Hardware casters are a general term that includes both movable and fixed casters. The movable casters, also known as universal wheels, allow for 360 degree rotation in their structure; The fixed casters do not have a rotating structure and cannot rotate. Usually, two types of casters are used in combination. For example, the structure of a handcart consists of two fixed wheels at the front and two movable swivel wheels near the push armrest at the back. Casters are made up of a single wheel mounted on a bracket, used to be installed under equipment to allow for free movement.

Casters are mainly divided into two categories:

1. Fixed casters: The fixed bracket is equipped with a single wheel and can only move in a straight line.

2. Universal casters: With a 360 degree turning bracket and single wheels, it can travel in any direction freely.

Installation height: refers to the vertical distance from the ground to the installation position of the equipment, and the installation height of the caster refers to the maximum vertical distance from the caster base plate to the edge of the caster.

Bracket turning center distance: refers to the horizontal distance from the vertical line of the center rivet to the center of the wheel core.

Rotation radius: refers to the horizontal distance from the vertical line of the center rivet to the outer edge of the tire, with an appropriate spacing to enable the caster to make a 360 degree turn. The rationality of the rotation radius directly affects the service life of the casters.

Driving load: The load-bearing capacity of casters during movement is also known as dynamic load. The dynamic load of casters varies depending on the factory's testing methods and the material of the wheels. The key is whether the structure and quality of the bracket can withstand impact and vibration. punching

Load bearing: The instantaneous load-bearing capacity of the wheels when the equipment is impacted or vibrated by the load.

Static load: The weight that a caster can bear in a stationary state. The static load should generally be 5-6 times the exercise load (dynamic load), and the static load should be at least 2 times the impact load.

Steering: Hard, narrow wheels are easier to turn than soft, wide wheels. The turning radius is an important parameter for wheel rotation. If the turning radius is too short, it will increase the difficulty of turning, while if it is too large, it will cause the wheel to shake and shorten its lifespan.

Driving flexibility: Factors that affect the driving flexibility of caster wheels include the structure of the bracket and the selection of bracket steel, the size, type, and bearings of the wheels. The larger the wheel, the better the driving flexibility. Hard and narrow wheels are more labor-saving than flat edged soft wheels on smooth ground, but soft wheels are more labor-saving on uneven ground. However, soft wheels can better protect equipment and provide shock absorption on uneven ground.