CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
In the modern medical industry, medium- and light-duty casters, as essential mobile components in medical equipment, are playing an increasingly important role. Whether used for ward carts, medical instruments, or surgical aids, casters directly impact equipment mobility, operator comfort, and medical safety. For hospitals, clinics, and nursing facilities, choosing the right caster is not just a matter of durability; it also impacts the overall quality of medical services.
This article systematically analyzes the applications of medium- and light-duty casters in medical equipment, focusing on functional requirements, design features, material selection, typical application scenarios, procurement, and supply chain considerations. This article aims to provide medical device manufacturers, hospital procurement professionals, and caster suppliers with a deeper understanding of this core component.
For purchase or wholesale, please contact Giessen Caster Supplier at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com for more information.
In medical settings, equipment often needs to be moved quickly through corridors, patient rooms, and operating rooms. Compared to industrial environments, medical environments place higher demands on caster steering flexibility. For example:
Patient beds need to be maneuverable in narrow aisles;
IV stands need to be able to be pushed one-handed;
Medical monitoring equipment needs to be quickly deployed in emergencies.
For this reason, medium- and light-duty casters typically feature a 360-degree swivel structure and high-precision ball bearings to ensure flexible rotation and reduce operational resistance.
Medical equipment comes in a wide variety of styles, with significant weight variations:
Lightweight equipment, such as IV stands and portable monitors, typically has a single wheel load capacity of 30–80 kg;
Medium-duty equipment, such as beds, carts, and ventilators, typically has a single wheel load capacity of 100–200 kg.
Thus, the medium- and light-duty casters selected for medical equipment must strike a balance between load-bearing capacity and portability.
Hospitals are quiet environments, and any noise can disrupt patients' rest.
Medical casters are typically made of soft rubber or TPR materials, offering low-noise performance.
Some high-end medical equipment also uses shock-absorbing casters to reduce vibration during movement and protect delicate instruments.
Medical facilities often contain gauze, wire, or hair, which can easily become tangled in the wheels.
Medical casters typically feature anti-tangle protective covers.
The smooth surface of the material resists dirt adhesion, making it easy to disinfect and clean, and meeting medical hygiene standards.
Common Materials and Characteristics of Medical Casters:
| Material | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| TPR Thermoplastic Rubber | Quiet, Non-slip, and Wear-Resistant | Hospital Beds and IV Stands |
| Medical-Grade Polyurethane (PU) | Strong Load-Bearing Capacity and Smooth Rolling | Carts and Instruments |
| Nylon (PA) | High Strength and Impact Resistance | Medical Device Bases |
| Rubber | Soft and Shock-Resistant | Medical Assistive Tools |
Stamped Steel Bracket: Low Cost, Suitable for Lightweight Medical Equipment
Stainless Steel Bracket: Corrosion-Resistant, Suitable for Frequently Disinfected Environments
Aluminum Alloy Bracket: Lightweight, Suitable for High-End Equipment
The braking function of medical casters is directly related to safety. Common Types:
Single-Wheel Braking: Controls a single wheel;
Dual Braking System: Simultaneously locks the wheel and provides swivel function, commonly used in hospital beds;
Centralized Braking: Controls multiple wheels with a single pedal, widely used in operating and nursing beds
Ball bearings: Used in equipment requiring high rotational flexibility;
Sliding bearings: Low cost, suitable for lightweight medical tools;
Precision bearings: Used in imaging equipment and testing instruments to ensure smooth operation.
Hospital beds are one of the most typical medical equipment, placing very stringent requirements on casters:
High load-bearing capacity: A single wheel can support up to 150–200 kg;
Reliable braking: Centrally controlled brakes are standard;
Quiet and stable: Avoid noise during movement.
Operating tables, instrument carts, anesthesia machines, etc. must be used in a high-intensity sterilization environment:
Casters must utilize stainless steel brackets and corrosion-resistant wheels;
Height requirements: Anti-tangling and anti-static properties;
Safety: Dual brakes or centrally controlled brakes ensure stability during surgery.
Commonly used for infusion, nursing, and medicine distribution:
Lightweight: A single wheel can support approximately 80kg;
Flexible steering: Narrow corridors require a small turning radius;
Quiet and smooth: Avoid noise disturbance to patients.
ECG monitors, ventilators, and ultrasound equipment:
Shockproof design: Protects delicate components;
Easy to clean: Meets strict hospital hygiene standards;
Anti-tangling: Prevents cable entanglement that could affect emergency response.
Use lightweight casters, each with a load capacity of 30–50kg;
Requires a simple structure for easy maneuvering and cleaning;
Most use TPR silent wheels.
Load Capacity: Select the appropriate specification based on the weight of the equipment.
Material Properties: Whether it meets corrosion resistance and anti-static requirements.
Braking Function: Whether dual brakes or central control are required. Hygiene standards: Is it easy to disinfect and antibacterial?
Cost and lifespan: Balancing procurement cost with long-term durability.
ISO 22883: Safety requirements applicable to casters;
EN 12531: Testing standard for casters for medical devices;
RoHS and REACH certification: Ensuring environmental and human safety.
Raw Material Supply: Medical-grade materials such as TPR, PU, and nylon;
Manufacturing Process: Injection molding, stamping, and electroplating must comply with medical device standards;
Quality Testing: Load-bearing, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance testing are essential.
Clarify the device weight and usage environment, and select medium- and light-duty caster specifications;
Pay attention to supplier qualifications, prioritizing ISO-certified manufacturers;
Customized options, such as central brakes, anti-static, and anti-entanglement features;
Establish long-term partnerships to establish a stable supply chain and reduce overall procurement costs.
For purchases or wholesale, please contact us via the following methods:
Email: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
Casters play a critical role in medical equipment. Though small, they are directly related to the flexibility, safety, and service life of the equipment. With the advancement of intelligent and lightweight medical equipment, caster technology is also undergoing continuous upgrades, including features such as anti-static, anti-tangling, silent vibration reduction, and centrally controlled braking.
For medical device manufacturers, selecting the right casters is not only a guarantee of product quality but also a cornerstone of medical safety. When purchasing, it is recommended to work with a professional caster supplier, such as Giessen Casters, to ensure high-quality products that meet medical industry standards.
