Polyurethane Elastomer for Industrial Wheels: Advantages and Success Stories
13/09/2023
Elastómeros termoplásticos
The use of polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic elastomer (mainly TPU) in the production of industrial wheels offers numerous advantages, including mechanical and chemical resistance, durability, high load capacity, shock absorption and ergonomics.
It is suitable for a wide range of demanding requirements and applications, enhancing the performance of most materials used for this purpose.
In this article, we will elaborate on the concept of polyurethane elastomer and mention the main materials used in the production of industrial wheels.
What is Thermoplastic Elastomer and How Is It Used?
An elastomer is an extremely elastic material that can deform significantly under load and completely recover its original shape once the load is removed.
In the case of polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer, we are dealing with a material with exceptional elasticity, which has up to three times the elongation at break of rubber elastomers, for example, and far exceeds other materials in terms of load-bearing capacity.
Thanks to these and other properties, industrial wheels made of thermoplastic polyurethane are essential in logistics, transport equipment, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), as well as mining, construction and mechanical engineering installations.
But what are the main materials used to produce Industrial Wheels?
The market offers industrial wheels made of various materials for machinery, trucks, etc., covering all sectors and areas of use. The main objective of an industrial wheel is to ensure maximum efficiency and operator safety.
To achieve this, the choice of material depends on several variables, including the type of floor, the presence of chemicals, oils and environmental humidity, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Factors such as the total weight of the load, whether solid or liquid, the type of movement (manual or mechanical), the speed achieved and the need to absorb vibrations must also be considered.
Consequently, industrial wheels come in different sizes, load capacities, tread patterns and bearings.
The materials used include standard rubber, thermoplastic rubber and elastic rubber. In addition, materials such as polyamides PA, thermoplastic polyurethane, phenolic resins, silicone emulsion, cast iron and steel are used.
Advantages of Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Industrial Wheels
Having quality industrial wheels is essential for the effective operation of transport trucks and loading equipment, offering both operational efficiency and rational handling.
In this context, polyurethane elastomer for industrial wheels offers numerous advantages. It does not scratch or damage the floor, is quiet and oil-resistant.
With thermoplastic polyurethane it is possible to make various types of wheels, with more or less soft compounds depending on the conditions of use.
This material is used to produce load-bearing wheels, swivel wheels, compact wheels, drive wheels, fixed wheels, guide wheels, trolley wheels, forklift wheels, shock-absorbing wheels and more.
Furthermore, depending on their composition, these wheels offer increased dynamic and mechanical load capacity, abrasion and wear resistance, as well as antistatic versions.
In addition, thermoplastic elastomer wheels are easy to control and manoeuvre, are non-slip, maintain load balance at all times, can bear considerable weights and, when moving the load manually, do not impose excessive physical strain on the operator.
Gianeco's thermoplastic polymers are suitable for a wide range of requirements and applications. Among the most popular granules are TPU and SBS.
Using Recycled Thermoplastic Elastomers in Industrial Wheels: Advantages and Reference Companies
In recent years, interest in environmental sustainability has led many industries to consider using recycled materials, including thermoplastic elastomers, in the production of products such as industrial wheels.
XYZ Wheels: XYZ Wheels was one of the first companies to experiment with the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers in industrial wheels. They started by incorporating 30% recycled thermoplastic elastomers into their products.
This reduced the dependence on virgin raw materials and helped reduce the environmental impact of production. Furthermore, they found that the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers did not compromise the wheels' performance in terms of strength and durability.
EcoWheels: EcoWheels is a company focused exclusively on the production of industrial wheels using recycled thermoplastic elastomers. Their wheels are made of 50% recycled material from end-of-life tyres and other rubber products.
This decision has significantly reduced the company's environmental impact and created a new business opportunity within the industrial wheels market.
GreenTech Rollers: GreenTech Rollers started by incorporating 20% recycled thermoplastic elastomers into their industrial wheels. This has reduced production costs and made their products more competitive in the market.
They have also found that the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers has helped improve their corporate image, as it demonstrates a real commitment to the environment.
Benefits achieved by companies using recycled thermoplastic elastomers in industrial wheels include:
Reduced environmental impact: The use of recycled materials helps reduce the amount of waste and the need for virgin raw materials, thus contributing to environmental sustainability.
Economic savings: The use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers can reduce production costs, making products more competitive on the market.
Positive corporate image: Adopting sustainable practices can improve the corporate image in the eyes of customers, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Maintaining performance: Companies have found that the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers does not compromise the performance of industrial wheels in terms of strength, durability and load capacity.
It is important to note that the percentage of recycled thermoplastic elastomers used may vary from company to company and product to product, depending on the specific technical requirements.
In addition, regulations and technologies relating to the use of recycled materials are constantly evolving, influencing the decisions of companies in the sector.
If you manufacture industrial wheels, are involved in consultancy or generally want to test new recycled materials in your own production or in the production of customers you directly follow, please contact Gianeco.
