When shopping for casters, you may come across pneumatic casters. They’ve become a popular alternative to traditional casters. With their pneumatic operation, they can absorb shock while subsequently protecting the objects with which they are used from damage. For a better understanding of pneumatic casters and how they work, keep reading.
What Are Pneumatic Casters?
Pneumatic casters are casters that feature air-filled wheels. The term “pneumatic” means “operating under air or pressure.” Pneumatic casters are characterized by their use of air-filled wheels.
All casters have wheels. Casters are simply unpowered wheels that are designed for use on the bottom of an object. You can install them on chairs, carts, machines, workbenches and other objects. While some casters have solid wheels, others have hollow wheels. Pneumatic casters consist of hollow wheels that are filled with air.
How Pneumatic Casters Work
Pneumatic casters work like most other casters. Each pneumatic caster consists of an air-filled wheel that’s attached to a frame. The wheels themselves are made of a rubber polymer, whereas the frames are made of a metal or alloy.
Installation requires mounting the frame to the bottom of an object. The frame will typically feature four or more threaded holes. You can drive a set of bolts through these holes and into the bottom of an object. After mounting a set of pneumatic casters to the bottom, you can then roll the object. Pneumatic casters are simply air-filled wheels that are attached to a mounting frame.
Benefits of Pneumatic Casters
Pneumatic casters offer excellent shock-resistant properties. They will absorb the shock of the ground or floor naturally as they roll. Other types of casters offer little or no protection against shock. Casters that feature solid wheels are durable, but they aren’t able to absorb shock.
If you’re planning to roll them on rough or uneven surfaces, you may want to choose pneumatic casters for this reason. With their air-filled tires, they can absorb shock. They’ll absorb the shock of the ground or floor, thus stabilizing the objects to which they are mounted. The end result is a smoother rolling operation that protects the objects from damage.
Another benefit of pneumatic casters is quiet operation. They are nearly silent, in fact, making them a popular choice for indoor rolling applications. Hospitals and other commercial buildings often use pneumatic casters on equipment. Thanks to their air-filled tires, they roll smoothly and quietly.