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.
ICWM members meet regularly to:
Standards Institute (ANSI) Canvass method and approved by ANSI on June 11, 2018, represents suggested design practices and operational requirements for Casters and Wheels. It was developed by MHI, along with the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (“ICWM”), one of its Industry Groups, and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers and/or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.
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Juan Carrano, Georgia Tech
The EASE and ICWM Honor Scholarship for the 2020/2021 academic term has been awarded to Juan Carrano, a rising junior at Georgia Tech.
Juan is pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree with a concentration in automation and robotics. He is completing a co-op at Gulfstream Aerospace where he has collaborated on the development of robotic arm between automation, production and tooling. He has also participated in the testing and data analysis to improve aerodynamics and designed, 3-D printed, tested and implemented shop aids to improve production of the aircraft. After graduation, Juan would like to continue his education.
The Ergonomics of Material Handling 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. |
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.
Anna Harreveld
aharreveld[at]mhi[dot]org
704-676-1190
President
Natacha Smith
TENTE
Vice President