Parts of a Caster
Casters typically have six parts: the mount, spring, yoke, axle bolts, wheel, and wheel bearings.
● The mount holds your items and has two parts: the top plate and the stem.
● In many cases, casters have shock-absorbing properties that springs provide. Springs serve as a cushion when you put a load on a caster.
● The yoke provides framing for the wheels, usually attached to the mount through welding or screws.
● The axle bolt attaches the wheel to the yoke.
● You cannot create a caster without a wheel, which is typically solid or bonded. Wheels provide motion to a caster.
● Wheel bearings are small metal pieces around the wheel, attached using a metallic ring called a race.
Usually, caster manufacturers create all these parts in their factories, except for springs and axle bolts. Manufacturers typically purchase these parts from suppliers.
Building the Mount of the Caster
The mount of the caster is the part that holds your items. It has two parts: the top plate and the stem. You can use a thick sheet of steel to create the top plate and cut the size you need with a capable tool, such as a computer-guided cutting machine.
As for the stem, you should use a thinner, more flexible type of metal.
Building the Yokes of the Caster
The yokes are the arms that hold the wheel axles together. As with the stems, you should use a thinner type of metal to create yokes. To form yoke shapes and circular grooves, you should run the thin metal sheets on a punch press.
Building the Wheels of the Caster
There's a simple four-minute process for how to make caster wheels. You first build the mechanisms that will hold them in place. Then, fill grooves with steel ball bearings, allowing the yokes to swivel. Afterward, seal the grooves with steel retainers.
To form the wheels, use nylon wheel inserts and place them in an injection molding press. This machine melts rubber and inserts it into the mold. Once they form solid pieces, you can move them to cooling racks for two and a half hours. The last step is to smooth the edges of the wheels for smoother movement.
Assembling the Parts of the Caster
First, place a two-part bearing inside the wheel and use a pneumatic press to lock the pieces together. Then, attach steel guards on both sides to prevent objects from getting inside the wheel. Secure and tighten all the wheel pieces with an impact gun. Lastly, connect the wheels to the mount of the caster.