Logistics and warehousing equipment operates through repeated starts, stops, rolling loads, impacts and contamination. Wheels, rollers, bumpers and guides must be specified for load, speed, floor condition, duty cycle and operating environment.
Cast polyurethane can be formulated for traction, wear, non-marking surfaces, impact damping and bonding to metal cores. Pepsen manufactures custom wheels, rollers and molded parts from drawings or samples; the final grade and geometry depend on the equipment and application conditions.
Advantages of Polyurethane for Logistics Equipment
– Rolling fatigue and heat management: Wheel and roller design should consider load, speed, run length, start-stop frequency, diameter, tread thickness and core construction. Service life should be compared under the actual duty cycle.
– Noise, non-marking options and rolling resistance: Resilient polyurethane can reduce metal-to-floor impact, while non-marking grades can protect coated floors. Rolling resistance depends on hardness, diameter, load, bearings and floor condition, so power or battery effects require application testing.
– Load capacity and cut resistance: Polyurethane grade, tread geometry, core and bond design are selected for the wheel or roller load and shock exposure. Rated capacity must be confirmed by engineering calculation and validation testing.
– Temperature and environmental compatibility: Polyurethane formulations have different low- and high-temperature limits. Provide minimum and maximum temperature, continuous or intermittent exposure, cleaning chemicals, moisture and outdoor conditions for grade selection.
Key Applications
– Forklift & Electric Pallet Truck Wheels
Polyurethane drive and load wheels for forklifts and pallet trucks can be specified for floor protection and traction. Provide outside diameter, width, hub or bearing details, wheel load, speed, duty cycle, floor condition and any non-marking or conductivity requirement.
– AGV / AMR / RGV & Shuttle Cart Wheels
AGV, AMR, RGV, mecanum and omni-wheel applications require controlled concentricity, runout, traction and rolling resistance. Specify load, speed, floor, drive torque, steering arrangement, tolerance and expected travel distance for wheel design.
– Overhead Hoist Transport (OHT) Wheels for Semiconductor Facilities
OHT wheel applications may require low particle generation, non-marking material, controlled runout and documented bond integrity. Cleanroom compatibility must be verified for the target class and the customer’s qualification method.
– Conveyor & Sortation Rollers
Polyurethane drive, idler and feed rollers can provide grip while controlling contact with cartons, totes and parcels. Specify line speed, nip pressure, core geometry, bearings, temperature, surface finish and allowable marking.
– Dock Bumpers & Impact Pads
Cast polyurethane dock bumpers, corner pads and impact blocks can cushion contact at loading docks, doors and vehicles. Geometry, hardness, impact energy, attachment, temperature and weather exposure should be reviewed for the installation.
– Racking & Flow Systems Components
Polyurethane rollers, stops, buffers and protective pads can support carton-flow and racking applications while reducing metal-to-metal impact. Dimensions, mounting, load, travel speed and contact surface should be specified.
Related Polyurethane Products for Logistics & Warehousing
Explore custom polyurethane wheels and rollers for forklifts, AGVs, conveyors and automated storage systems:
- Polyurethane Wheels – Custom drive, load and guide wheels for forklifts, AGVs, shuttle carts and material-handling equipment.
- Polyurethane Conveyor Rollers With Bearings – Made-to-order drive and idler rollers with integrated bearings; specify dimensions, load, speed and surface requirements.
- Polyurethane Rollers – Custom drive, idler and guide rollers for conveyor and sortation equipment.
- NDI-based Polyurethane Wheels – Wheel options for high-speed or heavy-duty systems where heat build-up, traction and load require engineering review.
