Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM) members are the Industry's leading suppliers of casters, wheels, and industrial trailer trucks, platform trucks and towline trucks. They supply caster and wheel solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. The association was formed in 1933.
To provide high quality, reliable products and services to the caster and wheel market.
ICWM members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of casters, wheels, and accessories.
ICWM Programs Include:Originally approved as an American National Standard in 2004 and published in 2005, this 2012 update is intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, structural adequacy and technical requirements for group specific casters and wheels.
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This White Paper provides an overview of the issues involved in manual pushing and pulling, including ergonomics; cart, wheel, and caster design; and important operating environment factors.
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ICWM of MHI Presents : "Why Did They Die?" - Autopsies of Caster and Wheel Failures Most caster and wheel failures in the workplace result from misapplication - the customer used the wrong caster for the job required. It is certainly not true that "any old caster will do". In fact, considerable R&D, product testing, and engineering exist behind casters and wheels. Knowing just a little bit of what might go wrong can help a caster or wheel user ask the right questions up front and likely get a better result. Matching application demands to caster capabilities make everyone happy! |
A caster is a complete wheel and horn assembly which, when attached to a piece of equipment, allows that item to move.
There are two basic types of casters:
Caster wheels come in a wide variety of materials, sizes and treads. The type and size of wheels chosen depends on:
Here are examples of 8 types of bearings used in the manufacturing on quality casters and wheels:
Manufacturers provide many accessories for specific applications:
The user is responsible for proper maintenance and operation of equipment. Some equipment is abused or subjected to unreasonable demands. Don't overload or drop loads on carts or trucks. High speeds on rough floors can create severe impact or shock loads that may cause wheel or equipment failure. Periodically examine equipment for:
It is certainly not true that "any old caster will do". Casters and wheels serve a vital role in industrial mobility, yet are commonly the unsung heroes. Choosing the correct caster for your application can ensure safety, performance and productivity.
In this webinar, the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM) will explain why certain manufacturing tests help to ensure your casters are safe and top-notch performers. You will learn the ergonomics of casters and how selecting the right caster can reduce lower back injury and save your company money as injury claims drop. Prepare for future success and register today.
Don't know where to start when picking casters for your applications? We can help. Check out mhi.org/icwm for more information on caster ergonomics and safety.
Anupam Berry Bose
abose[at]mhi[dot]org
704-676-1190
President
Natacha Smith
Tente Casters, Inc
Vice President
Ray Simmons
Darcor Casters