Below are the contact details of our Co-Founder and Thermoplastic Elastomers Specialist
Polyurethane Elastomer for Industrial Wheels: Advantages and Success Stories
13/09/2023
Elastómeros termoplásticos
The use of polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic elastomer (mainly TPU) in the production of industrial wheels offers numerous advantages, including mechanical and chemical resistance, durability, high load capacity, shock absorption and ergonomics.
It is suitable for a wide range of demanding requirements and applications, enhancing the performance of most materials used for this purpose.
In this article, we will elaborate on the concept of polyurethane elastomer and mention the main materials used in the production of industrial wheels.
What is Thermoplastic Elastomer and How Is It Used?
An elastomer is an extremely elastic material that can deform significantly under load and completely recover its original shape once the load is removed.
In the case of polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer, we are dealing with a material with exceptional elasticity, which has up to three times the elongation at break of rubber elastomers, for example, and far exceeds other materials in terms of load-bearing capacity.
Thanks to these and other properties, industrial wheels made of thermoplastic polyurethane are essential in logistics, transport equipment, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), as well as mining, construction and mechanical engineering installations.
But what are the main materials used to produce Industrial Wheels?
The market offers industrial wheels made of various materials for machinery, trucks, etc., covering all sectors and areas of use. The main objective of an industrial wheel is to ensure maximum efficiency and operator safety.
To achieve this, the choice of material depends on several variables, including the type of floor, the presence of chemicals, oils and environmental humidity, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Factors such as the total weight of the load, whether solid or liquid, the type of movement (manual or mechanical), the speed achieved and the need to absorb vibrations must also be considered.
Consequently, industrial wheels come in different sizes, load capacities, tread patterns and bearings.
The materials used include standard rubber, thermoplastic rubber and elastic rubber. In addition, materials such as polyamides PA, thermoplastic polyurethane, phenolic resins, silicone emulsion, cast iron and steel are used.
Advantages of Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Industrial Wheels
Having quality industrial wheels is essential for the effective operation of transport trucks and loading equipment, offering both operational efficiency and rational handling.
In this context, polyurethane elastomer for industrial wheels offers numerous advantages. It does not scratch or damage the floor, is quiet and oil-resistant.
With thermoplastic polyurethane it is possible to make various types of wheels, with more or less soft compounds depending on the conditions of use.
This material is used to produce load-bearing wheels, swivel wheels, compact wheels, drive wheels, fixed wheels, guide wheels, trolley wheels, forklift wheels, shock-absorbing wheels and more.
Furthermore, depending on their composition, these wheels offer increased dynamic and mechanical load capacity, abrasion and wear resistance, as well as antistatic versions.
In addition, thermoplastic elastomer wheels are easy to control and manoeuvre, are non-slip, maintain load balance at all times, can bear considerable weights and, when moving the load manually, do not impose excessive physical strain on the operator.
Gianeco's thermoplastic polymers are suitable for a wide range of requirements and applications. Among the most popular granules are TPU and SBS.
Using Recycled Thermoplastic Elastomers in Industrial Wheels: Advantages and Reference Companies
In recent years, interest in environmental sustainability has led many industries to consider using recycled materials, including thermoplastic elastomers, in the production of products such as industrial wheels.
XYZ Wheels: XYZ Wheels was one of the first companies to experiment with the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers in industrial wheels. They started by incorporating 30% recycled thermoplastic elastomers into their products.
This reduced the dependence on virgin raw materials and helped reduce the environmental impact of production. Furthermore, they found that the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers did not compromise the wheels' performance in terms of strength and durability.
EcoWheels: EcoWheels is a company focused exclusively on the production of industrial wheels using recycled thermoplastic elastomers. Their wheels are made of 50% recycled material from end-of-life tyres and other rubber products.
This decision has significantly reduced the company's environmental impact and created a new business opportunity within the industrial wheels market.
GreenTech Rollers: GreenTech Rollers started by incorporating 20% recycled thermoplastic elastomers into their industrial wheels. This has reduced production costs and made their products more competitive in the market.
They have also found that the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers has helped improve their corporate image, as it demonstrates a real commitment to the environment.
Benefits achieved by companies using recycled thermoplastic elastomers in industrial wheels include:
Reduced environmental impact: The use of recycled materials helps reduce the amount of waste and the need for virgin raw materials, thus contributing to environmental sustainability.
Economic savings: The use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers can reduce production costs, making products more competitive on the market.
Positive corporate image: Adopting sustainable practices can improve the corporate image in the eyes of customers, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Maintaining performance: Companies have found that the use of recycled thermoplastic elastomers does not compromise the performance of industrial wheels in terms of strength, durability and load capacity.
It is important to note that the percentage of recycled thermoplastic elastomers used may vary from company to company and product to product, depending on the specific technical requirements.
In addition, regulations and technologies relating to the use of recycled materials are constantly evolving, influencing the decisions of companies in the sector.
If you manufacture industrial wheels, are involved in consultancy or generally want to test new recycled materials in your own production or in the production of customers you directly follow, please contact Gianeco.
Below are the contact details of our Co-Founder and Thermoplastic Elastomers Specialist
