Solid Polyurethane Wheels

Solid polyurethane wheels are cast as one continuous piece of polyurethane with no metal core. Polyurethane-on-iron and polyurethane-on-aluminum wheels have a polyurethane tread chemically bonded to a metal hub. Solid construction eliminates tread-to-core bond failure and metal core corrosion. Bonded-core wheels generally handle higher loads at the same diameter because the metal core provides additional structural rigidity.

Solid polyurethane has broad chemical resistance to oils, greases, many solvents, mild acids, and mild alkalis. Because there is no metal core to corrode, solid polyurethane wheels are particularly well-suited for washdown environments and chemical processing areas. However, prolonged exposure to concentrated acids, ketones, or chlorinated solvents can degrade polyurethane. Contact us with your specific chemical exposure for a compatibility recommendation.

Solid polyurethane wheels have good resistance to flat-spotting compared to softer rubber or thermoplastic materials. Under static loads within the rated capacity, these wheels will develop minimal compression set. If equipment remains stationary under heavy load for extended periods (weeks or longer), some temporary flat-spotting may occur but typically rounds out within minutes of rolling. For equipment that sits idle for very long periods, consider a harder durometer formulation.

Load capacity depends on wheel diameter and the specific polyurethane formulation. Smaller 3-inch solid polyurethane wheels may be rated at 400-600 lbs, while 8-inch wheels can reach 1,500-2,000 lbs per wheel. Because the entire wheel body shares the load, solid polyurethane wheels offer the highest capacity in the general-purpose polyurethane category without relying on a metal core for structural strength.