As a key component of industrial equipment, logistics and commercial facilities, the quality of casters directly affects equipment stability, personnel safety and operational efficiency. To ensure that the product meets international standards and meets the needs of different scenarios, regular manufacturers must conduct the following 7 core tests on casters, and only after passing them can they be put on the market.
1. Load Capacity Test
Purpose: Verify the maximum load-bearing capacity of casters under static and dynamic conditions.
Test method:
Static load: Fix the caster on the test platform, apply 150% of the rated load (such as 750kg for a nominal 500kg caster), keep it for 24 hours, and check whether the structure is deformed or cracked.
Dynamic load: Under simulated motion conditions (such as 5km/h speed), cycle test more than 100,000 times to observe whether the axle and bracket are fatigued and broken.
International standards: ISO 22883, ANSI/DWM B30.1
2. Abrasion Resistance Test
Purpose: To evaluate the degree of wear of the wheel surface material in long-term use.
Test method:
Sandpaper friction test: Roll the wheel on the sandpaper surface with a fixed pressure (such as 50N) to measure the wear per kilometer (such as polyurethane wheels require <0.1mm/km).
Actual scenario simulation: 500km continuous rolling test on different ground surfaces (cement, epoxy floor, steel plate).
Key indicators: Wheel surface hardness (Shore A/D), diameter change rate after wear.
3. Swivel Performance Test
Purpose: To ensure that the universal wheel rotates smoothly and without jamming.
Test method:
Swivel resistance test: Measure the starting torque required for the caster to rotate under load (such as ≤5N·m is qualified).
Low temperature test: Verify the bearing lubrication performance in a -20℃ environment to prevent freezing in cold environments.
Industry requirements: DIN EN 12532 (European industrial caster standard)
4. Shock & Impact Test
Purpose: To simulate the structural reliability in transportation or collision scenarios.
Test method:
Drop test: The caster under load is freely dropped from a height of 30cm to a steel plate, and repeated 10 times.
Obstacle impact: Hit a 5cm high obstacle at a speed of 8km/h to check whether the axle is offset or the wheel surface is debonded.
Applicable fields: High-frequency vibration scenarios such as warehousing logistics and medical equipment.
5. Environmental Durability Test
Purpose: To verify the performance stability of casters in extreme environments.
Test items:
Salt spray test (for metal parts): According to ASTM B117 standard, check the rust after 72 hours of salt spray.
Chemical corrosion test: Observe material changes after contact with oil, acidic and alkaline liquids (such as pH2-12).
High and low temperature cycles (-30℃ to 80℃) test the effect of thermal expansion and contraction on the structure.
6. Brake Function Test
Purpose: To ensure the effectiveness of the braking system on slopes or smooth surfaces.
Test method:
Slope parking: Apply the rated load on a 15° slope, lock the brake and observe whether it slides.
Cyclic braking: Repeat the start and stop 5000 times to test the wear of the brake pads and the attenuation of the braking force.
Safety standard: EN 1253 (Industrial caster brake requirements)
7. Noise & Vibration Test
Purpose: To meet the needs of quiet scenes such as hospitals and laboratories.
Test method:
Decibel detection: Measure the rolling noise in an anechoic chamber (if required <55dB).
Vibration transmissibility: Analyze the absorption effect of the caster on the vibration of the equipment through the sensor.
Why are these tests indispensable?
In 2023, a North American logistics company used casters that failed the dynamic load test, resulting in 23% of its equipment breaking axles within 6 months, with direct losses exceeding $380,000. Formal testing can not only avoid legal risks, but also is the cornerstone of brand reputation.
When choosing a supplier, be sure to ask for:
Third-party test reports (such as SGS, TÜV)
Material certification (FDA, REACH, etc.)
Actual application case data
Any further questions please kindly let us know by sales@shangxincaster.com or whatsapp + 86 152 5836 8162
