CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
With the increasing global aging population, long-term care facilities are playing an increasingly important role in modern healthcare systems. The mobility of a large number of medical devices in long-term care facilities relies on high-quality medical casters, whose performance is directly related to nursing efficiency and patient safety. This article discusses medical casters in detail, focusing on their characteristics, application scenarios, safety standards, and maintenance, to help caster suppliers and customers better understand and select medical casters.
Medical casters are mobile components designed specifically for medical equipment, primarily used in equipment such as hospital beds, nursing carts, instrument tables, and wheelchairs. Their design focuses on quiet operation, wear resistance, anti-slip properties, antibacterial properties, and load-bearing capacity, ensuring flexible movement and stable docking of equipment in various environments.
Medical casters are not only a support for equipment but also a crucial factor in improving medical service efficiency and ensuring patient safety.
| Material Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Applications |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Highly wear-resistant, low-noise, and oil-resistant | Highly expensive | Suitable for hospital floors and hard floors |
| Rubber | Good cushioning, quiet, and non-slip | Prone to wear | Suitable for soft floors and patient assistive devices |
| Nylon | High load-bearing capacity, corrosion-resistant, and chemical-resistant | Harder, but noisier | Suitable for heavy equipment and instruments |
| Thermoplastic rubber | Good elasticity and wear resistance | Average heat resistance | Suitable for lightweight medical carts and assistive devices |
Fixed casters: Only move forward and backward, offering high stability and suitable for equipment with fixed tracks.
Swivel casters: Flexible 360-degree rotation, facilitating equipment steering and improving mobility.
Casters with brakes: Lockable position to prevent equipment from sliding and ensuring safe use.
Shock-absorbing casters: Provide patient comfort and reduce the impact of vibration on equipment.
Medical casters come in a variety of sizes, with common diameters ranging from 50mm to 150mm. Size directly impacts the equipment's load-bearing capacity and smooth movement. Choosing the right size is essential for ensuring safe and comfortable operation.
Mobile beds are core equipment in long-term care facilities. Medical casters must have high load-bearing capacity and a stable braking system to ensure safety and stability. Quiet and smooth operation are particularly important during patient transfers to avoid disturbing patients' rest.
Nursing carts and medical equipment carts require highly flexible swivel casters to facilitate the rapid movement of various medical equipment, improving surgical and nursing efficiency. Braking functions ensure the safety of the equipment when parked, preventing it from accidentally sliding.
Wheelchairs and walkers used by patients in long-term care facilities are equipped with high-quality rubber or PU medical casters. These wheels provide comfortable cushioning and stable support, preventing the risk of slipping and enhancing patients' sense of security.
Mobile platforms for equipment such as monitors and infusion pumps rely on precision caster systems to ensure smooth and quiet movement. The high wear resistance and antibacterial properties of medical casters ensure the reliability of these equipment even under long-term, high-frequency use.
| Equipment Type | Key Requirements | Recommended Caster Type | Notes |
| Mobile Bed | High load-bearing capacity, stability, and quiet operation | Large-size PU swivel casters with brakes | Ensure patient safety and comfort |
| Nursing Cart | Lightweight and flexible, with reliable brakes | Small-size nylon casters with brakes | Easy to operate and maintain |
| Wheelchair | Cushioned, non-slip, and wear-resistant | Medium-size rubber casters | Improved ride comfort |
| Medical Equipment Cart | Highly maneuverable, antibacterial, and corrosion-resistant | Antibacterial-treated PU swivel casters | Meets hospital hygiene standards |
As key components of medical equipment, medical casters must meet multiple stringent standards to ensure product safety and performance.
ISO 7176-4: A testing standard specifically for casters for wheelchairs and related medical devices, covering load-bearing, braking, and wear resistance.
EN 12527/EN 12530: EU quality standards for medical casters, ensuring corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. ASTM F1560: American Society for Testing and Materials standard for moving parts of medical devices.
Long-term care environments have extremely high hygiene requirements. Medical casters are often coated with antimicrobial coatings or manufactured with antimicrobial materials to prevent bacterial growth and effectively reduce the risk of cross-infection.
Braking casters, as a guarantee of stable equipment stopping, must ensure easy operation and sufficient braking force. Common brake types include:
Single-sided brake: Locks only the wheel, facilitating directional control during equipment movement.
Dual-sided brake: Locks both the wheel and steering mechanism, suitable for heavy equipment.
| Standard Name | Scope of Application | Main Contents |
| ISO 7176-4 | Wheelchair Casters | Load-bearing Tests, Braking Tests, and Abrasion Tests |
| EN 12527 | Casters for Medical Equipment | Corrosion Resistance and Durability Evaluation |
| ASTM F1560 | Moving Parts of Medical Equipment | Performance Testing and Safety Certification |
Routine maintenance of medical casters is crucial to ensuring equipment safety and extending their service life. Specific recommendations include:
Regular Cleaning: Clean the wheels and bearings to prevent dirt accumulation.
Lubrication Maintenance: Lubricate the bearings regularly to reduce friction and noise.
Brake Inspection: Ensure effective braking and replace worn parts promptly.
Wheel Replacement: Replace wheels promptly if cracks or severe wear are detected.
Load Capacity: Select the appropriate load rating based on the weight of the equipment.
Surface Type Matching: Select the appropriate wheel material based on the hardness and material of the surface. Special Features: Are antibacterial, corrosion-resistant, or shock-absorbing features required?
Supplier Services: Choose a professional supplier with technical support and after-sales guarantees.
| Maintenance Items | Recommended Frequency | Maintenance Content |
| Wheel Cleaning | Weekly | Use a mild detergent to avoid corrosive materials |
| Bearing Lubrication | Quarterly | Use a specialized lubricant to prevent dust clogging |
| Brake Inspection | Monthly | Test brake sensitivity and repair or replace damaged parts |
| Wheel Replacement | Depending on wear | Replace promptly if cracks or unusual noises occur |
Medical casters are essential components in long-term care facilities, and their performance is directly related to the safety and efficiency of the equipment. Selecting the right medical casters, strictly adhering to maintenance specifications, and partnering with a professional caster supplier are key to ensuring quality care and patient safety.
As a professional caster supplier, Giessen Casters is committed to providing customers with high-quality medical casters and comprehensive technical support. If you need to purchase or wholesale medical casters, please contact us via email at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit our official website https://www.giessencasters.com for more product information and service support.
