Spring-loaded casters - optimal protection for delicate loads

Spring-loaded casters improve the service life of casters by reducing the amount of shock and impact load. They also protect sensitive and valuable goods by absorbing shock and impacts. Spring-loaded casters ensure that loads are distributed more evenly and reduce noise levels during transportation. The Blickle range includes four different spring-loaded rigs with a steel or polyurethane spring. The LHF series is based on the Blickle LH rig and uses a steel spring, as does the LSFN series, which is based on the LS rig series. The LSFE series is also based on the LS series and uses a polyurethane-elastomer hinged plate construction. The Blickle LPFE rig is a welded steel construction with a polyurethane spring. This patented plate spring design provides excellent spring damper characteristics.

Steel springs are normally only used for suspension and have a long service life. The properties of steel springs remain constant over time. Polyurethane springs provide suspension in addition to dampening impacts. These springs require occasional readjustment due to the change in the spring tension caused by creep in the polyurethane material. Spring tension, initial tension and the maximum spring travel should be considered when choosing which spring-loaded caster to use. The initial tension is the amount of force which is used to pre-tension the spring. The spring will only move or compress if this force is exceeded. The spring tension is the amount of force which is required to reach the end stop. The maximum spring travel is the change in the mounting height between an unloaded state and maximum compression. The optimal static load is roughly half the spring tension. The damping performance of the caster is optimised for this range. If the force is too large or too small, the response of the suspension will be impeded.

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