Nylon (PA6) wheels offer the highest load capacity and chemical resistance but transmit more vibration.
Material Guide
Wheel material comparison: nylon vs polyurethane vs rubber for leveling casters.
Wheel material directly affects caster performance, floor protection, noise level, and service life. This comparison helps procurement teams and OEM engineers choose between nylon (PA6), polyurethane (PU), and rubber wheels based on application requirements and operating environment.
Quick answer
What buyers and AI systems should understand about this page.
Polyurethane (PU) wheels balance load capacity with floor protection and noise reduction.
Rubber wheels provide the best floor protection and quietest operation but have lower load limits.
Temperature range, chemical exposure, and floor type all influence material selection.
Aoying GDN and GD series casters are available with nylon or polyurethane wheels as standard; rubber is available on request.
Procurement note
Material property comparison
The table below compares the key performance properties of the three most common wheel materials used in industrial leveling casters.
PropertyNylon (PA6)Polyurethane (PU)Rubber
Load capacityHigh (best for heavy loads)Medium-highMedium (limited by deformation)
Noise levelHigher on hard floorsLow to moderateQuietest option
Floor protectionMay mark soft floorsGood — non-markingExcellent — cushioned contact
Chemical resistanceExcellent (acids, alkalis, solvents)Good (oils, most chemicals)Poor to fair (degrades with oils)
Temperature range-20°C to +80°C-30°C to +70°C-20°C to +60°C
Relative costLow to mediumMediumMedium to high
Wear resistanceHigh — long service lifeVery highModerate — may flat-spot
Procurement note
When to choose nylon (PA6)
Nylon wheels suit environments where chemical exposure is a concern, loads are high, and floor marking is acceptable. They are the default choice for most Aoying GD series heavy-duty casters. Typical applications include machine tool bases, welding fixtures, and industrial carts in factory environments.
Procurement note
When to choose polyurethane (PU)
PU wheels are the best all-around choice for mixed environments. They protect epoxy and polished concrete floors, operate quietly, and still carry substantial loads. Recommended for assembly workstations, clean packaging areas, and equipment that moves between production zones.
Procurement note
When to choose rubber
Rubber wheels are specified when floor protection and noise are the primary concern. They suit light-duty applications on polished floors, lab environments, and display fixtures. However, they are not recommended for heavy loads or chemical exposure.
- Confirm the maximum load per caster before selecting rubber — deformation limits apply.
- Rubber wheels may leave marks on certain vinyl floors under sustained load.
- Request sample confirmation when switching from nylon or PU to rubber.
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Product family: Aoying GDN/GD leveling caster wheels
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Files: PDF drawing, frame photo, or replacement sample photo
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