Table of Temperature and Speed Ratings by Castor Material

Use this page to quickly match wheel material to your operating temperature and speed of movement. 

For towing, higher speeds, extreme heat or unusual chemicals, you can contact Coldene for application-specific guidance.

Note: The table scrolls both up and down and left and right

Material	Continuous temperature	Intermittent temperature	Typical speed rating	Best for	Key notes
Polyurethane (Standard)	-40°C to +82°C	N/A	2 to 4 km/h (walking speed)	General industrial, warehousing, manufacturing, food processing	Excellent floor protection, chemical resistant, non?marking, good oil and solvent resistance
Polyurethane (Ergonomic / High?Performance)	-40°C to +82°C	N/A	2 to 4 km/h manual (towing possible)	Material handling, trolleys, carts, AGVs, tuggers	Low rolling resistance, reduced push and pull force, energy?returning formulations available
Nylon (Standard)	-20°C to +80°C	N/A	2 to 4 km/h (walking speed)	Light to medium duty industrial equipment	High load capacity, low rolling resistance, resistant to oils, fats and alkalis, avoid concentrated acids
Glass?Filled Nylon (High Temperature)	-30°C to +177°C	Up to +230°C (short periods)	2 to 4 km/h (walking speed)	Bakery ovens, autoclaves, commercial baking, smokehouses	Suitable for moist heat, not suitable for dry heat (risk of shattering when moisture reaches zero), non?marking
Rubber (Standard)	-45°C to +71°C	Up to +82°C (short periods)	2 to 4 km/h (walking speed)	Floor protection, shock absorption, quieter movement	Non?marking, shock absorbing, can become brittle in outdoor or extreme cold
High?Temperature Elastomeric Rubber	-45°C to +232°C	Up to +246°C (short periods)	Towing possible (consult)	Sterilisers, autoclaves, bakery, continuous use	Bonded to cast iron core, resists cracking and chunking, quiet operation, excellent for towing
Cast Iron	-30°C to +200°C (with standard bearings)	Up to +316°C (with high?temp bearings and grease)	N/A	Heavy duty industrial, high heat, rough surfaces	Very durable, high load capacity, noisy and heavy, marks floors, performance depends on bearings
Phenolic Resin (Standard)	-45°C to +121°C	N/A	2 to 3 km/h (slow walking speed)	Light to medium duty industrial, warehousing	Chemical resistant (oils, grease, petrol), economical, not recommended for submerged or constantly wet environments
Phenolic Resin (High Temperature)	-45°C to +232°C	Up to +246°C (short periods)	2 to 3 km/h (slow speed)	Powder coating ovens, curing ovens, dry?heat bakery ovens	Best for dry heat, brittle compared to other materials, not recommended for wet environments or towing
Forged Steel / Steel	-40°C to +316°C	Above +316°C (consult)	Variable (application dependent)	Foundries, heat treatment, heavy manufacturing, extreme loads	Highest strength, excellent shock loading resistance, load capacity may decrease above +316°C

Important notes and limitations

Speed ratings

Most speed ratings shown are for manual propulsion at walking speed (2 to 4 km/h). Higher speeds can be possible for specific towing setups. Contact Coldene’s engineering team for towing or high-speed requirements.

Temperature performance factors

Actual performance depends on:

• Load weight and distribution 
• Floor surface condition 
• Bearing type and quality 
• Lubrication (high-temperature grease is required for elevated temperatures) 
• Duration of exposure (continuous vs intermittent) 
• Environmental conditions (moisture, chemicals, etc.) 

Bearing limitations for high-temperature applications

• Standard ball bearings: 0 to 121°C 
• Stainless steel ball and tapered bearings: 0 to 121°C 
• Roller bearings with high-temperature grease: higher ratings may be possible 
• Bronze sleeve bearings: higher temperature rating but lower rollability 

Load capacity reduction at elevated temperature

Load capacities can drop significantly as temperatures rise. Always verify capacity at your operating temperature.

Lubrication requirements

High-temperature applications require regular re-greasing with appropriate high-temperature lubricants. Frequency depends on temperature and duty cycle.

FAQ

Can I tow these wheels faster than walking speed?

Sometimes. The table shows typical manual speeds. Towing speed depends on wheel material, load, core, bearings, lubrication, and duty cycle. Contact Coldene with your target speed, load per wheel, and temperature.

What is the difference between continuous and intermittent temperature?

Continuous is the expected sustained operating temperature. Intermittent is short exposure at higher temperature. Intermittent capability does not mean the wheel can run continuously at that peak.

Why is glass-filled nylon not suitable for dry heat?

It is designed for moist heat environments. In dry heat, the material can become brittle and may shatter when moisture content reaches zero.

Do wheels mark floors?

Materials like cast iron and steel can mark floors and are noisier. Polyurethane and rubber are typically better for floor protection.

Do I need special bearings for high temperatures?

Often, yes. Above typical bearing temperature limits, you may need specialised bearing types and high-temperature grease. Bearing choice can be the limiting factor, not the wheel material.

For technical support and custom specifications

Phone: +44(0)1296 431135
Email: sales@coldene.com
Web: www.coldene.com