Why Have My Polyurethane Wheels Started Falling Apart?

Wheels serve as the basis for many pieces of equipment, and ensuring their reliability is key to maintaining their longevity. Polyurethane wheels are a common type of wheel used for both industrial and residential purposes, favoured for their durability. However, it is important to understand how they can be damaged to reduce the risks and preserve their extensive lifespan. 

What Are Polyurethane Wheels? 

Polyurethane wheels, also known as PU wheels, are made of a tough, manufactured polymer. A key characteristic that differentiates polyurethane wheels from other types of wheels and makes them durable and reliable is their material. Their versatile plastic elastomer resists heavy wear, tearing and abrasion. 

Key features of polyurethane wheels:

Heavy-duty strength: Polyurethane wheels support heavy loads by combining high tensile strength, structural rigidity and even weight distribution over a strong metal core.

Non-marking: Protect indoor spaces that require clean environments, as they are non-marking on concrete, tile or epoxy floors.

Resistance to chemicals: Due to their tight molecular structure and non-porous surface, harsh substances are blocked from soaking in. 

These attributes of polyurethane wheels make them a common feature in industrial equipment and household material-handling equipment such as ladders or trolleys. 

Common Causes of Polyurethane Wheel Breakdown 

Excessive Load and Speed  

A weakness of polyurethane wheels is that when exposed to frequent acceleration and deceleration, they can experience material fatigue. The same occurs when the wheels are used for excessive loads beyond their capabilities. Excessive load or speeds generate internal friction and heat, causing the wheels’ material to melt, bubble, or crack from the core. 

Exposure to High Heat 

Polyurethane wheels begin to soften at temperatures above 82°C to 110°C. When softened by heat, the material loses its elastic memory and also its load-bearing capacity. This is because the soft polymer under the weight of a heavy load will flatten permanently and deform the wheel, making it unusable. 

Poor Binding

Polyurethane wheels break due to poor adhesion caused by delamination. Delamination occurs when the polyurethane tread separates from the inner wheel hub or core. As polyurethane wheels are generally very durable, delamination is rarely caused by average wear and tear. It is mainly caused by a manufacturing issue.  

Poor Material Quality 

When manufacturers cut corners on cost, it results in ineffective polyurethane wheels that are more susceptible to breakage. It is important to use only high-quality material-handling equipment to ensure the longevity of your goods. Poor material quality causes polyurethane wheels to fall apart due to chemical degradation or improper curing. 

Debris-Heavy Surfaces 

Despite their high load capacity, polyurethane wheels cannot roll over surfaces with sharp, hard debris such as metal shavings, gravel, or wood chips. With the debris concentrating immense pressure into a single point, the wheel’s tread is more likely to be punctured or ‘pitted’. If consistently rolled over a debris-heavy surface, the polyurethane wheel will deform around irregular objects, rendering it unusable. 

Where to Find Quality Polyurethane Wheels? 

If your polyurethane wheels have unfortunately fallen apart, it is time to start investing in quality material-handling equipment. The reliability and efficiency of high-quality material-handling equipment over its lifespan will save you or your business time and money. At Blyth Enterprises, we specialise in material handling equipment in Perth. Leveraging decades of industry expertise, we deliver high-performance handling solutions tailored to your operational needs. 

Explore our range of polyurethane wheels today, or other quality material-handling equipment such as ladders, trolleys or storage solutions.