Caster Engineering

Aerol was built with a focus on providing solutions to the most challenging mobility issues in material handling. Our manufacturing and engineering process is highly flexible and allows us to easily accommodate custom designs with high precision. Our tools are designed to make caster and caster wheel adjustments quick and easy. Over the years, we have worked closely with numerous engineers to develop the following tools and resources specifically to help our engineers meet your specific needs:

CAD Model Tool

• Our CAD Model Tool enables customization of the thousands of existing models
• Download models in one of over 50 formats, ensuring compatibility with your design application

We offer extensive knowledge and experience in resolving common challenges, including:

• Ergonomics
• Extreme Weight (Up to Several Hundred Tons)
• Environmental Challenges
• Powered Applications
• Noise Reduction
• Harsh and Abusive Conditions
• ROI Improvements Around Material Handling

Caster and Caster Wheel Dyno Testing

Our fully automated caster testing machines simulate real-world use of their products in a laboratory setting. The Dynamic Wheel Endurance Test Machine (DWETM) is computer-controlled and can run unattended on a continuous basis.

The list of features of the DWETM includes:

• Automatic changing of testing conditions, load, speed and test duration
• Ability to simulate static and dynamic loads up to 10,000 pounds and speeds up to 20 mph
• Ability to automatically stop testing sessions when it senses a failure condition
• A force load cell to measure load on the test product
• A torque and speed sensor to measure the speed of the wheel and the torque being exerted onto the test wheel
• An infrared temperature sensor to measure wheel temperature
• An accelerometer to measure machine vibration
• All testing data from the DWETM is fed directly into a computer-based controller and can be reviewed and analyzed using software designed specifically for this purpose

Portable, Continuous Ergonomic Pull Tester (PCEPT)

Caster Concepts engineers have also developed the Portable Continuous Ergonomic Pull Tester (PCEPT), a tool to acquire and record pull-force data with a high degree of accuracy and repetition. This semi-automated portable testing machine is capable of simultaneously measuring, displaying and recording pull force data and pull speed data.

The PCEPT’s computer-based data acquisition system records all incoming data and the custom-designed software allows the data to be retrieved and analyzed. An open-loop motor controller ensures that run conditions remain constant between different test sessions, resulting in very repeatable and consistent measurements.

Multi-functional Static Condition Caster Test Machine (SCCTM)

The multifunctional Static Condition Caster Test Machine was built to verify and quantify the static characteristics of Caster Concepts current and future product lines. Specifically, the static tester can continuously measure the stiffness profile of spring-loaded and other shock absorption casters along their entire travel length. It can also be used to determine tread bond strength and quality of elastomer-treaded wheels. Additionally, the static tester can continuously measure the resulting footprint of a wheel with respect to the load applied, thus capturing the change in footprint area as the load applied to the wheel is varied.

Our aim was to create a low-cost multi-functional machine capable of generating useful data for a wide range of products. In order to reduce the cost and maintain flexibility, much of the SCCTM functionality is not automated. Since the operation and testing time of each specimen is relatively short, an operator is required to be present at all times. The operator duties in running the test machine include loading and unloading specimens, initiating the data acquisition software, and controlling the force actuation mechanism.

The SCCTM is capable of generating and measuring 20,000 pounds of force through its hydraulic cylinder and S beam load cell. The cylinder has 10 inches of travel measured through a linear encoder. Its plunging height can be further adjusted to accommodate various caster sizes with the addition of extension rods.

Proven Solutions

From custom drive platforms to driving simulators to a dyno testing station, we’ve applied our engineering expertise across a variety of applications. Caster Concepts is capable of handling everything from product development, finite element analysis, CAD, manufacturing documentation to creating prototypes, proof of concepts, and large production runs. Our vertically integrated manufacturing process reduces design time and expenses.

Over the past decade, the engineering department at Caster Concepts has developed into one of the most highly sought-after services in the industry. With access to tools including SolidWorks CAD design platform, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and design, to prototype dynamic testing, to laser cutting, to CNC forming, to varying durometers of polyurethane wheels, to varying chemical makeup of polyurethane wheels to robotic welding, to ISO supported manufacturing processes.