Caster wheels have many uses, including for furniture and office equipment, and may be on the bottom of your rolling chair right now. Phenolic wheels allow for smooth movement while remaining stable. Here are the facts you need to know about phenolic caster wheels.

Composition

Phenolic caster wheels are one of the most uncomplicated, most effective caster wheels on the market. They are composed of phenolic resin and nylon, with resins containing as much as 85% recycled phenol, a waste product of the wood-processing industry. Because the phenolic caster wheel is constructed from a solid resin block under high pressure and temperature, it can handle a large amount of weight. This design gives the wheel the strength and form needed to transport heavy loads. If you want pristine white floors, however, you should pick a different caster wheel. Phenolic casters have a black tread that can leave marks but can be a good option when you have stationary loads that don’t need to be moved often.

Durability

Phenolic caster wheels are a lightweight, cost-effective option. However, these wheels are less durable than some other options. If the wheel shell is damaged, warping can occur when moisture enters the wheel interior, making the wheel challenging to push and eventually causing disintegration.

Phenolic caster wheels can sometimes collect debris when in use because of their rigid composition. Concrete is, therefore, the ideal surface for them. These wheels contain chemical-resistant compounds, which means oil, grease, and some liquids will not adhere to the wheel.

Alternatives

Glass-filled nylon caster wheels are a good alternative because of the durability issues associated with phenolic caster wheels. Glass-filled nylon wheels offer most of the phenolic casters’ benefits and strength without moisture problems and floor-marking. The industry standard for glass-filled nylon is 30% glass, which gives this caster wheel its rigidity. Polyolefin caster wheels are more expensive than those made of phenolic resin, but they’re non-marking, moisture-resistant, lightweight, and strong.

Phenolic caster wheels are an excellent option for many commercial and industrial applications. They don’t require any lubricants, which means there is no need to worry about them gumming up over time. While these wheels provide cost savings, they may lack long-term durability, making glass-filled nylon caster wheels a possible option for extreme applications. Understanding what type of load you will have on them and the amount of use they will see can help you choose the best wheels for your project.