For the choice of wheel load bearing wheels to be used for moving wall partitions, equipment for industrial use, and logistical equipment, the misconception that "nylon wheels aren't the same as steel wheels" is a typical misconception. Actually, the durability of both must be thoroughly evaluated together with the specific operating circumstances. Here is a thorough study of three factors of the properties of materials, their mechanical properties and the application scenario:
Comparison of hardness: The hardness of nylon wheels falls within the range of medium-low, and the hardness of steel wheels (steel/aluminum alloy) is extremely high.
Elastic modulus: Nylon wheels are brittle, and they are very easy to break and buffer. Metal wheels are more elastic because of their rigid transmission
Self-lubricating properties: Wheels made of nylon have lubricating ingredients and don't need externally added However, metal wheels require to be filled regularly with grease
Resistance to temperature: The nylon wheels operate in the range of 40120, and they are simple to soften. Metal wheels (steel wheels, which are able to withstand extremely high temperatures) are able to be adapted to a greater temperature range, and work within the range of -30 to 300
Resistance to corrosion: Nylon wheels are less prone to salt spray, acid and alkali along with steel wheels. Metal wheels can rust.
The key difference is that nylon wheels absorb vibrations by elastic deformation. Metal wheels transmit force through rigidity.
Light load scenario
The advantages of nylon wheels: They have the ability to automatically compensate for slight unevenness in the ground (such as gap of 3mm) and also reduce the running jitter. The wheels are quiet and smooth to avoid resonance interference and enhancing the reliability of the equipment's operation.
The disadvantages of wheels made of steel: The rigidity of the structure can be sensitive to flatness of the ground as well as 0.5mm protrusion on the level can result in vibration transmission.
A scenario for heavy loads
Metal wheels have advantages: High elastic modulus prevents collapse of the body of the wheel, assures that the contact area is in complete direct contact with the earth and a high resistance to temperature (such welding workshops) keeps the body of the wheel from becoming soft and unstable.
The risks of using nylon wheels are susceptible to deformation when subjected to prolonged heavy loads, which can result in shaft holes that are loose.
Special environment
A humid/corrosive environment: the maintenance-free properties of nylon wheels greatly lower the chance of jamming because of rust.
In a clean room, the Evaporation of grease from metal wheels could pollute the air Dry operation with nylon wheels are better.
Misunderstanding 1: "Metal wheels = absolute stabilities"
The rigid structures can increase the frequency of any vibrations that occur on uneven surfaces, and should be fitted with shock-absorbing springs and elastic feet cups
Misunderstanding 2: "Nylon wheels cannot be loaded too high"
Wheels made of nylon reinforced with glass fiber body can support 1200kg/wheel. They are used in baggage carts for airport baggage
Mixed configuration with metal wheels as the main load-bearing wheel and nylon wheels as auxiliary wheels (to take on lateral forces)
Surface treatment: Galvanized / Dacromet-plated metal wheels for rust prevention, nylon wheels with UV coating for anti-aging
Conditions of the ground Flatness of 1mm; nylon wheels are best (elastic compensation) The majority of potholes are kept from falling off by steel wheels and guide wheels
Frequency of operation: The high-frequency operation utilizes nylon wheels that have lower wear to increase longevity of service. Long-term mechanical selection of the metal wheels offers outstanding anti-creep benefits.
Stability is a consequence of materials' properties as well as working conditions, design and optimization. Metal wheels and nylon wheels do not replace each other, they are in fact complementary. Metal wheels use "softness" to combat hardness while the latter utilizes "hardness" to keep their stability. The ability to accurately match the needs of the scene is at the heart of selecting.
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