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  • 17 Dec 2025

What Are Castor Wheels? Types, Materials, and Industrial Applications

In modern industrial and commercial environments, mobility plays a crucial role in improving efficiency, safety, and workflow. One of the most important components enabling the smooth movement of heavy and light equipment is the castor wheel. From hospitals and warehouses to factories and offices, castor wheels are widely used across industries.

This blog explains what castor wheels are, their types, materials, and industrial applications, while also highlighting the importance of high-quality fastening components used in castor wheel assemblies.

What Are Castor Wheels?

Castor wheels are wheel assemblies designed to be mounted to the bottom of equipment, furniture, machines, or trolleys to enable easy movement. Unlike fixed wheels, castors can either rotate freely or move in a straight direction, depending on their design.

A standard castor wheel assembly includes:

  • Wheel
  • Mounting plate or stem
  • Swivel bearing (in swivel castors)
  • Fasteners such as rivets, bolts, screws, and weld studs

The performance and load-bearing capacity of a castor wheel depend not only on the wheel material but also on the strength of the fastening components used in its construction.


Types of Castor Wheels

Castor wheels are categorized based on movement, mounting style, and load capacity.

1. Swivel Castor Wheels

Swivel castors rotate 360 degrees, allowing movement in any direction. They are ideal for applications requiring high maneuverability.

Common Uses:

  • Hospital beds
  • Office chairs
  • Shopping carts
  • Industrial trolleys

2. Fixed (Rigid) Castor Wheels

Fixed castors move only in a straight line and provide better directional control.

Common Uses:

  • Conveyor systems
  • Heavy machinery
  • Long-distance transport carts

3. Braked Castor Wheels

These castors include a braking mechanism to lock the wheel or swivel movement, ensuring stability when the equipment is stationary.

Common Uses:

  • Medical equipment
  • Workstations
  • Mobile platforms

4. Heavy-Duty Castor Wheels

Designed for high load capacities, these castors are built using reinforced wheels and strong metal frames.

Common Uses:

  • Industrial machinery
  • Warehouse racks
  • Manufacturing plants

Materials Used in Castor Wheels

The material of a castor wheel determines its durability, floor compatibility, noise level, and load capacity.

1. Polyurethane (PU) Castor Wheels

  • High load capacity
  • Floor-friendly and non-marking
  • Resistant to chemicals and abrasion

2. Nylon Castor Wheels

  • Lightweight yet strong
  • Excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals
  • Ideal for clean environments

3. Rubber Castor Wheels

  • Shock-absorbing
  • Quiet operation
  • Suitable for uneven or delicate floors

4. Metal Castor Wheels

  • Extremely durable
  • Designed for high-temperature and heavy-load applications
  • Common in foundries and heavy industries

5. Cast Iron Wheels

  • Exceptional strength
  • Suitable for extreme industrial conditions
  • Often used in combination with heavy-duty fasteners

Importance of Fasteners in Castor Wheel Assemblies

Castor wheels rely heavily on precision fastening components for safety and long-term performance. Poor-quality fasteners can lead to instability, frequent breakdowns, and safety hazards.

Key fastening components used in castor wheels include:

High-grade fasteners ensure:

  • Secure wheel mounting
  • Resistance to vibration and load stress
  • Longer service life of the castor assembly

Industrial Applications of Castor Wheels

Castor wheels are used across a wide range of industries due to their versatility and efficiency.

1. Manufacturing & Engineering

Used in machine bases, tool carts, and material handling equipment.

2. Warehousing & Logistics

Applied in pallet trolleys, racks, and movable storage units.

3. Medical & Healthcare

Essential for hospital beds, IV stands, and medical carts where smooth and silent movement is critical.

4. Furniture & Office Equipment

Office chairs, mobile workstations, and modular furniture rely on durable castor wheels.

5. Automotive & Heavy Industries

Heavy-duty castors support assembly lines, engine stands, and industrial platforms.

Role of Surinder Rivets Industries in Supporting Castor Wheel Manufacturing

Surinder Rivets Industries, based in New Delhi, India, is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality fastening components that are essential for castor wheel assemblies and industrial equipment.

Our Key Strengths:

  • Manufacturing metal rivets, square head bolts, mild steel screws, one way screws, and weld studs
  • Use of high-grade mild steel, stainless steel, and durable metals
  • Customized fasteners as per client specifications (size, finish, threading)
  • Nationwide supply network across India
  • Commitment to precision engineering, quality control, and timely delivery

By supplying reliable fastening solutions, we help manufacturers ensure that castor wheels and mobility systems remain safe, stable, and long-lasting.

Castor wheels play a vital role in modern industrial mobility, offering flexibility, efficiency, and safety across multiple sectors. Choosing the right type of castor wheel, material, and high-quality fasteners is essential for optimal performance.

With a strong focus on quality fastening solutions, Surinder Rivets Industries continues to support industrial manufacturers across India by delivering durable and precision-engineered components that enhance the reliability of castor wheel systems.

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