and maintenance data.
Annual Inspection: A batch of casters are replaced as necessary to ensure safe equipment operation.
Rolling Performance: Check for smooth gliding and unusual noises on the casters.
Braking System: Check for firm brakes and flexible control levers.
Tread Condition: Check for cracks, chipping, or flat wear.
Bearing Condition: Check for rust, looseness, or binding.
Bracket Stability: Check for warping or weld cracks.
Table 2: Inspection Items and Criteria for Medical Equipment Casters
| Inspection Item | Inspection Method | Criteria |
| Rolling Performance | Manually push the caster | Smooth, no abnormal resistance or noise |
| Brake Sensitivity | Apply the brake and push the equipment | Completely fixed, no slipping |
| Wheel Tread Condition | Visual inspection | No cracks, no missing pieces, wear not exceeding 20% of original thickness |
| Bearing Condition | Turn the bearing and listen for sound | No rust, no binding |
| Bracket Stability | Manually shake the bracket | No looseness, no deformation |
Uneven Wheel Tread Wear: Increases pushing resistance.
Brake Failure: Insecure brake lock, posing a safety hazard.
Bracket Deformation: Caused by overload or impact.
Bearing Seizure: Dust or liquid intrusion, affecting mobility.
Excessive Noise: Aging material or insufficient lubrication.
The lifespan of casters varies significantly depending on the usage environment and intensity:
Ordinary bed casters: Recommended replacement every 2–3 years.
Heavy-duty equipment casters: Recommended replacement every 1–2 years.
High-use cart casters: Recommended replacement every year or so.
Antibacterial casters: If the surface coating is damaged, replace immediately.
Clean the wheel surface regularly to prevent dust and hair from entanglement;
Lubricate the bearings to maintain flexibility;
Tighten the screws regularly to prevent loosening;
Select casters with matching materials for different floor environments (ceramic tile, PVC, epoxy flooring).
The hospital should establish a caster management file:
Equipment number → Caster model → Installation date → Inspection record → Replacement date.
Use QR codes or RFID tags for digital management.
Routinely train nursing and logistics staff on caster fault identification methods.
Table 3: Example of a Medical Equipment Caster Management Process
| Management Steps | Description |
| File Management | Record caster model, installation, and replacement dates for each device |
| Regular Inspections | Daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual multi-level inspections |
| Maintenance | Cleaning, lubrication, tightening, and disinfection |
| Fault Reporting | Nursing staff should immediately report any abnormalities |
| Replacement Execution | Logistics department should centrally purchase and replace casters to ensure model consistency |
Qualifications and Certifications: Compliance with ISO13485, CE, and FDA certifications.
Product Stability: Fatigue testing and static/dynamic load testing.
Customization Capabilities: Support for special sizes, antimicrobial coatings, and quiet operation requirements.
Delivery Cycle: Whether stable large-volume supply is guaranteed.
After-sales Service: Whether technical support and replacement cycle recommendations are provided.
For bulk purchases, long-term partnerships should be established to ensure model consistency. When comparing quotes from different suppliers, consider not only price but also lifecycle and maintenance costs.
It's recommended to choose a professional manufacturer with experience in medical caster production.
To purchase or wholesale medical equipment casters, please contact Giessen Caster Supplier via email at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com for more product and technical support.
Although small in size, medical equipment casters are critical components that affect the operational efficiency and safety of medical equipment. Scientific inspection and replacement cycle management, combined with appropriate maintenance measures and supply chain selection, can not only extend the life of the equipment but also reduce operational risks for hospitals. For wholesale and procurement, choosing an experienced and well-qualified caster supplier is essential to ensuring efficient operations for medical institutions.
