How To Make Caster Wheels Quieter

Casters are wonderfully versatile tools for a vast number of
businesses and industries. Incorporating casters onto equipment and into your
general workflow can significantly boost speed and efficiency without
compromising worker safety.

However, casters can also have a few small drawbacks — one
of these is the noise that caster wheels generate.

Whether you’re using casters for dollies, tool carts,
patient beds, or heavy equipment, excessive noise can be frustrating. While the
noise may not affect casters’ mobility or speed of transport, it may affect
workers’ productivity. Noise from casters can even adversely affect the client
or patient experience, such as in the medical and hospitality industries where
quiet environments are important for comfort and ambiance.

Fortunately, it is not only possible but also easy to reduce
caster wheel noise. Learn how to make caster wheels quieter and keep your work
environment peaceful with our helpful tips.

Choose Softer Caster Wheels

One effective method to reduce caster wheel noise is by
opting for softer wheel materials. Take note that the harder the wheel, the
more floor chatter — especially if the floor is hard as well.

Compared to hard caster wheels, softer wheel materials can
significantly reduce noise transmission. This results in a quieter rolling
experience. An excellent example of a softer wheel material is rubber.

Softer caster wheels also offer better shock absorption.
This, in turn, contributes to quieter movements. As a bonus, this type of
caster wheel is often non-marking, which helps preserve the condition of your
floors.

Best Soft Wheel Materials for Noise Reduction

While softer materials are highly recommended for quiet
caster wheels, not all materials are made equal. Some offer greater noise
reduction and additional benefits than others. Here are four of the top soft
materials for quiet caster wheels:

  • Thermoplastic
    Rubber (TPR).
    TPR wheels combine the benefits of rubber and plastic.
    The material offers great shock and noise absorption. The cushioning gives
    the wheels easy rollability and helps ensure a smooth, quiet ride.
  • Polyurethane
    (PU).
    This material is great if you are looking for easy-rolling and
    silent wheels, even though it’s softer than rubber or TPR. Polyurethane
    offers a smooth ride even over rough or uneven surfaces by reducing
    noise-causing vibrations. Moreover, it can maintain both smooth
    rollability and quieter movements even when carrying heavy loads.
  • Mold-on
    Rubber.
    This type of caster wheel consists of a rubber tread that is
    molded, cast, or permanently bonded onto a metal core. It offers excellent
    shock and vibration absorption, noise reduction, and floor protection.
    Mold-on rubber caster wheels also offer excellent grip on floor surfaces.
  • Neoprene.
    Like PU and TPR, neoprene wheels are also a popular choice among those
    looking for quiet caster wheels. The material not only offers sufficient
    cushioning and vibration reduction but also high oil and chemical
    resistance.

Casters made from these materials significantly minimize
noise while also ensuring smooth and effortless mobility, particularly on hard
flooring. Generally, a softer, non-marking, TPR caster wheel is an excellent
choice for quiet caster wheels.

Look for Sealed Precision Bearings

Sealed precision bearings are specifically designed to
reduce friction and ensure smooth rolling motion. Precision-bearing raceways on
a swivel caster fork offer similar benefits.

These types of bearings are enclosed within sealed housings
or hardened raceways, preventing dust and debris from entering. Keeping dust
and debris out helps minimize noise.

Moreover, it also helps prevent premature wear and ensures
the caster wheel grease lasts longer. In turn, this further contributes to the
caster wheel’s quiet operations. Less wear and tear and prolonged caster wheel
life means fewer potential problems that may cause noise or disturbance.

Get Swivel Seals on Larger Casters

Larger caster wheels, often found on heavy-duty equipment or
furniture, can generate more noise due to their size and weight. To minimize
the noise in such cases, it is recommended to get swivel seals.

Swivel seals are designed to reduce noise by providing a
barrier between the swivel-bearing raceway and the environment. They serve a
similar purpose as sealed precision bearings or raceways. The swivel seals
prevent dirt, debris, and liquids from entering the swivel mechanism, leading
to quieter operation and improved durability.

Find the Best Noise Reducing Casters Today

By following these tips, you can create a more comfortable
work environment while still enjoying the benefits of greater efficiency and
faster transport mobility with quiet caster wheels.

Upgrade your caster wheels today to experience the
difference. Visit the LINCO online store to check our selection of quiet caster
wheels, both from LINCO and other reputable manufacturers.

For more information or any inquiries, reach out to our
LINCO caster specialists at (866) 306-9566 or send us a
message
on our contact page.