How to Select the Right Polyurethane Macla Wheel

Technical wheels made of injected polyurethane offer the best mechanical performance compared to other types of wheels, such as rubber or other plastics wheels. They offer a number of significant advantages in terms of load capacity, thinness and quietness. An optimum balance can be found between ease of rolling, grip and load capacity.

What steps should we take when choosing the right tyre? Here are some recommendations suggested by Macla.

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Recommendations according to the general characteristics of the wheel

Whether choosing a wheel from the catalogue or designing a customised one, it is advisable to take the following aspects into account:

Measurements

Knowing the measurements, even if they are approximate, will narrow down the frame.
If we have other measurements that we consider relevant, it is advisable to specify them.

Load and speed

Load per wheel. In a trolley with 4 wheels, it is calculated that 3 can support it all.
Speed of use. As the standard is 6 km/h, the speed should be specified, even if it is going to be very slow.

Type of wheel

Freewheeling.
Traction. This implies that they should have a higher load capacity.
With bearings. The number and type should be checked.
Smooth bushing. The type of bushing should be specified.
Self-lubricating bushing.

Working conditions

Resistance to high or low temperatures.
Environmental conditions such as humidity or climate.
The running surface: delicate soils, abrasion, slippage, etc.
The presence of chemicals and contact time.
The need for quiet running.
Food contact.
Electrostatically charged or not.
Electrically conductive.
Fire resistance.

Recommendations according to the technical characteristics of the wheel

In addition to the most basic aspects, we can go in depth into other elements that will make a difference when deciding on one wheel or another.

Hardness. In general, the greater the hardness, the greater the load capacity and speed. On the other hand, the lower the hardness, the better the ground handling, the better the cushioning and the quieter the tyre.
Temperature resistance. As a general rule, 20 degrees is used as a reference temperature. The range that is usually used goes from -20 to 50 degrees.
Traction. The traction of a motorised wheel will depend on the type of ground. The load capacity of a drive wheel is 80% of that of a freewheel.
Nature and condition of the ground. It matters if they are rough, abrasive, delicate, or if they have shavings or small obstacles. In general, softer coatings are recommended for sensitive floors. Some load is sacrificed in favour of not damaging the floor.
Resistance to chemicals. The presence of certain elements, as well as their concentration, temperature and contact time, can greatly influence the service life of the wheels.
Starting, rolling, sliding and noise. Starting resistance depends on the hardness and elasticity of the tread and the size of the wheel. The larger the diameter, the easier it is to start. The rolling resistance also depends on the hysteresis of the material. It also depends very much on whether the running surface is smooth, rough or with obstacles. For indoor applications, obstacles are considered to be less than 5% of the wheel diameter. If quiet running is required, soft wheels are more suitable.
Environmental conditions. These must be taken into account especially in tropical or humid climates.
Electrical conductivity. To provide protection against electrostatic discharge generated by some appliances or machines, electrically conductive wheels have been developed.

How to order Macla wheels and castors through Rodavigo

If you would like to find out more about the information provided in this article, you can take advantage of the fact that we have added the Macla PDF catalogue to our B2B portal. In addition to wheels, you will have technical data on other types of parts and accessories.

We have recently updated the Macla digital catalogue on our website, so you can consult any material from this manufacturer directly from here.

If you have any questions or queries, you can also contact us via our contact form, e-mail or telephone.