INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Wheel

A furniture caster wheel is a swiveling wheel assembly that enables smooth movement and positioning of furniture items.

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Component Specifications

Definition
A furniture caster wheel is a specialized rolling component consisting of a wheel mounted on a fork and a swivel mechanism (often a ball bearing race) housed within a top plate. It is designed to be attached to the base of furniture legs or frames, allowing for omnidirectional movement with minimal effort. The assembly typically includes a stem or plate for mounting, a swivel joint for 360-degree rotation, and a wheel that contacts the floor surface. Modern variants may include braking mechanisms, load ratings, and floor-protective materials.
Working Principle
The caster operates on the principle of reducing friction through rolling motion and pivot rotation. The wheel converts sliding friction into rolling friction, while the swivel mechanism (using ball bearings or a kingpin) allows the fork and wheel to rotate freely around a vertical axis. This dual-axis movement enables the furniture to be pushed in any direction without needing to lift or drag it, distributing weight evenly and protecting floor surfaces.
Materials
Wheel: Polyurethane, rubber, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or soft tread rubber for floor protection; hard plastic or metal for industrial use. Fork: Zinc-plated steel, stainless steel, or reinforced plastic. Swivel mechanism: Steel ball bearings or bronze bushings. Top plate/stem: Steel, sometimes with zinc or chrome plating.
Technical Parameters
  • Swivel Type Ball bearing or kingpin
  • Brake Option Available on some models
  • Load Capacity 25-150 kg per caster
  • Mounting Type Plate, stem, or screw-on
  • Wheel Diameter 25-100 mm
  • Floor Type Compatibility Hard floors, carpets, uneven surfaces
Standards
ISO 9001, DIN 81414

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Wheel.

furniture caster wheel swivel caster office chair wheels heavy-duty casters floor protection casters caster specifications furniture hardware Wheel Wheel in Furniture Manufacturing

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Furniture Caster

Swiveling wheel assembly for furniture mobility

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Wheel Assembly

A complete set of components that form the rolling mechanism of an end truck, enabling movement along rails or tracks.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Overloading causing wheel deformation or swivel failure
  • Incompatible wheel material damaging floors
  • Poor installation leading to instability or detachment
  • Wear over time reducing mobility or creating noise
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Exceeding load rating
Failure: Wheel flattening, bearing seizure, or fork bending
Mitigation: Use casters with appropriate load capacity; distribute weight evenly; consider heavy-duty models for high loads
Trigger: Abrasive debris accumulation
Failure: Swivel mechanism jamming, reduced rotation
Mitigation: Regular cleaning; use sealed bearing designs; avoid dirty environments
Trigger: Material fatigue or corrosion
Failure: Cracked wheel, rusted components, breakage
Mitigation: Select corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel); inspect periodically; replace worn casters

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Wheel diameter tolerance ±1 mm; load capacity tested to 150% of rating; swivel rotation with <5 N·m torque
Test Method
ISO 22880 for fatigue testing; ANSI/BIFMA standards for office furniture; load testing per manufacturer specifications

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

Not customer reviews or live demand data. These dimensions support RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
4/5
Manufacturing capability
4/5
Inspection readiness
5/5
Supplier transparency
3/5

These scores are example evaluation dimensions, not real customer ratings, country-specific buyer feedback, or live inquiry activity.

Related Components

Safety Guards
Safety guards are protective barriers installed on furniture assembly lines to prevent operator contact with moving parts and hazardous areas.
Swivel Fork
Swivel fork is the rotating component in furniture casters that enables 360-degree directional movement.
Ball Bearing
A precision ball bearing component used in furniture casters to reduce friction and enable smooth rolling motion.
Cup Arm
A mechanical component in furniture hinges that connects the hinge cup to the mounting plate, enabling controlled door movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a rigid caster and a swivel caster?

A rigid caster has a fixed wheel that only rolls forward and backward, while a swivel caster rotates 360 degrees, allowing omnidirectional movement. Swivel casters are common for furniture needing easy repositioning.

How do I choose the right caster wheel material?

Select based on floor type and load: soft rubber or polyurethane for hard floors to prevent scratches; hard plastic or metal for heavy loads on rough surfaces; larger diameters for carpets or uneven floors.

What load capacity do I need for furniture casters?

Calculate total furniture weight divided by the number of casters, then add a safety margin (e.g., 20-30%). For a 100 kg cabinet with 4 casters, choose casters rated at least 30-35 kg each.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

Data Basis

CNFX manufacturer profiles, technical classification, publicly available product information, and ongoing plausibility checks.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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Upholstery Fabric Layer