In an era where industrial automation is increasingly driving productivity—through AGVs (automated guided vehicles), advanced logistics systems, cleanrooms, and mining facilities—even seemingly secondary components like wheels are becoming the subject of cutting-edge technological innovation.
This is the context in which the new project by RÄDER-VOGEL, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial wheels and castors, takes shape. Developed in collaboration with elastomer specialists at Huntsman Corporation, the result is a new generation of PEVOTEC® antistatic wheels made with advanced thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from the TECNOTHANE® line.
Why is a new wheel needed?
In highly automated industrial environments, the buildup of electrostatic charges on wheels is not a minor issue.
It can lead to:
Accidental shocks to operators
Malfunctions of onboard electronic devices
Accumulation of dust and microparticles that can contaminate sensitive environments (e.g., semiconductors, biotech)
Loss of traction and grip, reducing movement precision and increasing the risk of failure
An antistatic wheel, therefore, is not just an accessory: it’s a guarantee of safety, reliability, and uninterrupted operation.
What makes the new PEVOTEC® wheels special
The true innovation behind these new wheels lies in the materials used: hot-cast polyurethanes from the TECNOTHANE® range, a family of thermoplastic elastomers developed by Huntsman to meet extremely high technical requirements.
Thermoplastic elastomers combine the properties of elastics and thermoplastics, offering:
Flexibility and mechanical strength even under continuous load
Excellent elasticity with a "memory effect"
Chemical resistance to oils, greases, and humidity
Good dielectric and dissipative properties
Customization and processing versatility
For the PEVOTEC® wheels, this translates to resistance to wear, deformation, and charge accumulation—with selectable hardness levels ranging from 55 to 97 Shore A, depending on the application.
Practical applications: where are these wheels needed?
This new generation of wheels has been specifically designed for industrial settings where static charge management is critical:
Warehousing and automated logistics: AGVs operate for hours and cover kilometers daily. Wheel materials must ensure consistent performance and prevent downtime.
Automated urban parking systems: In tight spaces, every movement counts. A silent, durable, and antistatic material is essential for flawless operation.
Cleanrooms: Dust and microcharges can compromise entire production batches. Wheels must not retain particles and must comply with strict cleanliness standards.
Mining industry: In explosive or combustible dust environments (like coal), an antistatic, flame-resistant wheel is essential—one that doesn’t generate sparks or dangerous charges.
The advantages of TPEs in industrial wheel applications
Compared to traditional materials like rubber or rigid plastic, TPEs allow for:
Precision manufacturing tailored to each system
Shock absorption and improved operator comfort
Longer lifecycle than conventional materials
Sustainability, thanks to thermoplastic recyclability
From a technical perspective, the use of Huntsman’s TECNOTHANE® enables custom formulations by blending polyols and chain extenders in variable ratios to meet specific performance requirements for each customer.
A long-standing partnership for real-world solutions
RÄDER-VOGEL and Huntsman have been collaborating for over 25 years.
Both companies share a problem-solving approach to innovation: not just products, but real solutions to complex industrial needs.
Martin Schäfer, Export Sales Director at RÄDER-VOGEL, stated:
"This new range was born from intensive and collaborative technical work. With the rise of Industry 4.0, we needed an intelligent wheel capable of withstanding time and the most demanding conditions."
Nicolaas Weyns, Sales Development Manager at Huntsman, added:
"We combined experience and research to take our elastomers to the next level. The result is a product that improves performance and extends the operational life of industrial systems."
Conclusion: more than a wheel, a technical evolution
The PEVOTEC® antistatic wheel, made from thermoplastic elastomers, is not just another option on the market:
It’s a concrete response to a growing need in modern industrial settings.
A wheel designed to support the growth of automation, enhance efficiency, and reduce risks—powered by the advanced materials of the TECNOTHANE® family.
In an era where industrial automation is increasingly driving productivity—through AGVs (automated guided vehicles), advanced logistics systems, cleanrooms, and mining facilities—even seemingly secondary components like wheels are becoming the subject of cutting-edge technological innovation.
This is the context in which the new project by RÄDER-VOGEL, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial wheels and castors, takes shape. Developed in collaboration with elastomer specialists at Huntsman Corporation, the result is a new generation of PEVOTEC® antistatic wheels made with advanced thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from the TECNOTHANE® line.
Why is a new wheel needed?
In highly automated industrial environments, the buildup of electrostatic charges on wheels is not a minor issue.
It can lead to:
Accidental shocks to operators
Malfunctions of onboard electronic devices
Accumulation of dust and microparticles that can contaminate sensitive environments (e.g., semiconductors, biotech)
Loss of traction and grip, reducing movement precision and increasing the risk of failure
An antistatic wheel, therefore, is not just an accessory: it’s a guarantee of safety, reliability, and uninterrupted operation.
What makes the new PEVOTEC® wheels special
The true innovation behind these new wheels lies in the materials used: hot-cast polyurethanes from the TECNOTHANE® range, a family of thermoplastic elastomers developed by Huntsman to meet extremely high technical requirements.
Thermoplastic elastomers combine the properties of elastics and thermoplastics, offering:
Flexibility and mechanical strength even under continuous load
Excellent elasticity with a "memory effect"
Chemical resistance to oils, greases, and humidity
Good dielectric and dissipative properties
Customization and processing versatility
For the PEVOTEC® wheels, this translates to resistance to wear, deformation, and charge accumulation—with selectable hardness levels ranging from 55 to 97 Shore A, depending on the application.
Practical applications: where are these wheels needed?
This new generation of wheels has been specifically designed for industrial settings where static charge management is critical:
Warehousing and automated logistics: AGVs operate for hours and cover kilometers daily. Wheel materials must ensure consistent performance and prevent downtime.
Automated urban parking systems: In tight spaces, every movement counts. A silent, durable, and antistatic material is essential for flawless operation.
Cleanrooms: Dust and microcharges can compromise entire production batches. Wheels must not retain particles and must comply with strict cleanliness standards.
Mining industry: In explosive or combustible dust environments (like coal), an antistatic, flame-resistant wheel is essential—one that doesn’t generate sparks or dangerous charges.
The advantages of TPEs in industrial wheel applications
Compared to traditional materials like rubber or rigid plastic, TPEs allow for:
Precision manufacturing tailored to each system
Shock absorption and improved operator comfort
Longer lifecycle than conventional materials
Sustainability, thanks to thermoplastic recyclability
From a technical perspective, the use of Huntsman’s TECNOTHANE® enables custom formulations by blending polyols and chain extenders in variable ratios to meet specific performance requirements for each customer.
A long-standing partnership for real-world solutions
RÄDER-VOGEL and Huntsman have been collaborating for over 25 years.
Both companies share a problem-solving approach to innovation: not just products, but real solutions to complex industrial needs.
Martin Schäfer, Export Sales Director at RÄDER-VOGEL, stated:
"This new range was born from intensive and collaborative technical work. With the rise of Industry 4.0, we needed an intelligent wheel capable of withstanding time and the most demanding conditions."
Nicolaas Weyns, Sales Development Manager at Huntsman, added:
"We combined experience and research to take our elastomers to the next level. The result is a product that improves performance and extends the operational life of industrial systems."
Conclusion: more than a wheel, a technical evolution
The PEVOTEC® antistatic wheel, made from thermoplastic elastomers, is not just another option on the market:
It’s a concrete response to a growing need in modern industrial settings.
A wheel designed to support the growth of automation, enhance efficiency, and reduce risks—powered by the advanced materials of the TECNOTHANE® family.
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