Common Caster Wheel Types

Caster wheels might all come in the same shape, but they certainly come in a wide variety of sizes

and materials. To determine which type of caster wheel is best for your particular needs, read on.

Cast iron/semi steel - These wheels are abrasion resistant and are easy to start rolling. Cast iron/semi-steel wheels are ideal for use on concrete and smooth steel, and are resistant to extreme temperatures. They are also a good choice for environments containing oil and grease, animal fats, metal chips, and mild chemicals.

Steel - Forged steel or ductile steel caster wheels are an ideal choice when floor protection is not an issue and in situations where loads are too heavy for floor protective wheels. Forged steel wheels provide the best impact strength, ease of movement, and greatest load capacity of all caster wheels.

Nylon - Glass filled nylon wheels are extremely heat resistant, up to 490 degrees continuous or 550 degrees intermittent. Nylon wheels are also durable, resist hard impacts, are non-marking, and are resistant to cleaning agents as well as oils and greases.

Rubber - When you need a higher load capacity than soft rubber wheels, hard rubber wheels are a good choice. They are extremely durable and won't flatten while sitting under loads. Hard rubber wheels are also durable and have fluid ease of movement. However, they are not non-marking.

Phenolic - These wheels are constructed of phenolic resin and macerated canvas. Phenolic wheels are commonly used for push/pull applications. In addition to being ideal for high weight loads and being resistant to extreme temperatures, they are also economic.

Pneumatic - Pneumatic wheels are air-filled, offering high floor protection as well as the ability to easily roll over obstructions. The wheels also provide shock absorption and cushioning, making them ideal for fragile loads.

These are just a few of the many types of caster wheels available.  

Tips for Choosing Office Furniture

If you're furnishing an office, it can be tough to choose from the seemingly endless array of available

office furniture. However, the following tips can help you narrow things down and choose the best furnishings for your office.

Consider office size and layout - The most important thing to consider when choosing office furniture is the size of the space you have to work with and the layout of your office. For instance, you may find a desk you love but if there isn't enough room to open the drawers — or worse it blocks an emergency exit — you'll have to find something smaller.

Choose practicality over style - You might want your office to look like a modern art museum but if the pieces aren't functional, there's no point in having them. Look at furniture with an eye for practicality, such as office chairs with furniture casters or filing cabinets large enough to accommodate all your paperwork.

Get comfortable - Ergonomics and comfort are two extremely important factors when choosing office furniture. If you're going to be spending several hours a day at a desk, you'll risk injury and chronic discomfort if that desk isn't ergonomically designed. Likewise, you'll want to ensure clients are comfortable, so choose seating accordingly.

Remember: you get what you pay for - Budgets are often tight when you're first starting a business, so it can be tempting to spend as little as possible on furnishing your office. However, choosing cheap furniture now can mean needing to replace it in the not too distant future, which means you won't be saving any money in the long run. Pay a little more for good quality up front and you'll enjoy a much better return on your investment.

Keep these tips in mind and you'll be sure to choose furniture that's right for you.