When you needed to move heavy equipment or carts in industrial settings, traditional wheel choices favored metal and phenolic wheels. The problem with metal wheels, especially as industrial facilities invested in nicely finished and marked floors in support of lean manufacturing, was that they would damage the floors. When metal wheels hit debris or thresholds, something must give, and it will be either the floor or the wheel. Phenolic wheels also became a favorite, but did not do well with moisture once debris chipped open the protective tread layer. Enter in the Trionix wheel, CNC machined from an engineered high-impact Nylatron polymer, with load ratings exceeding forged steel wheels and featuring floor protective properties, and a game changer was born.
What makes the Trionix wheel the best replacement for steel wheels? We’ve listed the leading benefits and also what to watch for:
Engineered for High Loads and Impact Strength
Industrial nylon Trionix wheels are CNC machined from a high-impact Nylatron polymer, which has a tensile strength of 11,000 PSI and load ratings up to 7,200 lb. per wheel. Available in 4” - 10” diameters with tread widths in 2” and 3” offerings, they are extremely durable and capable of withstanding demanding industrial environments and shock. Trionix wheel load ratings exceed that of most forged steel comparable products with a 78-82 Shore D hardness and a temperature range from -30°F to 220°F.
Superior Rollability
Traditionally speaking, the harder the wheel, the easier it will roll—but that posed a major issue with floor damage as previously mentioned. This is where the Trionix wheel excels. It provides the hard wheel tread for easy rolling, but also gives you excellent ergonomic value with the benefits of floor protection. The Trionix wheel also features a slight crown in its tread design and sealed precision ball bearings to make rolling easy (2 bearings in each 2” wide wheels, and 4 bearings in each 3” wide wheel), superior slide resistance, and no maintenance needs due to the premium bearings used in these wheels. Compared to roller bearing cast iron or steel wheels, you will enjoy smoother and quieter mobility, plus less downtime, maintenance, and floor repairs with the Trionix wheel.
Floor and Track Protection
Whether you have nicely finished concrete floors, unfinished concrete floors, or are running your casters on steel tracks, the Trionix wheel will add a superior layer of protection from damaging your floors or tracks like metal wheels can. This is due to the engineered material as previously described, but the results are real and one of the biggest reasons customers are making the switch to the Trionix wheel. Recently, one of the largest automobile makers in the world trusted our engineers to change from forged steel wheel casters on their assembly line tracks to our Trionix wheels and the results were game-changing: their steel tracks realized less wear, they completely eliminate the need to grease the wheels in their maintenance schedule, they significantly reduced the noise surrounding the line, and they reduced the pull forces on the conveyor line due to the ergonomic value benefits. Surface protection, while still maintaining a truly industrial caster with high load ratings simply did not exist until recent years, and it has had a huge impact in reducing the repair costs to floors around the world.
Resilience to Harsh Conditions
Industrial manufacturing environments are sometimes subjected to conditions that can cause corrosion or failure in traditional wheels—where metal wheels also excelled. But, with the development of the Trionix polymer, the wheels resist most chemicals and are corrosion resistant—keeping you rolling in the toughest applications. 
Where Do Steel Wheels Excel?
The Trionix wheel is an ideal replacement for most steel wheel applications that are causing unwanted floor damage or loud mobility. Where metal wheels excel include: high heat applications; severe barriers/shocks that will cause greater than 11,000 PSI impacts (cast iron will handle 30,000 PSI, forged steel will handle 64,000 PSI as examples); and some applications where caustic chemicals or extreme moisture is present (contact us with the specific chemicals to best assess the application and best wheel in these cases).
What About Price Compared to Steel Wheels?
You will find the Trionix wheel to be comparable in price to most forged steel wheels and about 2-3 times more expensive than traditional cast iron wheels.
Applications Across Various Material Handling Scenarios
Industrial nylon caster wheels offer versatility, with applications throughout industrial material handling and manufacturing processes:
- Automotive to Aerospace Tools/Racks: Trusted mobility is key in the manufacturing and maintenance of automotive, aerospace, agricultural, and military applications. Trionix caster wheels enable proven and easy movement of tools, racks, and fixtures to streamline fabrication and manufacturing.
- Material Handling Equipment: From carts and heavy-duty dollies to conveyors and racks, Trionix caster wheels ensure smooth and efficient movement of heavy goods, optimizing workflow and productivity.
- Machinery Transportation: Whether within manufacturing plants or warehouses, Trionix caster wheels provide the stability and load-bearing capacity needed for safe and secure transportation of heavy machinery.
- Assembly Line Operations: Seamless movement of components and products is essential in assembly line operations. Trionix caster wheels support the ergonomic and precise maneuverability of assembly line carts, enhancing productivity and minimizing delays.
- Maintenance and Tool Management: In maintenance workshops, mobility is essential for accessing equipment and tools efficiently. Trionix caster wheels provide stability and maneuverability to maintenance carts and tool trolleys, enhancing productivity and ensuring essential resources are readily available.
Industrial Trionix nylon caster wheels stand as strong and resilient options in industrial material handling applications. Their durability, load capacity, stability, and resilience to harsh conditions make them a trusted choice for professionals seeking reliable solutions to optimize operations and better protect valuable floors and surfaces.
Want to explore a quote on our Trionix caster solutions? Contact us now!
