Stainless Steel Casters

304 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance for most food processing and washdown applications. 316 stainless steel adds molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to chloride corrosion and is recommended for coastal/marine environments, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and facilities using aggressive chlorinated cleaning chemicals. 316 costs more but lasts longer in harsh chemical environments.

USDA and FDA regulations require equipment in food contact and food processing zones to be constructed of corrosion-resistant, non-absorbent, cleanable materials. Stainless steel casters meet this requirement. While some facilities use chrome-plated or epoxy-coated casters in dry areas, any equipment subject to washdown, moisture, or direct food contact should use fully stainless steel casters.

For maximum corrosion resistance in washdown environments, polypropylene wheels are the top choice -- they resist water, chemicals, and sanitizers without degradation. Nylon is another strong option for chemical resistance and heat tolerance. Polyurethane provides higher load capacity and floor protection but may degrade faster in constant water exposure. Avoid rubber wheels in environments with oil or harsh solvents.

The stainless steel housing components can withstand temperatures well above what washdown procedures require (typically 180 degrees F hot water). The wheel material is the limiting factor -- polypropylene tolerates temperatures up to approximately 200 degrees F, nylon up to 250 degrees F, and standard polyurethane up to approximately 160 degrees F. Select your wheel material based on the maximum temperature exposure.