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The mobility of medical equipment directly impacts hospital efficiency and safety. As the most critical moving component at the base of the equipment, casters require an anti-slip design that cannot be ignored. In places like hospital corridors, operating rooms, and ICUs, floors are often wet, slippery, or even covered in disinfectant residue. If casters slip during use, this not only affects the precise positioning of the equipment but also poses a safety risk to patients and medical staff.
In recent years, an increasing number of caster suppliers have incorporated anti-slip texture designs, material optimization, and surface treatment processes into their R&D to enhance the anti-slip performance of medical casters. This article will comprehensively explore the importance of anti-slip design in medical casters from multiple perspectives, including technical principles, material selection, structural optimization, application cases, and industry standards.
Friction is the foundation of caster anti-slip performance. The amount of friction between the caster and the floor depends on several key factors:
Tire material (e.g., TPR, PU, rubber);
Floor material (ceramic tile, epoxy flooring, PVC medical flooring);
Contact area and pressure distribution;
Surface roughness
By optimizing the material ratio and surface structure, the coefficient of friction can be effectively increased, thereby enhancing the anti-slip effect.
Adding subtle anti-slip textures (e.g., wavy patterns, cross-grid patterns, fine grooves) to the tread of medical casters can significantly increase friction between the tire and the floor, while also helping to drain liquids and reducing the risk of slipping in slippery conditions.
Anti-slip performance and flexibility often conflict: a higher coefficient of friction improves anti-slip performance, but also increases rolling resistance. Medical caster suppliers must balance low rolling resistance with high anti-slip performance in their designs to ensure smooth movement of equipment while maintaining stability during critical moments.
Different materials have a significant impact on anti-slip performance. The following table shows the anti-slip performance of common medical caster materials:
| Material Type | Characteristics | Anti-slip Performance | Applicable Applications |
| TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) | Soft, wear-resistant, and non-scratch-resistant | High | Hospital corridors, laboratories |
| PU (Polyurethane) | Strong load-bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, and low rolling resistance | Medium-high | Operating rooms, ICU equipment |
| Rubber | High coefficient of friction and good shock absorption | Very high | Trolleys, ward equipment |
| Nylon | High hardness and flexible rolling | Low | Dry, hard floors |
Some advanced caster suppliers utilize composite materials or surface coating technologies:
Silicone coating: Increases the coefficient of friction, suitable for wet and slippery environments
Nano-particle reinforced materials: Improves wear resistance and friction
Dual-layer composite tread: Soft outer layer for anti-slip performance, hard inner layer for load-bearing performance
Disinfectants used in medical settings (such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine) may corrode the caster material, reducing its anti-slip performance. Therefore, chemical resistance of the material is also a key design consideration.
Wide tread: Large contact area, enhanced friction, and better anti-slip performance
Narrow tread: High flexibility, but more prone to slipping on wet surfaces
Medical equipment generally prefers a medium-width tread, which strikes a balance between stability and flexibility.
In addition to the anti-slip design of the tire itself, the caster's brake structure can further enhance safety:
Single-pedal brake: Convenient operation, suitable for standard hospital beds
Dual-pedal brake: Provides additional safety margin
Directional lock: Maintains straight-line movement during propulsion, reducing slipping
Good anti-slip casters often feature an anti-vibration elastic layer and quiet bearings, ensuring friction while reducing noise and enhancing patient comfort.
Operating rooms are often exposed to disinfectants and water stains, and the floors are slippery, placing extremely high demands on casters for anti-slip performance. In this case, using TPR or PU non-slip casters can ensure the stability of the equipment during both movement and stationary operation.
In emergency situations, medical staff need to quickly push beds or equipment. Casters must not only be flexible but also prevent slipping during rapid braking to avoid accidents.
Ward beds and nursing carts are frequently used. Non-slip casters not only prevent secondary injuries to patients but also reduce operational risks for medical staff.
Professional caster suppliers typically use dynamic friction testing and wet floor simulation tests to ensure the caster's anti-slip performance in various environments.
ISO 22883: General Performance Standard for Casters
EN 12531: Safety and Performance Specification for Casters for Medical Equipment
Hospital Internal Standards: Some hospitals develop customized testing standards.
A qualified caster supplier must establish a comprehensive quality control system, from material procurement to production to factory testing, to ensure the long-term stability of the medical caster's anti-slip performance.
Equipment Load Capacity
Locking Conditions of the Site
Chemical Resistance Required
Quiet and Vibration Resistance Required
Partnering with an experienced caster supplier provides:
Customized anti-slip caster design
Professional guidance on materials and performance
Long-term after-sales and maintenance services
The anti-slip design of medical casters not only affects the ease of equipment movement but also directly impacts the safety of patients and medical staff. Thanks to the comprehensive application of multiple factors, including material selection, structural optimization, braking systems, and testing standards, the anti-slip performance of medical casters is continuously improving.
Contact Information:
Email: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
Giessen Caster Supplier will provide you with high-quality anti-slip medical caster solutions.
