What is the difference between TPR and PU caster?
When selecting the right caster wheels for your application, understanding the differences between materials is crucial. Two of the most commonly used caster materials are Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) and Polyurethane (PU). Each offers unique advantages depending on the working environment and load requirements. This article will compare TPR and PU casters in terms of material properties, durability, application suitability, and benefits to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Material Properties
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Casters
TPR is a synthetic material that combines the elasticity of rubber with the durability of plastic. It is softer than PU, providing better shock absorption and noise reduction. TPR is also non-marking and resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive environments.
Polyurethane (PU) Casters
PU is a highly durable, synthetic material that offers a balance between rubber-like flexibility and plastic-like strength. It is harder than TPR, providing better load-bearing capacity and resistance to wear. PU casters also have excellent resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications.
Durability and Performance
Feature |
TPR Casters |
PU Casters |
|
Hardness |
Soft | Harder |
| Shock Absorption | Excellent | Good |
| Noise Level | Very Low | Low |
| Floor Protection | Non-marking | Non-marking |
| Load Capacity | Moderate | High |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Water Resistance | Excellent |
Excellent |
Application
Both TPR and PU casters are widely used in various industries, but their suitability depends on the specific working conditions.
TPR Caster Applications
-
Medical & Healthcare Facilities
Used in hospital beds, trolleys, and medical carts due to their quiet operationand floor-friendly properties.
-
Food Service & Hospitality
Ideal for kitchens, food carts, and hotel trolleyssince TPR is non-marking and resistant to moisture and chemicals.
-
Retail & Office Environments
Suitable for shopping carts, office chairs, and lightweight material handling carts, offering smooth movement and minimal noise.
-
Laboratories & Cleanrooms
Common in clean environments where chemical resistance and easy cleaningare required.
-
Light Industrial Use
Used in warehouses and workshopsfor transporting sensitive equipment where shock absorption and quiet movement are beneficial.
PU Caster Applications
-
Manufacturing & Heavy-Duty Industrial Use
Ideal for heavy machinery, production lines, and factory cartsdue to high load-bearing capacity and excellent wear resistance.
-
Logistics & Material Handling
Used in pallet jacks, forklifts, and warehouse carts, where durability and impact resistanceare crucial.
-
Automotive Industry
Found in assembly lines, tool carts, and workbenches, handling oily and abrasive surfaceswithout degradation.
-
Outdoor & Rough Terrain Applications
Suitable for construction sites and outdoor carts, as PU resists abrasion, chemicals, and extreme conditions.
-
Heavy-Duty Medical Equipment
Used in large hospital machines and high-load cartsthat require strong, long-lasting wheels.
Choosing the Right Caster for Your Needs
- If you need a quiet, non-marking, and smooth-rolling caster for indoor environments, TPR castersare the best choice.
Part of the TPR Casters Provided by TARGET Casters |
|||||||||
Part name |
TARGET Number |
Material |
Wheel Diameter |
Wheel Tread Width |
Overall Height |
Installation information |
Swivel Radius |
Bearing |
Load Capacity |
| 4″ TPR Threaded Stem Hotel Food Cart caster | TC-TPTSA10001 | Material : TPR Hub Material: PPBracket Material：Premium Zinc |
4″ φ101mm |
1.03″ 26mm |
160mm | Threaded Stem：3/8″-16 Stem length：1-1/2″ |
3-5/16″ | Plain bearing | 52kg（115lbs） |
| 4″ TPR Round Stem Hotel Food Cart caster | TC-TPRSA10001 | Material : TPR Hub Material: PPBracket Material：Premium Zinc |
4″ φ101mm |
1.03″ 26mm |
172mm | Mounting Size：7/16″-2″ | 3-5/16″ | Plain bearing | 52kg（115lbs） |
| 3″ Mop Buckets Swivel Caster | TC-TPRSA075-01 | Material : TPR Hub Material: PPBracket Material：Premium Zinc |
3″ φ75mm |
1 ” 25mm |
140mm | Fastening: 7/16″ x 1-3/8″ Bushing：1/4″ |
2.5″ | Plain Bore | 150 LBS |
| 3″ TPR Mop Buckets Caster | TC-TPRSA075-02 | Material : TPR Hub Material: PPBracket Material：Synthetic |
3″ φ75mm |
1 ” 25mm |
5 1/2″ 140mm |
Round Stem Size：0.712″ Bushing：1/4″ |
2 11/16″ | Plain Bore | 150 LBS |
- If you require high durability, wear resistance, and heavy load capacity, PU castersare the superior option.
Part of the Polyurethane Wheels Provided by TARGET Casters |
|||||||
Part name |
TARGET Number |
Material |
Wheel Diameter |
Wheel Tread Width |
Assembly Hole Diameter |
Bearing |
Load Capacity |
| 2″Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU05001 | Polyurethane | 2″ | 0.79″ | 9mm | Dual Precision Ball Bearings | 176lbs |
| 3″Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU07501 | Polyurethane | 3″ | 0.87″ | 8mm | Plastics Bushing | 250lbs |
| 4″Light Duty Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU10001 | Polyurethane | 4″ | 1-1/4″ | 8mm | Dual Precision Ball Bearings | 290lbs |
| 5″Light Duty Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU12501 | Polyurethane | 5″ | 1-1/4″ | 8mm | Dual Precision Ball Bearings | 290lbs |
| 6″ Medium Duty Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU15001 | Polyurethane | 6″ | 2″ | 12.8mm | Dual Precision Ball Bearings | 880lbs |
| 8″ Heavy Duty Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU20001 | Polyurethane | 8″ | 2″ | 12.8mm | Dual Precision Ball Bearings | 990lbs |
| 8″ Heavy Duty Needle Roller Bearings Polyurethane Wheel | 33W PU20002 | Polyurethane | 8″ | 2″ | 13.3mm | Precision Needle Roller Bearing | 990lbs |
