What is a ball caster?

Asked by: Johnathan Shaw

Ball Casters use marble-like spheres which are both space saving and more flexibile in movement than conventional wheel casters.

What is a ball caster wheel?

Ball casters feature self-lubricating acetyl resin bearing. Ideal for use as new or replacement chair and furniture casters. These casters also perform well on store displays, medical equipment and office equipment. Ball caster model construction features a die-cast zinc body and wheel.

How do ball casters work differently from wheels?

The wheel is limited in that it only spins on a single axis. It can only roll in one direction at a time. Casters incorporate wheels into their designs, but they are a bit more sophisticated. A caster includes the mounting system that holds the wheel in place.

Why is it called a caster?

Swivel Casters
As the center hub of the wheel revolves around the center of the swivel section it is said to “cast” in that small circle. Thus, caster!

Do caster wheels have ball bearings?

The most common type of castor has a “Plain Bore Bearing”. This is simply where the centre hole of the Caster Wheel hub does not have any bearing as such, but uses the relatively low friction of the hub material as a bearing, to allow the wheel to roll.

How do ball casters work?

A ball caster is a type of ‘wheel’ that allows smooth movement in all directions. A miniature ball caster would be a wonderful addition to a light-seeking BEAM robot, reducing the friction from a tail-dragging capacitor. And it provides an alternative to a tail wheel for other wheeled bots.

What are casters used for?

A caster is an assembly that includes a wheel and a mount. Casters support and make it easy to maneuver carts, racks, dollies and other equipment. Casters come in different materials, wheel diameters, tread widths, load ratings and overall heights to give your equipment mobility in many kinds of work environment.

What type of casters are best?

If the objects you are seeking casters for are not too heavy, then nylon casters are probably the safest choice. Nylon casters are typically smooth and non-abrasive and are usually installed ‘ready polished’ so they will not cause any issues with your hardwood flooring.

What type of casters do I need?

Light duty casters are for loads of up to 500 lbs. Medium duty casters are for weights of between 501 and 2,000 lbs. And heavy duty casters are for weights of more than 2,000 lbs.

Are caster wheels better?

However, if your application requires primarily outdoor use, rubber casters are the better choice in terms of use and safety – both for the load and for the protection of employees.

What do ball bearings do?

A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that serves three main functions while it facilitates motion: it carries loads, reduces friction and positions moving machine parts. Ball bearings use balls to separate two “races,” or bearing rings, to reduce surface contact and friction across moving planes.

What is a caster bearing?

The annular ball caster bearing is a form of precision bearing designed with two machined, hardened raceways that fully enclose ball bearings, which are then mounted within the wheel, meaning it is not field installable. Ideal for light to medium duty applications, these bearings roll with ease and make minimal noise.

What do ball bearings go into?

A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together in a metal ring, called a race. At the center of your wheels, there is a hollow piece of metal, called a hub. The wheel bearings fit tightly inside this hub, and ride on a metal axle shaft, helping reduce friction when the wheel spins.

Is a wheel bearing and ball bearing the same thing?

A wheel bearing is a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle. It is a set of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings), held together by a metal ring.

How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?

The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more. Please note: If the wheel bearings need replacing at one wheel, you don’t necessary need to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle.